As global tensions reshape energy markets, an increasing number of Filipinos are turning to solar power as a viable solution to combat rising electricity costs. The ongoing geopolitical instability, particularly related to the United States-Israel conflict in the Middle East, has prompted households like that of Keith Cantera’s to seek sustainable alternatives in the face of escalating utility bills. This pivot towards renewable energy not only accommodates immediate financial concerns but also signifies a broader movement towards energy independence in a nation traditionally reliant on imported fuels.
Manila, Philippines – Keith Cantera and his family have been contemplating the installation of a solar power grid in their home for several years, yet the initial investment of around ,000 for solar panels had previously deterred them. However, following the recent unrest stemming from the United States-Israel conflict with Iran, which has significantly impacted global energy prices, their decision has shifted. Cantera reports that their monthly electricity expenses rose from approximately 0 to as much as 0 within months after the conflict began in late February.
Now, eight months later, Cantera is set to install solar panels on his rooftop. “The cost is about the same as paying our electric bills for three or four years based on the current rate,” he explained, noting that by the fifth year, they anticipate recouping their investment and thereafter enjoying free electricity. Cantera joins a growing number of Filipino homeowners opting for solar energy in a country where electricity prices are among the highest in Southeast Asia, second only to Singapore, a nation with a significantly higher average income.
Recent data from the energy think tank Ember indicates that rooftop solar installations in the Philippines have nearly doubled since early 2025. From March to May, the demand for solar panels surged, resulting in 7 million worth of imports, with the Philippines emerging as the largest overseas market during that time, trailing only behind the Netherlands, which redistributes to other parts of Europe.
Lexus Grepo, CEO of Solarmaxx, a company specializing in solar power installations, corroborates this rapid growth, as his firm has had to contend with a backlog of service requests. “There is a 30-day wait because solar panel shipments can’t keep up,” he noted, reflecting the spike in projects that have increased nearly threefold since March. Grepo anticipates that even if geopolitical tensions ease and shipping routes stabilize, the demand for solar installations will likely remain strong. “I think people now realize that the world is an unpredictable place, so they have to be prepared for any eventuality,” he stated, emphasizing a newfound sense of energy independence among Filipinos.
In the Philippines, electricity is not subsidized, and the nation sources more than 70 percent of its power from imported coal and gas. The peso has depreciated significantly, now valued at over 63 to the US dollar, exacerbating the costs associated with these imports. The situation prompted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare a national energy emergency in late March due to the ongoing war and the perceived risks to the energy supply; nevertheless, electricity rates have continued to escalate.
Rising consumer frustration with electric companies has also fueled the transition to solar power. Cantera opened up about the indignation stemming from being charged for what are known as “system losses,” including costs related to illegal connections. “Who would agree to paying for something that you did not use? It’s not like the money we spend for electricity just fell from heaven,” he remarked.
While interest in solar energy is surging, the upfront costs remain prohibitive for many Filipinos. Although the government initiated a loan program earlier this year aimed to support residential rooftop installations, the benefits are primarily accessible to public sector workers. Officials are optimistic that numerous renewable energy projects currently underway, including a landmark 3,500-hectare solar farm—expected to be the most substantial in the world—will eventually lower power rates for a broader audience. When fully operational, this project is projected to generate 850 megawatts of electricity, sufficient to power 2.4 million households.
Nevertheless, some consumers voice concerns over the prolonged timeline for such large-scale initiatives, leaving them to cope with skyrocketing electricity bills. As Cantera aptly stated, “It’s just so unpredictable nowadays. You have the impending El Nino weather pattern. There’s still war, the continuing fuel price hikes, and so much more. So why not utilize a natural resource?”
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