Solviva Energy Expands Rooftop Solar Push to Cebu and Davao

 

Solviva Energy is preparing to widen its residential solar footprint beyond Metro Manila, identifying Cebu and Davao as its initial expansion markets as demand for rooftop systems continues to climb.

The solar startup, backed by Aboitiz Power Corp., said it is moving into a broader growth phase after spending the past several years testing its business model and assessing consumer demand. The expansion is aimed at making rooftop solar accessible to more households while introducing additional product options.

Rising electricity costs have become a major factor behind the shift. Households facing increasingly expensive power bills are showing greater interest in alternative sources of electricity, particularly systems that can reduce their dependence on conventional grid supply.

Recent developments in the power market have further strengthened that interest. In August, electricity spot prices in the Visayas and Mindanao climbed to record levels as demand remained elevated while several major coal-fired power plants were simultaneously offline.

That market pressure has been reflected in Solviva Energy's customer activity. The company reported a 272 percent increase in inquiries for its residential solar packages between March and August compared with the same period last year.

The change is not limited to the number of potential customers. Solviva has also observed that households tend to consume more electricity after installing solar systems. Rather than indicating weaker efficiency, the company sees the pattern as evidence that solar can give families greater flexibility in managing electricity use and household energy costs.

The central obstacle remains affordability. Although rooftop solar can provide long-term savings, the initial installation expense can place the technology beyond the reach of many households.

Solviva is addressing that barrier through a zero-down-payment rent-to-own arrangement. Customers can spread their payments through fixed monthly installments for up to five years, with billing starting 30 days after installation.

The approach effectively treats a solar system less like a major one-time purchase and more like a household utility investment paid over time. For consumers concerned about unpredictable electricity expenses, that financing structure could make the transition to rooftop solar more manageable.

With Cebu and Davao next in line for expansion, Solviva is positioning its growth around markets where rising power costs and interest in alternative energy could create stronger demand for residential solar.