Science department goes solar: DOST, PNOC RC ink project on Solar PV Rooftop Facility at the DOST main building
Science department goes solar: DOST, PNOC RC ink project on Solar PV Rooftop Facility at the DOST main building, By Allan Mauro V. Marfal, DOST-STII
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has entered into a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Philippine Renewables Corporation (PNOC RC), heralding the installation of a state-of-the-art Photovoltaic (PV) rooftop system at the DOST main building.
This unprecedented collaboration between DOST and PNOC RC signifies a major stride towards adoption of renewable energy as a bold step towards addressing the negative impact of climate change. The two institutions have joined forces to usher in the implementation of a solar PV rooftop facility at the DOST Central Office in Bicutan, Taguig City. This innovative venture will be executed through a lease-to-own framework, spanning a cooperative term of 15 years.
Under this project, PNOC RC will assume the responsibility of installing a 100 kWp solar PV rooftop facility at the DOST Central Office building that houses the departments various executive offices. The noteworthy aspect of this endeavor is that it entails zero upfront costs for the DOST Central Office. The entire project will be financed by PNOC RC. In a show of commitment, the DOST Central Office will, within 60 calendar days of the MoA signing, provide a security deposit equivalent to two months' worth of monthly payments, totaling Php 217,000.
As the project transitions into commercial operation, the DOST Central Office will engage in monthly payments to PNOC RC. These payments will be calculated based on the building's energy consumption from the solar PV system, multiplied by the prevailing electricity rate of Meralco. Moreover, a 5% discount will be applied, further optimizing cost-efficiency. Additionally, any surplus or unutilized energy exported to the grid will be factored into the billing period, maximizing savings.
The project's financial outlook is promising, with expected monetary savings projected at Php 5,906,094 during the initial 20 years of operation. This estimation underscores the facility's robust performance, as it maintains an impressive 85% of its designed capacity over the years.
DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "This partnership with PNOC RC for the DOST Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Rooftop project couldn't have come at a more opportune time. It represents our commitment to achieving energy self-sufficiency, security, and independence from fossil fuels. In doing so, we're taking strides towards mitigating the adverse effects of climate change."
The selection of the DOST Main Building for this transformative solar PV rooftop system installation is backed by a thorough study. Utilizing PV software for precise measurements and simulations, the building boasts of an estimated total rooftop area of 2,400 m². This ample space has the potential to accommodate up to 320 kWp of Solar PV capacity for on-site applications, reinforcing the project's environmental credentials.
To ensure the seamless performance of the solar PV rooftop installation, PNOC RC has committed to providing comprehensive training to DOST technical personnel. This training program will be offered free of charge, endowing DOST personnel with the essential knowledge and technical expertise required for the operation and maintenance of the system well before the project's official turnover.(30)
