New Publication: Navigating the Future of Solar Power in the Philippines
The Political Economy Program (PEP) of the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP CIDS) is proud to announce the release of its latest study: “End-of-Life (EOL) Solar Panel Management from a Circular Economy Perspective: The Philippine Case.”Produced in partnership with the Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology (CREST) and funded by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), this publication arrives at a critical juncture in the nation’s energy transition.
The “Double-Edged Sword” of Solar Energy
As the Philippines intensifies its shift toward renewable energy to achieve security and sustainability, solar power has become a cornerstone of the national strategy. However, solar photovoltaic (PV) modules have a finite lifespan of 25 to 30 years. “Without a clear EOL solar panel management system, these panels end up in the waste stream as e-waste in landfills and are susceptible to leaching hazardous materials that pose serious health and environmental risks,” the study warns.
Key Findings and Projections
The Philippines is projected to generate approximately 138,450 metric tons of retired PV modules from currently installed capacity alone. By 2050, utility-scale installations could generate up to 962,000 tons of waste.
The study identifies several critical areas for intervention:
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- A Shift in Paradigm: Moving from a disposal-oriented waste management mindset to a circular economy framework that prioritizes repair, reuse, and high-value material recovery.
- Second-Life Markets: Exploring the feasibility of refurbishing panels to provide low-cost power solutions for underserved and off-grid communities.
- Domestic Recycling Capacity: While the Philippines currently lacks a dedicated solar recycling facility, the study highlights a significant opportunity to build local expertise and green jobs in resource extraction.
Strategic Recommendations
To prevent a future “solar panel tsunami,” the authors—Antoinette R. Raquiza, PhD, Marvin L. Samaniego, MSc, and John Victor P. Mateo, MSc—call for proactive government leadership and a “whole-of-government” approach. Key recommendations include:
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- Enacting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Mandating that importers and manufacturers take responsibility for the collection and recycling of EOL modules.
- Incentivizing Private Investment: Offering fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to encourage the establishment of local recycling and treatment facilities.
- Coordinated Policy: Tight coordination between the DOE and DENR to institutionalize circularity across the entire solar value chain.
About the Authors
The study brings together a multi-disciplinary team of experts:
- Antoinette R. Raquiza, PhD: Convenor of the Political Economy Program, UP CIDS.
- Marvin L. Samaniego, MSc: Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Santo Tomas.
- John Victor P. Mateo, MSc: Chemical Engineer and DENR-registered EIA Preparer.
This publication is a featured externally-funded project of the Political Economy Program for 2025.
Download the full study to learn more about how the Philippines can lead the region in responsible, sustainable renewable energy development.
For further information, visit: www.microrenewables.org
