50 candidate locations Philippines solar…
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Writer AndyKim Hit 933 Hits Date 25-02-06 11:28Content
Below is a list of 50 candidate locations across the Philippines that are considered promising for constructing solar power plants. These selections are based on factors such as high solar irradiance, favorable climatic conditions, the availability of open or repurposable land, and increasing government or private sector interest in renewable energy. Because the Philippines is an archipelago with diverse regions, opportunities range from rural open lands to rooftops and brownfields. In every case, detailed, site-specific feasibility studies—including solar resource assessments, grid connectivity analysis, environmental impact evaluations, and reviews of local regulations and incentives—are essential before proceeding.
For clarity, the list is grouped by major island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
---
### **A. Luzon (Approximately 20 Locations)**
1. **Bangui, Ilocos Norte**
- *Overview:* The northern tip of Luzon, known for its high solar irradiance and expansive agricultural lands.
- *Key Points:* Excellent sun hours; potential for large ground-mounted arrays on rural lands.
2. **Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte**
- *Overview:* A coastal town with clear skies and abundant sunshine.
- *Key Points:* Ideal for utility-scale PV projects; low cloud cover.
3. **Vigan City, Ilocos Sur**
- *Overview:* A historic city with open, repurposable areas on its outskirts.
- *Key Points:* Opportunity for hybrid solar projects integrating heritage-friendly designs.
4. **San Fernando, La Union**
- *Overview:* A growing urban center with surrounding agricultural fields.
- *Key Points:* High insolation; potential for distributed and utility-scale installations.
5. **Lingayen, Pangasinan**
- *Overview:* A coastal municipality with long sunny days.
- *Key Points:* Available open lands; ideal conditions for solar farms.
6. **Dagupan, Pangasinan**
- *Overview:* An urban center with nearby agricultural areas offering space for solar arrays.
- *Key Points:* Consistent solar resource; potential for community solar initiatives.
7. **San Carlos City, Pangasinan**
- *Overview:* A regional hub with surrounding rural areas.
- *Key Points:* Opportunities for both ground-mounted and rooftop PV systems.
8. **Angeles City, Pampanga**
- *Overview:* A major urban area with a supportive industrial base.
- *Key Points:* High energy demand; potential for integrating solar into industrial parks.
9. **Mabalacat, Pampanga**
- *Overview:* Adjacent to Angeles City with available land in industrial and agricultural zones.
- *Key Points:* Suitable for utility-scale projects; strategic location near major markets.
10. **Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales**
- *Overview:* An industrial and commercial zone with repurposable brownfields.
- *Key Points:* Flat terrain; excellent for large-scale solar installations integrated with logistics.
11. **Morong, Bataan**
- *Overview:* A rural municipality with significant open areas.
- *Key Points:* High solar irradiance; potential for dual-use agrivoltaic projects.
12. **Mariveles, Bataan**
- *Overview:* A town with vast agricultural lands and low population density.
- *Key Points:* Ideal for ground-mounted solar farms; strong potential for off-grid applications.
13. **Olongapo City, Zambales**
- *Overview:* An urban center with available industrial rooftops and adjacent open lands.
- *Key Points:* Opportunities for both rooftop and ground-mounted PV systems.
14. **Tarlac City, Tarlac**
- *Overview:* A regional hub with mixed urban–rural characteristics.
- *Key Points:* Moderate-to-high solar potential; supports distributed solar installations.
15. **Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija**
- *Overview:* An agricultural center with expansive farmlands.
- *Key Points:* Excellent sun exposure; ideal for utility-scale projects.
16. **Baler, Aurora**
- *Overview:* A coastal town with high solar insolation and open spaces.
- *Key Points:* Favorable for both rooftop and ground-mounted solar arrays; tourism synergy.
17. **Batangas City, Batangas**
- *Overview:* An industrial and port city with nearby open rural areas.
- *Key Points:* Good solar resource; potential for hybrid energy projects with existing industries.
18. **Lipa City, Batangas**
- *Overview:* A regional center with surrounding agricultural lands.
