Negros Occidental expands solar use in key buildings

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental has partnered with WeGen Energy Philippines Inc. to complete three major solar energy projects before the end of 2025.

The solar installations now power the Provincial Capitol Building, the Negros Food Terminal Market, and the Negros Residences — all part of the province’s push to adopt renewable energy across government facilities.

Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz III said the solar panels at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City were installed at no cost to the province.

The project was implemented through a 15-year public-private partnership with WeGen, which covered the installation and maintenance of the systems.

The province will only pay for the electricity it consumes, at a fixed rate of PHP 6.90 per kilowatt-hour — significantly lower than the average PHP 11.50 per kilowatt-hour charged by Negros Power Corp.

“The province really saved at least four pesos per kilowatt-hour today because of the solar panels,” Diaz said.

As of now, the Provincial Capitol is approximately 85% solar-powered.

A total of 246 solar panels and 123 power optimizers have been installed and are fully operational.

The building consumes an average of 211.06 kilowatt-hours per day, with only 15.3% — about 32.29 kilowatt-hours — sourced from the utility provider.

The remaining demand is met by solar energy.

Diaz said the provincial government is prioritizing the solarization of high-consumption facilities, including the Negros Food Terminal Market and the Negros Residences along North Capitol Road in Barangay 36.

“These facilities consume a large amount of electricity, especially due to air-conditioned areas like meeting rooms,” Diaz explained.

In addition, the province is targeting full solar energization of the Negros First Cyber Centre in Barangay 39 to help address rising power costs.

Officials said more sustainability and renewable energy projects are in development as part of the province’s commitment to responsible resource management, energy security, and people-centered development.