Philippine province rolls out solar rooftop campaign in tie-up with ACEN, GCash

The provincial government links utilities and fintech firms to expand household energy rollout.

A solar rooftop campaign for households has been launched in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, marking the first local government-led initiative in the country to enable residential access to solar energy with financing and net metering support, according to a press release.

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte has partnered with ACEN, GCash, Fuse Financing Inc., Solaric Philippines, and the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) to implement the programme.

The initiative allows households to install solar rooftop systems with financing provided through GCash’s lending arm, Fuse Financing, and repayment through its GGives instalment feature.

The programme offers loan terms of three to 10 years for participating households for as low as $21.20 (PHP1,300) per month, with no requirement for traditional bank collateral.

Solaric Philippines supplies and installs the systems, whilst INEC enables net metering, allowing households to export excess electricity to the grid in exchange for bill credits.

The campaign targets households with average consumption of four kilowatt-hour per day and above, with its initial rollout covering Laoag City, Dingras, and Pagudpud.

Eric Francia, CEO of ACEN, said the initiative combines solar technology, financing, and local engagement to expand access to renewable energy for households.

Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, Governor of Ilocos Norte, said the province aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels through the programme.

Matthew Marcos Manotoc, Vice Governor of Ilocos Norte, said the initiative brings together multiple partners to expand solar adoption at household level.

Tony Isidro, President and CEO of Fuse Financing, said the platform provides online application and repayment through GGives, with streamlined documentation requirements.

The programme follows a memorandum of agreement signed on 16 March at the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol. The pilot phase begins with limited household slots across selected areas.

(US$1 = PHP61.33)