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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Is your solar power set-up legit? Bernos warns Pinoys about fly-by-night providers

Is your solar power set-up legit? Bernos warns Pinoys about fly-by-night providers

Published May 14, 2026 09:15 pm

At A Glance

  • Abra Rep. JB Bernos affirms his backing for renewable energy adoption, highlighting its environmental and financial advantages.
  • He pressed the DTI, DOE, and ERC to act against fly‑by‑night solar providers accused of installing poor‑quality panels.
  • Bernos reminds Filipinos to secure proper permits and clearances when shifting to solar, stressing that compliance ensures legality, safety, and reduced risk.
Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos (Facebook)
Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos (Facebook)


A pro-solar energy congressman is prodding the government to protect consumers against fly-by-night solar power providers, even as the shift to this particular renewable energy (RE) becomes more palatable to Filipinos.
Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos, a member of the Committee on Appropriations, said in a statement Thursday, May 14 that he was supportive of this movement.
“Of course, we fully support this shift to renewable energy, which is friendlier both to our environment and our wallets over the long term as we rely less on non-renewable sources," he said.
“But the government, in particular the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Energy (DOE), and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), must be proactive in going after unscrupulous operators whose only motivation is profit, to the detriment of our consumers," reckoned the majority lawmaker.
Bernos’ call comes amid reports of poor quality panels being installed, lack of access to post-installation services and maintenance, and installations not being registered with the authorities.
“May mga nababalitaan tayong solar installations na nasusunog, o di kaya mga providers na hindi na mahagilap para sa pagkumpuni ng mga installation o kaya para sa maintenance,” he noted.
(We’ve been hearing reports of solar installations catching fire, or providers becoming unreachable for repairs or maintenance.)
The Ilocano also urged the public to go through the proper channels if they intend to switch to solar energy.
"Be cannot sacrifice responsibility at the altar of convenience. I urge our kababayan to undergo the correct process when shifting to solar. This is not only for legality’s sake, but more importantly, it minimizes risk and ensures our safety," Bernos said.
Currently, the process for shifting to solar energy involves securing a barangay clearance, building permit, electrical permit, electrical inspection and certificate, and net metering application (issuance of a Yellow Card).
Bernos is the author of House Bill (HB) No. 3126 or the On-Grid Solar Energy Systems bill, which mandates the establishment of on-grid solar energy systems in all national and local government offices in the country.

Related Tags

JB Bernos solar power solar panels renewable energy (RE) DOE DTI ERC
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