- *Key Points:* High annual sun hours; opportunity for distributed solar generation.
19. **Lucena City, Quezon**
- *Overview:* A city in the Southern Tagalog region with available open and industrial lands.
- *Key Points:* Suitable for medium-scale solar farms; strategic access to urban grids.
20. **Legazpi City, Albay (Bicol Region)**
- *Overview:* A city with a warm, tropical climate and nearby rural zones.
- *Key Points:* High solar potential; possibility for integrating solar with disaster-resilient designs.
---
### **B. Visayas (Approximately 15 Locations)**
21. **Cebu City, Cebu**
- *Overview:* A major urban and economic hub with significant rooftop and brownfield opportunities.
- *Key Points:* High energy demand; potential for distributed rooftop solar systems.
22. **Mandaue City, Cebu**
- *Overview:* An industrial and commercial center in Cebu with available rooftop space.
- *Key Points:* Ideal for industrial-scale solar PV; supports local energy cost reductions.
23. **Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu**
- *Overview:* A coastal city with emerging green energy initiatives.
- *Key Points:* Opportunities for both ground-mounted and rooftop solar; strong tourism synergy.
24. **Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental**
- *Overview:* A university town with open spaces and moderate urban density.
- *Key Points:* Suitable for community and distributed solar projects; educational potential.
25. **Bacolod City, Negros Occidental**
- *Overview:* A rapidly growing urban center with surrounding agricultural lands.
- *Key Points:* High solar irradiance; opportunities for utility-scale and rooftop installations.
26. **Iloilo City, Iloilo**
- *Overview:* A regional center with a mix of commercial and industrial zones.
- *Key Points:* Good solar resource; potential for hybrid renewable projects.
27. **Roxas City, Capiz**
- *Overview:* An agricultural hub with vast open lands.
- *Key Points:* High solar potential; ideal for ground-mounted solar farms.
28. **Kalibo, Aklan**
- *Overview:* A town with abundant sunlight and available rural areas.
- *Key Points:* Opportunities for utility-scale PV systems; supports local agrivoltaics.
29. **Tagbilaran City, Bohol**
- *Overview:* A major town in Bohol with tourism and urban infrastructure.
- *Key Points:* Good rooftop solar potential; enhances sustainability in tourist areas.
30. **Ormoc City, Leyte**
- *Overview:* An urban center with access to agricultural outskirts.
- *Key Points:* Consistent solar exposure; suitable for both distributed and central solar installations.
31. **Tacloban City, Leyte**
- *Overview:* A regional hub with significant reconstruction and renewable initiatives.
- *Key Points:* High solar irradiance; opportunities for resilient, off-grid solar projects.
32. **Catbalogan, Samar**
- *Overview:* A town in Samar with available open lands.
- *Key Points:* Suitable for small- to medium-scale solar farms; potential to enhance local energy security.
33. **Catarman, Northern Samar**
- *Overview:* A municipality with a high solar resource and ample open fields.
- *Key Points:* Excellent for ground-mounted installations; supports rural development.
34. **Sipalay, Negros Occidental**
- *Overview:* A coastal town with undeveloped lands and clear skies.
- *Key Points:* High solar potential; dual-use opportunities with tourism.
35. **Escalante City, Negros Occidental**
- *Overview:* A rural city with abundant agricultural lands.
- *Key Points:* Ideal for large-scale solar farms; supports agrivoltaic systems.
---
### **C. Mindanao (Approximately 15 Locations)**
36. **Davao City, Davao del Sur**
- *Overview:* A major urban center in Mindanao with a strong solar resource.
- *Key Points:* Opportunities for both rooftop and ground-mounted PV; high energy demand.
37. **Tagum City, Davao del Norte**
- *Overview:* An emerging regional center with available open spaces.
- *Key Points:* High solar insolation; ideal for utility-scale solar projects.
38. **Mati City, Davao Oriental**
- *Overview:* A coastal city with clear skies and abundant sunlight.
- *Key Points:* Suitable for distributed solar installations; enhances local resilience.
