REC Rolls Out Industry-leading Certification Program for Solar Installers in Philippines

REC, a leading global provider of solar energy solutions with one of the largest vertically integrated and fully automated production facility in Southeast Asia, is rolling out its successful REC Solar Professional Program for solar installers in the Philippines.

As a global company with business footprints in Asia Pacific, REC believes that a strong local presence should be supported by a network of expert local partners. The REC Solar Professional Program promotes a long-term alliance between both parties, which is important in the fast-paced and dynamic solar industry. A stringent criteria is in place to ensure that only the best and most qualified local partners come onboard as new REC Solar Professionals. This unique differentiator sets them apart from other installers. End customers benefit from the REC Solar Professional Program as they will be assured of a consistently high standard provided by their installers who use REC’s quality solar panels.

Jen Tan, REC’s Vice President for Sales and Marketing in Asia Pacific said, “As a leading global provider of solar energy solutions, REC’s Solar Professional Program sets us apart from other solar companies. REC is equipping installers with the tools and know-how for them to differentiate themselves as professional installers, increase their credibility and grow their businesses. We are delighted to kick-off this Program with 5 solar installers in the Philippines. They can now provide their customers with high-quality installations backed by excellent technical and safety expertise, with the assurance of REC’s high performing solar panels.”

In addition to training programs and exclusive seminars aimed at building their technical and industry knowledge, installers certified as REC Solar Professionals benefit from an extended product warranty (an additional two years on top of the REC’s standard 10-year product warranty for installations up to 500kWp, service fee for approved claims as well as access to sales and marketing tools that support their business success.

The 5 companies who have been newly certified as REC Solar Professional Installers in May are Deco Sales, 3NERGY Corporation, SOWI Renewables Technologies, SOLAREADY and Green Asia Technologies.

With the growing solar PV market in the Philippines, the Department of Energy (DOE) has mandated all PV installers and engineers to regularly upgrade their installation skills by attending trainings, workshops and conferences. On the back of a growing energy demand and the power supply shortage in May, DOE has teamed up with local solar companies to promote the use of solar energy.

There is a growing demand for renewable solar energy in the residential and commercial rooftop segments as well as integration of PV in island grids and off-grid resorts. Solar adoption is gaining traction amongst many local households with the potential for solar expected to exceed the National Renewable Energy Plan’s target of 1,528 MW by 2013. According to DOE’s 2009-2030 Power Development Plan, the country’s energy consumption is expected to reach 149,067 gigawatt-hours (GWh) by 2030. This is a big increase from the previous estimated demand of 86,809 GWh by 2018 and the actual demand of 55,417 GWh in 2008. Peak demand is likely to reach 14,311 GWh by 2018 and increase to 24,534 GWh by 2030, a significant jump from 2008’s estimate of 9,226 GWh.