By Xander Ledesma
Bacolod City has initiated a significant shift toward renewable energy by harnessing a total capacity of 1, 340 kilowatts (KW) of solar power to energize the Bacolod City Government Center and public buildings across 15 villages, aiming to reduce electricity costs and contribute to environmental conservation.
The operation of a 400-KW solar photovoltaic system installed on the rooftop of the Bacolod City Government Center has commenced. Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez announced that all government offices in the city are being designed to accommodate solar panels, emphasizing the dual benefits of cost efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Projections indicate that the city government could save up to ₱14.974 million annually through the full utilization of the 1,340-KW solar power system, while beneficiary villages could reduce their electricity expenses by approximately 50 percent.
The largest installations include Barangay Taculing, which will host a 150-KW system at the City Disaster Reduction and Management Office and the village gym, and Barangay Sum-ag, with 140 KW for its barangay hall and public market. Other notable installations include Barangay Vista Alegre with 120 KW for its evacuation center and youth home, Barangay Granada with 80 KW for its public market, and Barangay Villamonte with 50 KW for its gymnasium.
Meanwhile, the remaining identified villages will each host a 40-KW solar power facility, including Barangay 16 at Rizal Elementary School, as well as Alijis, Singcang-Airport, Tangub, Estefania, Pahanocoy, Handumanan, Punta Taytay, Cabug, and Felisa.
These solar projects have an estimated budget of ₱100 million, funded under the ₱4.4 billion loan facility granted by the Development Bank of the Philippines to the city government. Mayor Benitez highlighted the city’s commitment to integrating renewable energy into its infrastructure to achieve long-term economic and environmental benefits.