Search for solar panel prices in the Philippines and you will find numbers all over the place. Most of that spread is real: a “solar system” can mean a few panels feeding a grid-tie inverter, or a full hybrid setup with batteries that keeps the lights on during a brownout. This guide explains what you are paying for, so you can compare quotes on equal terms.
We don’t publish a single “price per kW” in this guide, because it moves with supplier stock, exchange rates and the details of your roof. When one of our articles quotes a figure, it says where the figure came from and the month it was checked.
What’s in a solar quote
- Solar panels (modules). Each is rated in watts. Add them up and you get the system size in kWp (kilowatt-peak).
- Inverter. Converts the panels’ DC power into AC power for your home. Grid-tie, hybrid and off-grid inverters are different products at different prices.
- Batteries (optional). Usually the biggest single variable in a quote. A system without batteries costs much less, but it will not run during a brownout.
- Mounting and roof work. Rails, clamps and roof attachments. In typhoon country this is not the place to save money.
- Protection and wiring. DC and AC breakers, surge protection, isolators, grounding and correctly sized cable.
- Labour, permits and paperwork. Installation, testing and, if you want net metering, the application with your electric cooperative.
- Warranty and after-sales. Product warranties come from the manufacturers; the workmanship warranty and service visits come from the installer.
Why two quotes for the same size can differ
- Grid-tie, hybrid or off-grid design
- Battery chemistry and usable capacity (compare usable kWh, not the label on the box)
- Brand and model of the panels and inverter
- Roof type, height and access
- Whether permits, the net-metering application and monitoring are included
- How far the installation team has to travel
How to size a system from your electric bill
Your bill shows how many kWh you used this month, and usually a history of earlier months. That consumption, not the peso amount, is what a system is sized against. Bring several recent bills when you ask for a quote.
Also note when you use most of your power. Daytime-heavy users (shops, offices, homes with aircon running in the afternoon) get the most from panels without batteries. If most of your use is at night, you need to think about batteries or net metering.
Questions to ask every installer
- What is the system size in kWp, and how much energy do you estimate it will produce per month at my address?
- What are the exact brands and models of the panels, inverter and batteries, and where can I see the datasheets?
- Is this grid-tie, hybrid or off-grid? What still works during a brownout?
- What mounting system do you use, and how is it fastened to my roof structure?
- What does the price include: permits, the net-metering application, monitoring, after-sales visits?
- What are the product warranties, what is your workmanship warranty, and who do I call when something breaks?
Red flags
- A price with no brand or model names
- Savings or payback claims that don’t show the electricity rate and production figures behind them
- Pressure to sign the same day
- No explanation of how the system is anchored against typhoon winds (see our typhoon guide)
Getting a quote in Leyte or Biliran
Solar Leyte is run by MACC Systems & Energy Solutions Inc., a solar installer in Naval, Biliran. If you would like a written, itemised quote, send us your bill details. Feel free to use the checklist above on our quote and on everyone else’s.