Let’s start this article with the unfortunate fact that the Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world.
Throughout the year, this Southeast Asian nation experiences typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural calamities at a rate twice as high as many other countries.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the country experiences an average of 20 typhoons annually.
So, with the volatile environment we have, having a reliable source of energy during and after a disaster is paramount. Solar energy systems are gaining popularity in our country and with its ability to be decentralized and off-grid, it offers a viable solution for disaster preparedness and recovery in the Philippines.
Disaster Preparedness in the Philippines
As we’ve mentioned, one of the common widespread results of disasters in the Philippines is power outages, which leave affected areas without electricity for days or even weeks. You may notice this but traditional power grids are vulnerable to storms, floods, and earthquakes. Meaning, that this type of power grid is unreliable in the aftermath of disasters we face.
On the other hand, solar energy systems, especially those that are powered with battery storage capabilities, can provide the needed power when it’s most essential. Here are some key things you should understand when it comes to solar energy and its benefits to disaster preparedness in the country.
1. Decentralized power for remote areas
The Philippines is composed of rural and remote barangays. We also have major urban centers where access to electricity is already limited. So, when the disaster hit, many of our kababayans and their areas often suffered from long outages and hard disruptions in power.
According to a study by the Energy Development Corporation (EDC), only 83% of rural areas in the Philippines are connected to the grid, leaving the remaining 17% to rely on diesel generators or remain without power.
But with solar energy systems, particularly the off-grid solar panels paired with batteries, you can expect a reliable alternative for power for these areas. This type of solar-powered solution provides energy for basic needs like lighting, refrigeration, communication, and water pumping. Of course, for emergencies as well just in case there’s an aftershock.
Going back, during Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), a lot of remote areas in the Visayas region were left without power for weeks. This makes it harder for our volunteers to cater recovery efforts to those affected by the typhoon.
If solar energy systems had been in place, they could have provided immediate relief by powering essential services like hospitals, evacuation centers, and communication systems.
2. Reliable energy for Emergency Shelters
Emergency shelters and evacuation centers in the Philippines become hubs for affected individuals in times of crisis. With solar-powered solutions, providing important services to these shelters would be twice as easy.
A study by UNDP Philippines in 2021 highlighted that solar-powered microgrids could provide much-needed energy for evacuation centers in typhoon-prone areas.
And since solar power systems also offer the advantage of quick deployment as opposed to traditional grid-based infrastructure, repairs, and maintenance of these systems after a disaster won’t take weeks or months than the latter.
Post-Disaster Recovery
We can all agree that power restoration is a priority for many affected communities after a disaster. Solar power systems can play a very important role in accelerating the recovery process. This not only restores power quickly but also helps communities reduce their dependence on expensive and polluting backup generators.
1. Reducing recovery time with Solar Microgrids
The Philippine government, in collaboration with ADB and NEDA, has advocated for the installation of solar microgrids in disaster-prone regions as part of the country’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Program.
Sounds perfect, isn’t it? Why? Well, these microgrids are resilient, fast to deploy, and cost-effective when it comes to restoring electricity. By using solar batteries, these microgrids can provide power 24/7, even during extended power outages caused by typhoons or earthquakes.
For instance, we at BillionBricks are focusing on affordable housing solutions that forefront solar power into their homes and communities. We have a Solar Home Community Project that provides energy to these homes and also a template for post-disaster recovery. At this point, we are focused on where energy needs can be met immediately, helping hundreds of affected families speed up their rebuilding efforts.
With BillionBricks’ homes equipped with solar rooftops and battery storage, we power Filipino family houses by designing them to be both energy-efficient and resilient – making them ideal for communities or areas that face the most environmental disasters in the country.
2. Cost-efficiency and long-term benefits
In the aftermath of natural disasters, the economic burden of relying on fossil fuels (e.g., diesel for generators) becomes evident. But thanks to the long-term financial benefits of solar energy, you won’t have to carry that burden any more.
According to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the cost of solar panels in Southeast Asia has dropped by more than 70% in the last 10 years. This makes solar energy a more affordable and sustainable choice for long-term recovery, reducing the financial burden on local governments and communities.
Plus, with batteries that store excess energy from the solar power system, you can sell it to third-party energy buyers, helping to offset costs and even generate extra income.
3. Environmental benefits of Solar Energy post-disaster
Not to state the obvious, but solar energy is 100% environmentally friendly. You see, traditional disaster recovery methods often involve the use of fossil fuels. This type of energy not only contributes to pollution but also worsens climate change in the Philippines.
In contrast, solar energy offers zero-emission power, which means this system is an ideal solution for rebuilding in an environmentally sustainable way.
Solar energy has a paramount role when it comes to disaster preparedness and recovery in the Philippines. This system offers a reliable, renewable energy source that can be quickly deployed in emergencies. And truth be told, we face many of those in different parts of our country.
The BillionBricks Solar Home Community Project exemplifies how solar energy can be integrated into disaster-prone areas, offering long-term solutions to energy insecurity while promoting sustainable development. Get in touch with us by booking a visit to the BillionBricks Experience Center or emailing hello@billionbricks.org.
References:
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). (2022). Solar Power in Disaster Recovery: Providing Energy Resilience in the Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.nrel.gov
- The World Bank. (2021). Renewable Energy and Disaster Recovery: Lessons from Southeast Asia. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org
- Philippine Solar Energy Association (PSEA). (2023). The Role of Solar Energy in Post-Disaster Energy Security for the Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.philsol.org
- Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC). (2022). Disaster Resilience and Renewable Energy: Opportunities for the Philippines. Retrieved from https://icsc.ngo
- BillionBricks. (2023). Solar-Powered Housing: A Resilient Solution for Disaster-Prone Areas in the Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.billionbricks.org