39. **Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental**
- *Overview:* A bustling urban area with significant industrial rooftops.
- *Key Points:* High potential for rooftop solar; supports local energy grid stability.
40. **Iligan City, Lanao del Norte**
- *Overview:* An industrial city with available industrial parks and rooftops.
- *Key Points:* Opportunities for large-scale industrial PV projects; high solar yield.
41. **Malaybalay City, Bukidnon**
- *Overview:* A regional center surrounded by agricultural land in a highland climate.
- *Key Points:* Moderate-to-high solar potential; suitable for both ground and rooftop systems.
42. **Marawi City, Lanao del Sur**
- *Overview:* An urban center in a recovering region with potential for renewable energy projects.
- *Key Points:* Opportunity to integrate solar in redevelopment efforts; supports energy self-sufficiency.
43. **Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur**
- *Overview:* A major port city with available rooftops and industrial lands.
- *Key Points:* High solar potential; strategic for distributed generation and grid support.
44. **Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur**
- *Overview:* A regional hub with open surrounding lands.
- *Key Points:* Ideal for utility-scale solar farms; high daily sun hours.
45. **Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte**
- *Overview:* A coastal city with a growing industrial base and high solar exposure.
- *Key Points:* Opportunities for both rooftop and ground-mounted PV; supports local development.
46. **Koronadal City, South Cotabato**
- *Overview:* A fast-growing urban area with available agricultural lands.
- *Key Points:* High solar irradiance; potential for integrating solar with local agribusiness.
47. **General Santos City, South Cotabato**
- *Overview:* A major urban and commercial center with extensive rooftops and open lands.
- *Key Points:* High energy demand; strong candidate for large-scale distributed solar.
48. **Butuan City, Agusan del Norte**
- *Overview:* A regional center with a favorable tropical climate and ample sun hours.
- *Key Points:* Suitable for community and utility-scale solar; supports local grid improvements.
49. **Surigao City, Surigao del Norte**
- *Overview:* A coastal city with a predominantly clear sky and open spaces.
- *Key Points:* High solar potential; opportunities for renewable energy to support local industry.
50. **Tandag City, Surigao del Sur**
- *Overview:* A smaller urban center with available agricultural and undeveloped lands.
- *Key Points:* Consistent solar exposure; ideal for decentralized and community-based solar projects.
---
**Final Considerations:**
- **Local Policies & Incentives:** The Philippine government and local governments are increasingly promoting renewable energy through incentives, net metering schemes, and feed-in tariffs. Engaging with local authorities is essential to understand current policies and funding opportunities.
- **Site-Specific Evaluations:** Each location should undergo a comprehensive feasibility study—including solar resource mapping, grid connectivity analysis, environmental impact assessments, and economic evaluations—to ensure the project is viable and optimized for local conditions.
This comprehensive list of 50 candidate locations provides a starting point for exploring solar power project opportunities in the Philippines. Each site’s unique climatic, geographical, and regulatory characteristics should be carefully analyzed to determine the best fit for your specific project requirements.
For clarity, the list is grouped by major island groups: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
---
### **A. Luzon (Approximately 20 Locations)**
1. **Bangui, Ilocos Norte**
- *Overview:* The northern tip of Luzon, known for its high solar irradiance and expansive agricultural lands.
- *Key Points:* Excellent sun hours; potential for large ground-mounted arrays on rural lands.
2. **Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte**
- *Overview:* A coastal town with clear skies and abundant sunshine.
- *Key Points:* Ideal for utility-scale PV projects; low cloud cover.
3. **Vigan City, Ilocos Sur**
- *Overview:* A historic city with open, repurposable areas on its outskirts.
- *Key Points:* Opportunity for hybrid solar projects integrating heritage-friendly designs.
4. **San Fernando, La Union**
- *Overview:* A growing urban center with surrounding agricultural fields.
- *Key Points:* High insolation; potential for distributed and utility-scale installations.
5. **Lingayen, Pangasinan**
- *Overview:* A coastal municipality with long sunny days.
