SOLAR ENERGY UTILIZATION FOR THE BARANGAYS

(A green-solution against global warming

to be implemented under the Hisgotanay sa Barangay Program)
I. Synopsis
The earth is in the verge of global environmental crisis mainly due to the
escalating problem of global warming. Responding to the call to adapt and/or
innovate, the City of Cabadbaran can contribute something towards this end in a
more meaningful way by marrying its various programs to effect an
environmentally-friendly, disaster-resilient convergence project. A good example on
this is implementing a solar-generated power system in the hinterland barangays
which can be distributed and/or inaugurated during the Hisgotanay sa Barangay
visits of the City Mayor Dale B. Corvera. By converging the environmental-protection
objectives of the City ENRO, the disaster-preparedness objectives of the CDRRMC
and the Hisgotanay sa Barangay of the Community Affairs Office, we are able to
achieve an integrated, holistic solutions to common concerns in a manner that
shows our inter/intra-office teamwork and collaboration.
By so doing, two things are moreover achieved: (1) We can effect an
innovative concept of harnessing the power of the sun to directly benefit the
barangay LGUs in the farflung barangays especially during disaster and in so doing,
earning for the LGU the distinction for such ingenuity, and (2) We can give more
substance to the overall idea of Hisgotanay sa Barangay thereby giving us extra
mileage in our quest to innovate even more.
II. The Solar Power generator
Solar power is produced by collecting sunlight and converting it into electricity.
This is done by using solar panels, which are large flat panels made up of many
individual solar cells.
Solar power generator has 3 main components: (1) the Solar Panel (2) The
power bank ( battery) and the (3) power inverter. The Solar Panel receives the
sunlight and converts it into direct current which it feeds to the Battery which in
turns produces (or passes) the needed current to the Inverter converting DC
current to AC current which is compatible with most electrical gadgets and
appliances at home.

Diagram 1. Typical Solar Power set-up

III. How will this benefit the Barangay LGUs?

Most Barangay facilities need electricity. The need for it in the farflung
barangays is especially great because of their distance from other City proper. When
there is typhoon, the road leading to the barangay may be impassable for our
ANECO linemen. During these disasters, people needing immediate medical
attention is not uncommon and without electricity, their Barangay Health Centers is
inoperational. Solar Power System offers the best alternative solution to using
Generator Set as it requires no fuel to operate and is environment-friendly.
IV. Who shall receive Solar Power System among the Barangays
In the context of Hisgotanay sa Barangay, the Solar Power Generator Systems
can be selectively given to qualified Barangays. Criteria for selection may be
established by a Technical Working Group to be formed by the City Mayor.
Consequently, not all rural barangays may qualify. Moreover, considering the limited
resources available in the Hisgotanay budget (Php 519,000.00 for all 31 brgys),
prioritization of barangays beneficiaries must be done.
IV. Estimated Cost per set-up1
The cost per set-up may vary depending on the Wattage output of the system. For a
typical use however that can power-up a desktop computer, LED lights, Base Radio,
and Cellphone charger, a 300-Watt Solar Power System kit is feasible and is
available in many hardware store at 20 to 30,000.00.
The cost aforestated can be reduced if the System is purchased per
component and assembled by us.
V. Solar Advantage

1 This discussion requires a more thorough study which can be done by creating a dedicated Research Team
who must submit findings and recommendations including the budget study.

The sun as power source is so potent simply because it never fails. It may hide
under the horizon for a day but certainly it always rise-up again the following day.
Solar power is so prevalent nowadays, in fact, never in history has solar energy been
more exploited and utilized than today. We can be at the forefront of this revolution.
Solar Power Systems are cheaper to operate as it can be used without needing
gasoline and diesel. The typical lifespan of batteries is 5 years under proper
maintenance and the solar panel is 20 years (industry-wide standard).
Moreover, unlike fuel-based generators which emit noxious fumes, the Solar
System provides the cleanest energy source. It does not emit heat, nor produce
sound. It can silently operate for hours without the consequential noise common
among typical Gensets.
VI. Recommendation
The area of environmental care and protection, disaster adaptation and risk
reduction is one area pregnant for innovative concepts and ideas. With the
Hisgotanay sa Barangay as avenue where to channel our creativity and ingenuity,
the City LGU can implement green-solutions for the barangays and earn the
distinction of being in-touch with the call of times.
Prepared by:
ERWIN G. MORA
CAO III