The Leyte provincial government is investing about PHP70 million to set up solar power system at the new provincial capitol complex here within the year.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla said the local government will soon use an alternative, sustainable, and environment-friendly energy instead of sourcing from fossil fuels.

“The project will be bid out soon. Once awarded, this will up and running within three months. It’s worth since the payback period is seven years and it will last for 25 years,” Petilla said.

Solar panels will be installed on both sides of the provincial government complex designated as parking spaces.

The solar power system is expected to produce 36,000 kilowatts of power, supplying the requirement of the capitol building. The local government has been paying at least PHP1 million for its monthly electricity bill.

Through this, Petilla hopes to inspire other local government units, businesses, and households to also install their solar power energy system.

“We want to see Leyte 20 percent independent from fossil fuel plants. We want each house to have their own solar power system and independent from the rest,” he added.

Setting up a solar power system will only cost PHP8 per kilowatt hour (kWh), lower than the PHP14 per KWh charged by electric cooperatives.

“In the past, it was more expensive to have your own solar power system at PHP25 per KWh compared to the electric cooperative’s PHP9 per KWh,” said Petilla, who was the country’s energy secretary from 2012 to 2015.

The high cost of electricity is largely influenced by the rising cost of running a power plant fed by fossil fuels.

Most electric cooperatives in Leyte province get their power supply from GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. based in Mariveles, Bataan. The power source uses coal fuel from abroad. (PNA)