DTI defends mandatory solar certification proposal amid concerns over red tape and costs

Proposed rules aim to set standards for solar equipment, but critics warn they could slow adoption and add compliance burdens for suppliers and consumers.

The government’s push to require mandatory certification for solar energy products is drawing mixed reactions as more Filipinos move to rooftop solar systems to cut electricity bills and reduce grid dependence.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has defended its proposed rules requiring key solar components to comply with national standards before they can be sold locally. The measure covers solar panels, inverters, battery charge controllers, photovoltaic cables, battery energy storage systems, and other related components.

According to the DTI, the proposal is intended to protect consumers from low-quality products that may fail prematurely or pose safety risks. Officials also argue that stricter standards could prevent the country from becoming a dumping ground for substandard solar equipment.

However, not everyone is convinced. The proposal has drawn criticism from some consumers and industry observers who argue that additional certification requirements could create more red tape for importers and suppliers, potentially raising costs that may eventually be passed on to buyers.

Others questioned whether the measure would genuinely improve product quality or simply add another layer of government compliance in a country where businesses already navigate numerous permits, clearances, and certifications. Some critics have described the proposal as another example of regulatory expansion that could slow the wider adoption of renewable energy technologies.

Solar installations continue to grow across the country, increasingly becoming a significant investment for Filipino families, costing tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of pesos.

The proposal remains under public consultation, with stakeholders invited to submit comments and recommendations until the end of June.

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