The Department of Energy has identified 451 households in Negros Oriental under the Solar Homes program.

The households are located in 16 sitios in the municipalities of Pamplona, Siaton, and Santa Catalina and city of Tanjay.

The DOE said the identified Solar Homes will receive one solar panel, four LED lights and built-in AM-FM radio. The unit is capable of serving at least 30 watts peak load, which is suitable only for lighting, but not for appliances.

The report said the LED provides a brighter light but uses very minimal power. It is advisable for Solar Homes in order to conserve energy.

Each unit will cost P23,000 and will be given free to the identified Solar Homes. The beneficiaries are living in the far-flung barangays that have no access to electricity.

The DOE representatives will meet with Gov. Roel Degamo to discuss about the Solar Homes program, and the distribution of the items to the beneficiaries.

The solar panel will be installed on the rooftop of the house to have the direct exposure to the sun. A DOE technical team will install the units.

The agency will also organize the beneficiaries so they will be guided on the maintenance of the solar panel. The deep cycle battery is good only for 2-3 years, depending on usage.

During rainy seasons the battery can last for one week by minimizing the use of power, through reducing the number of lights and the length of time used.

The DOE is expected to distribute the solar panel by the third quarter of 2011 after all requirements are completed.*MA

back to top