DuPont eyes big share of solar market in the Philippines

DuPont is set to launch solar power solutions in the Philippines for sectors such as farms and households. According to Carl Lukach, President of DuPont East Asia, the US-based DuPont group saw great potential in the Philippines for solar power solutions from its DuPont Apollo business, which produces thin film solar panels.

Ramon S. Abadilla, Philippine country managing director of DuPont Far East Inc., said DuPont Apollo might forge partnerships with local firms with complementary expertise, such as installation. While solar power is still in its infancy in the Philippines, the Philippine government has already set in place a law to encourage its use.

Next month, DuPont will introduce a solar water pump for farmers through a solar summit in Manila and a test unit to be brought to corn farming areas in northern Luzon.DuPont may also use solar power in its facilities in the Philippines. Mr.Abadilla said DuPont’s silicon-based thin film solar panels are more efficient and can absorb more energy, even under low light conditions. It is also lighter and typhoon-proof.

DuPont and other companies considering putting up renewable energy businesses in the Philippines are closer to implementation with the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) approval last Friday of feed-in tariff (FIT).The FIT scheme, which was required under the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, guarantees returns for renewable energy firms through fixed rates to be shouldered by consumers.The rates cover run-of-river hydropower, biomass, wind and solar power generation.The approved rates do not include rates for ocean energy, which is up for further study. The government earlier announced FIT rates for geothermal to encourage investments in that sector.