Renewable Energy Costs Expected to Drop Significantly Within Two Years, Says AlphaSolar's Tito Maglaqui
CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — Renewable energy is expected to become significantly more affordable within the next two years as advances in solar and battery technologies continue to drive costs down, according to AlphaSolar Managing Director Tito Maglaqui.
Speaking during a Balitaan forum organized by the Capampangan in Media, Inc. (CAMI) in partnership with the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) at Bale Balita in Clark Freeport, Maglaqui said the renewable energy industry is approaching a major turning point.
“As new technology continues to evolve, batteries will become more commercially available and affordable,” Maglaqui said. “When that happens, and solar panel prices continue to decrease, renewable energy will reach its tipping point.”
He noted that the cost of solar panels has fallen dramatically over the past decade, making renewable energy more accessible than ever before.
Maglaqui recalled that when solar power was first introduced in Clark in 2011, convincing businesses to invest in renewable energy was a significant challenge. He played a key role in developing the 22-megawatt solar farm located in Panday Pira, Clark Freeport, serving as the project’s managing consultant from planning and financing to design and construction.
“That project was completed under my guidance, but it was designed to feed electricity directly into the power grid,” he said.
Today, Maglaqui said companies operating inside Clark Freeport can reduce their electricity costs by as much as 38 percent through renewable energy solutions. However, he acknowledged that the initial investment for solar panels and battery storage remains a challenge for many households.
According to Maglaqui, the average Filipino home consumes around 500 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month, requiring a relatively small solar system. AlphaSolar, however, currently specializes in larger installations with a minimum capacity of 300 kilowatt-peak, enough to supply approximately 150 households, making residential installations less economical at present.
Despite this, AlphaSolar is exploring new residential solutions through pilot projects with Hausland Development Corporation and the Solana Group.
“If these pilot projects prove successful, it will be good news for homeowners looking to adopt solar energy,” Maglaqui said.
With continuous technological advancements and declining equipment costs, industry leaders believe renewable energy is steadily moving toward becoming a practical and affordable option for both businesses and Filipino households.
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