A recent study utilizing artificial intelligence has shed light on the underutilization of solar energy in the Philippines, particularly in its largest cities. The AI tool, which conducted one of the most comprehensive assessments of the country's solar energy capacity to date, found that solar utilization rates in Manila and other major urban areas fall significantly short of their potential. With the capability to map 1,846.08 megawatts of rooftop solar energy across 174 municipalities and cities, the findings underscore a critical gap in renewable energy adoption.
The implications of this discovery are profound for both the Philippines and the global community. As the world increasingly shifts towards sustainable energy sources to combat climate change, the underutilization of solar energy in a country with abundant sunlight represents a missed opportunity. For the Philippines, increasing solar energy utilization could reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower energy costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability. For companies like SolarBank Corp., this gap presents a significant market opportunity to expand solar energy solutions in the region.
This study not only highlights the current state of solar energy utilization in the Philippines but also serves as a call to action for policymakers, businesses, and communities to invest in renewable energy infrastructure. The potential for solar energy in the Philippines is vast, and harnessing it could play a pivotal role in the country's energy independence and environmental preservation efforts.
