The Asian Photovoltaic Industry Association calls for stronger regional support for rooftop solar and energy storage as core to building more resilient, flexible power systems. Speaking at the 26th ASEAN Energy Business Forum in Pasay City on Monday, APVIA Secretary-General Maria Theresa Capellan urged policymakers to reassess current electricity frameworks, noting innovative financing is critical to expanding solar use across homes, businesses, industries and communities. Capellan, who also leads the Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance, said rising electricity prices have quickened payback periods—residential systems now in four years, commercial in three, and industrial from 3.9 down to 3.1 years. She cited data showing the Philippines hit 721 megawatts of rooftop capacity last year, with an estimated 600 MW added in 2026, bringing total installed capacity to roughly 1,300 MW, yet that is just one percent of the country’s 106,000 MW full potential. Neighboring nations are moving ahead: Vietnam targets 10 percent of government rooftops and a $1.6 billion household-plus-storage program, Thailand aims for 10,000 MW in residential systems, and Indonesia has set a 5,700 MW goal. Capellan said aligned action across these countries could benefit 20 million households and small businesses by cutting energy costs, strengthening grids, and cutting emissions to protect vulnerable communities from climate impacts. She cited El Niño, regional instability and global energy risks as making broad rooftop adoption essential to a secure, climate-ready ASEAN. APVIA is the region’s largest photovoltaic industry body. As of end-July 2026, Philippine Department of Energy data puts total on-grid solar capacity at 4,230 MW, or 13.2 percent of the national 32,109 MW installed power base.
Group pushes urgent backing for rooftop project across ASEAN
Previous article![Power disconnection freeze extended through year-end with focus on vulnerable households]( "Power disconnection freeze extended through year-end with focus on vulnerable households")
Next article![Split fuel price adjustments hit pumps; diesel down, gasoline and kerosene up]( "Split fuel price adjustments hit pumps; diesel down, gasoline and kerosene up")
Related Stories
