The Department of Energy (DOE) on Thursday announced streamlined rules for installing own-use solar power systems, aiming to expand access to clean energy and help consumers reduce their reliance on electricity from the grid.
In a statement, the DOE said Department Circular No. DC2026-08-0017 simplifies the rules governing Self-Generating Facility Zero-Export Solar Systems (SGF ZESS) and Micro-Solar Systems (MSS), allowing consumers to generate electricity for their own use without exporting excess power to the distribution grid.
The circular establishes two categories of own-use solar installations.
SGF ZESS covers solar photovoltaic systems connected to a household or facility’s electrical system and equipped with safeguards to prevent excess electricity from being exported to the distribution grid.
MSS covers smaller, consumer-grade plug-and-play solar systems of up to 1 kilowatt designed for direct connection to a consumer’s electrical system, subject to applicable technical and safety requirements.
Under the streamlined rules, MSS installations will no longer be required to secure a Building Permit or a Certificate of Compliance (COC) from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). Instead, consumers will only need to notify their distribution utility (DU), the DOE said.
For qualifying SGF ZESS installations in homes, clinics, and hospitals, the COC requirement is likewise waived. A Building Permit will also no longer be required if the structure already has the applicable clearance for the installation.
The DOE said the circular also directs DUs to remove unnecessary pre-installation clearances, technical permits, and inspection charges as conditions for connection.
Existing analog meters may continue to be used during a 12-month transition period while scheduled metering upgrades are carried out. This will allow qualified consumers to start using their solar systems without waiting for immediate meter replacement, the DOE said.
“For many consumers, the requirements involved in installing even a small solar system can discourage adoption. This policy addresses those barriers,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.
“By simplifying the process and removing unnecessary costs and requirements, we are opening the door for more households, clinics, and small businesses to generate clean electricity for their own use and reduce their dependence on electricity from the grid,” she added.
The DOE said the measure supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive in his 2026 State of the Nation Address to expand renewable energy adoption and make rooftop solar and battery storage more affordable and accessible to Filipino households.
The agency added that the measure would also help the country reach its renewable energy targets of 35% of the power generation mix by 2030 and 50% by 2040. The Philippines has already achieved a 25% share, it said.
Under the circular, DUs must maintain the transformer and service-drop capacity assigned to customers with these systems to ensure adequate grid support when solar generation is unavailable or insufficient, according to the DOE.
DUs will also be required to submit quarterly reports to the DOE on the number and installed capacity of SGF ZESS and MSS installations to track their growth and support power system planning. —VBL, GMA News

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