In Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines, the cost of electricity has surged significantly over the past year, now ranking among the highest in Southeast Asia. In addition, the country faces over 20 typhoons or tropical storms annually, severely impacting the grid, causing frequent power outages, and making the power supply increasingly unstable.
Given these conditions, many households are turning to battery storage solutions to ensure energy security. With an annual solar irradiance of 2,116 hours, the Philippines presents ideal conditions for solar energy utilization.
Challenges
Rising Electricity Costs
The Philippines depends heavily on imported coal and natural gas. As a result, fluctuations in global energy prices directly affect domestic electricity rates. According to Meralco, electricity rates increased from PHP 11.4295/kWh to PHP 13.0127/kWh (Oct 2024 to Apr 2025), averaging PHP 12.0457/kWh (USD $0.21).
A typical household in 2024 consumed around 10,696 kWh annually, incurring electricity expenses of PHP 129,849.44 (approx. USD $2,293), posing a financial burden for many families.
Frequent Power Outages
Located in the typhoon belt of the western Pacific, the Philippines regularly experiences severe weather that damages grid infrastructure. In 2024 alone, at least five major typhoons caused outages in 350 and 196 towns respectively, with 123 towns enduring prolonged power loss. Restoration often takes 1–3 days.
Unstable Grid Conditions
The aging power grid suffers from over 9% transmission and distribution losses, making it inefficient and vulnerable. Voltage fluctuations can damage appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and computers, leading to increased repair costs. To cope, many households have invested in diesel generators, which cost around PHP 20,000 per unit and operate at PHP 12–15 per kWh.
Project Details
Location: Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, Philippines
Polar ESS Products: 1 x 8kW Hybrid Inverter (ALPS HY8.0-GL) + 4 x 5.2 kWh Batteries (ALPS BA5.2)
Commissioning Date: March 2025
Our Solutions
Single-phase Hybrid Inverter
- 2 MPPTs, 12kW max. PV input.
10ms seamless switchover during grid outages. - 8kW backup power for essential loads.
- Max 175A charge/discharge current
- Support up to 6 units in parallel.
- Compatible with lithium & lead-acid batteries, offering more options for different markets.
- Connect third-party devices like Generator via dry contact or DI port.
Stackable Battery Module | 5.2 kWh
- High-safety LFP cell with 6,000-cycle lifespan.
- 93% Depth of Discharge (DoD)
- Module design, rack-mounted or floor-standing installation.
- Up to 5 units for a total usable capacity of 26 kWh.
- Multi-protection with self-developed BMS (Battery Management System).
- 100A continuous charge/discharge capability
Impact and Value
Up to PHP 140,000 (USD $2500) Saved Annually
With average weekly consumption of 212 kWh, and over 99% of power supplied by solar energy, the household has dramatically reduced its electricity bills.
(Remark: The data is based on system performance reports and MERALCO’s electricity rate of PHP 12.14/kWh.)
Battery Backup for Extreme Weather
The hybrid system ensures uninterrupted power during extreme weather events, maintaining comfort and security.
Longer Home Appliance Lifespan
Stable power supply minimizes voltage fluctuations, reducing damage to sensitive electronics and lowering repair costs.
Environmental Benefits
The clean energy generated offsets an estimated 1900 kg of CO2 annually, equivalent to 800 liters of gasoline burned.
Customer Feedback
“I’m fine and happy coz my wife is very happy too. She bought clothes dryer since we already have free electricity. And like your Inverter, it is very easy to set up and navigate. It’s not complicated compared to other brands.”
— Lito G., Homeowner
