DTI defends solar panel certification
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Wednesday defended its proposal to require certification for solar panel systems, saying the measure was needed to protect consumers from substandard products.
This is particularly crucial as more Filipinos turn to renewable energy to lower electricity costs, the DTI added.
“The proposed mandatory product certification also aims to prevent the Philippines from becoming a dumping ground for substandard solar products rejected by other countries,” it said in a statement posted on social media.
“As more Filipino families, businesses, and communities turn to solar power to lower electricity costs and secure a more stable energy future, it is important that the products entering the Philippine market are safe, reliable, and built to last,” it added.
Under a draft department administrative order prepared by the DTI’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), the proposed mandatory certification would cover six components: solar photovoltaic (PV) modules or panels, inverter systems, battery energy storage systems, rapid shutdown devices, battery charge controllers and PV cables.
This requirement would apply to all solar panel products sold in the Philippines, whether locally manufactured or imported.
In an earlier interview with the Inquirer, Frank Macula, chief of the Electrical and Electronic Products Certification Division of the DTI-BPS, said the proposal seeks to address growing concerns over the quality and safety of solar products entering the local market.
“What we want to see is that the quality of those components for solar should be compliant, so that our consumers can safely use the products they are installing,” Macula said ahead of the first public consultation on the draft order held on May 26.
In its statement, the DTI clarified that the proposed certification would not cover the installation of solar systems. The Department of Energy remains responsible for accrediting and registering solar PV installers.
The agency also said it would recognize test reports issued by accredited and recognized testing laboratories.
Once the regulation takes effect, solar components that do not carry the required Philippine certifications could be barred from sale in the local market and may be subject to seizure, according to Macula.
Manufacturers found selling uncertified solar products, or falsely claiming to have the required certifications, may face cancellation or withdrawal of their licenses and may be placed on the DTI watch list or blacklist.
Following the consultation process, stakeholders will be given 60 days to submit comments and recommendations. Once finalized, the regulation will provide manufacturers and importers a one-year transition period before enforcement begins.
“As the country continues its transition toward cleaner and more affordable energy, ensuring the quality and safety of critical to protecting consumers, strengthening trust in renewable energy, and supporting the sustainable growth of the solar industry in the Philippines,” the DTI said.
