About 75 houses located in off-grid areas in Negros Oriental are expected to be lighted up with solar energy early this year, a Philippine Information Agency report said yesterday.

The solar home system technology will be installed in 25 houses in each of the three towns, the PIA report said.

The houses are located in Vallehermoso, La Libertad and Guihulngan towns that are within the coverage area of Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative I.

Since last year some 300 off-grid households covered by NORECO I already been enjoying electricity through solar home system technology, Lynn Manlalangit, NORECO I institutional services division manager, said.

The solar system units were purchased using a P10.5 million grant from the Department of Energy.

NORECO I is one of six pilot electric cooperatives chosen nationwide to implement DOE’s solar energy project funded by the World Bank, the PIA press release said.

The testing districts chosen last year were the towns of Guihulngan, Ayungon and Bindoy.

“The money left over from the multi-million grant last year will be used to purchase the additional solar system units for this year,” Manlalangit said.

Although installation of the solar system units is free and there are no power bills to pay, consumers still pay a monthly flat rate fee depending on the wattage they avail of, to cover the maintenance costs of the solar energy units, Manlalangit said.

Consumers who avail of solar panels running on a 50-watt peak pay a flat rate of P195, while those with a 75-watt peak, pay P295.

The 50-watt peak solar panels can energize up to three electric bulbs at 7 watts each. For 75-watt peak panels, consumers can use four bulbs.

The solar panel and batteries are covered by a one-year warranty from the supplier while first time replacement of busted electric bulbs is free, added Manlalangit.

NORECO I is one of two electric cooperatives distributing electric power supply in the province. It covers 11 towns and cities in the northern part of Negros Oriental, the press release added.*

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