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The Philippines has among the region's most expensive residential power prices and limited subsidies compared with neighbors, with alternative energy sources still mostly out of reach for the average Filipno household.
Markus Spiske via Pexels
MANILA, Philippines — Nearly all Filipino respondents in a recent Pulse Asia survey agreed that the government should make rooftop solar more affordable as households face rising electricity costs.
The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities said 93% of survey respondents agreed that, amid rising energy demand, the government should make solar panel setups, including rooftop solar, more affordable.
The same share, 93%, agreed that shifting to rooftop solar is feasible if citizens are given the right information.
The survey also found that 85% of respondents agreed that rooftop solar is no longer a luxury but a necessity, even as it remains costly for many households.
High upgront cost for solar rooftop panels is a deterrent for most Filipino families, requiring a six-figure expense. Basic residential systems generally range from about P100,000 to P500,000, depending on size and power needs.
Energy costs bite
ICSC, a Quezon City-based policy group, said the findings reflect the growing pressure of higher energy costs on Filipino households, with many cutting back on electricity and food consumption to manage rising expenses.
According to the advisory, nine in 10 Filipinos said they had experienced higher electricity costs in recent months.
The concern comes as household electricity rates remain elevated, especially in areas served by Meralco, the country's largest power distributor. Meralco raised its residential rate in June 2026 by P0.1488 per kilowatt-hour, bringing the overall rate for a typical household to P14.48 per kWh.
Power costs in the Philippines are also structurally high compared with many Southeast Asian neighbors. The country has some of the region's most expensive residential power prices, with limited power subsidies and a grid still heavily exposed to imported coal and gas.
The high cost of electricity has helped make rooftop solar more attractive to households that can afford the upfront installation cost.
Public concern over the country's energy situation also remained high, with nine in 10 respondents saying they were concerned about the ongoing energy crisis.
ICSC said the disclosed survey findings are partial. The full results are set to be presented at a media briefing on Thursday, July 2, in Quezon City.
