Energy solutions firm Spectrum, a subsidiary of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has been tapped as the enabling-partner that will concretize the shift to solar energy usage of Wilcon Depot Inc., a company that is specializing in home furnishing as well as supply of building materials.

In a statement to the media, Spectrum indicated that it was tapped by Wilcon to install a 1,306.46-kilowatt peak solar photovoltaic (PV) system to cater to the energy needs of at least five of its branches in Luzon and Visayas.

These solar PV system deployments will be installed in the operations of Wilcon in Antipolo, Rizal; General Trias, Cavite; Tayabas, Quezon; Jaro, Iloilo and Makato in Aklan.

As noted by Spectrum, “the solar panels will have a combined annual generation capacity of 1.7 million kWhs of clean energy.”

On sustainability-aligned goal of reducing its carbon footprints, the energy utilization transformation of Wilcon will yield carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions avoidance of 1,222 tons annually – and in tangible terms, that could be equivalent to planting around 2.5 million trees.

Inherently, the installation of the solar PV systems will provide leverage to Wilcon to save as much as P5.15 million in energy costs per year. Wilcon currently has 74 stores nationwide; and 39 of its branches are already powered by solar.

According to Wilcon President and CEO Lorraine Belo-Cincochan, their company’s decision to partner with Spectrum on ‘solarizing’ Wilcon’s energy source is “in support of our sustainability journey as they speak quality, character, and excellent service in each project.”

In turn, Spectrum President and CEO Ferdinand O. Geluz spotlighted Wilcon’s foresight “on how to contribute in easing the impact of unstable prices of fuel, low supply from generation companies, and harnessed the power of the sun through the use of idle roof space.”

He stressed “not only does it reduce carbon footprint, it also lessens energy costs which drives operational efficiency.”

Geluz, who also serves as first vice president and chief commercial officer of Meralco, emphasized “what we offer at Spectrum is a one-stop shop solar solution-supporting Meralco’s promise to customers of being their trusted end-to-end energy solutions provider.”

As anchored on its customer-centric approach of offering tailor-fit solutions to client-partners, it was Meralco which “paved the way for this partnership by introducing Spectrum upon hearing Wilcon’s plan to take a big leap towards sustainability,” the company said.

It was further conveyed that “prior to entering a partnership with Spectrum, Meralco provided its expertise in addressing power quality concerns in Wilcon’s stores,” hence, helping it to ensure business continuity especially during the critical points of the pandemic.