UP Visayas Inaugurates New Solar Energy System

By Juliane Judilla

The University of the Philippines Visayas (UP Visayas) inaugurated a 54-kilowatt Grid-Tie Solar Energy System at the UPV Regional Research Center (RRC) Building on Tuesday, October 8, in Miagao, Iloilo.

The Solar PV System, the first and largest of its kind in UP Visayas, marks a significant step toward promoting green energy.

It will support the full-time operations of research and laboratory facilities within the RRC Building, including the Regional Research Center, the Philippine Genome Center Visayas, the Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (TTBDO), and the Socio-Economic Research and Data Analytics Center (SERDAC) Satellite Facility.

The project was funded with PHP 3 million, allocated under the 2023 General Appropriations Act.

Engr. Vincent John Fuentes of the UPV RRC stated that the system is expected to reduce the RRC’s monthly power consumption by 60-70%.

The RRC Building’s location is ideal for solar energy harvesting, as it is free from shading throughout the day.

Asst. Prof. Mary Grace Sedanza, PhD, director of the UPV RRC, expressed her gratitude to the UPV system for its support in investing in renewable energy technologies.

Sedanza highlighted that the system could integrate solar power and other sustainable, renewable energy sources, setting the stage for a full transition to cleaner, safer, and more environmentally friendly energy in the future.