- *Key Points:* Available open lands; ideal conditions for solar farms.
6. **Dagupan, Pangasinan**
- *Overview:* An urban center with nearby agricultural areas offering space for solar arrays.
- *Key Points:* Consistent solar resource; potential for community solar initiatives.
7. **San Carlos City, Pangasinan**
- *Overview:* A regional hub with surrounding rural areas.
- *Key Points:* Opportunities for both ground-mounted and rooftop PV systems.
8. **Angeles City, Pampanga**
- *Overview:* A major urban area with a supportive industrial base.
- *Key Points:* High energy demand; potential for integrating solar into industrial parks.
9. **Mabalacat, Pampanga**
- *Overview:* Adjacent to Angeles City with available land in industrial and agricultural zones.
- *Key Points:* Suitable for utility-scale projects; strategic location near major markets.
10. **Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales**
- *Overview:* An industrial and commercial zone with repurposable brownfields.
- *Key Points:* Flat terrain; excellent for large-scale solar installations integrated with logistics.
11. **Morong, Bataan**
- *Overview:* A rural municipality with significant open areas.
- *Key Points:* High solar irradiance; potential for dual-use agrivoltaic projects.
12. **Mariveles, Bataan**
- *Overview:* A town with vast agricultural lands and low population density.
- *Key Points:* Ideal for ground-mounted solar farms; strong potential for off-grid applications.
13. **Olongapo City, Zambales**
- *Overview:* An urban center with available industrial rooftops and adjacent open lands.
- *Key Points:* Opportunities for both rooftop and ground-mounted PV systems.
14. **Tarlac City, Tarlac**
- *Overview:* A regional hub with mixed urban–rural characteristics.
- *Key Points:* Moderate-to-high solar potential; supports distributed solar installations.
15. **Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija**
- *Overview:* An agricultural center with expansive farmlands.
- *Key Points:* Excellent sun exposure; ideal for utility-scale projects.
16. **Baler, Aurora**
- *Overview:* A coastal town with high solar insolation and open spaces.
- *Key Points:* Favorable for both rooftop and ground-mounted solar arrays; tourism synergy.
17. **Batangas City, Batangas**
- *Overview:* An industrial and port city with nearby open rural areas.
- *Key Points:* Good solar resource; potential for hybrid energy projects with existing industries.
18. **Lipa City, Batangas**
- *Overview:* A regional center with surrounding agricultural lands.
- *Key Points:* High annual sun hours; opportunity for distributed solar generation.
19. **Lucena City, Quezon**
- *Overview:* A city in the Southern Tagalog region with available open and industrial lands.
- *Key Points:* Suitable for medium-scale solar farms; strategic access to urban grids.
20. **Legazpi City, Albay (Bicol Region)**
- *Overview:* A city with a warm, tropical climate and nearby rural zones.
- *Key Points:* High solar potential; possibility for integrating solar with disaster-resilient designs.
---
### **B. Visayas (Approximately 15 Locations)**
21. **Cebu City, Cebu**
- *Overview:* A major urban and economic hub with significant rooftop and brownfield opportunities.
- *Key Points:* High energy demand; potential for distributed rooftop solar systems.
22. **Mandaue City, Cebu**
- *Overview:* An industrial and commercial center in Cebu with available rooftop space.
- *Key Points:* Ideal for industrial-scale solar PV; supports local energy cost reductions.
23. **Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu**
- *Overview:* A coastal city with emerging green energy initiatives.
- *Key Points:* Opportunities for both ground-mounted and rooftop solar; strong tourism synergy.
24. **Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental**
- *Overview:* A university town with open spaces and moderate urban density.
- *Key Points:* Suitable for community and distributed solar projects; educational potential.
25. **Bacolod City, Negros Occidental**
- *Overview:* A rapidly growing urban center with surrounding agricultural lands.
- *Key Points:* High solar irradiance; opportunities for utility-scale and rooftop installations.
26. **Iloilo City, Iloilo**
- *Overview:* A regional center with a mix of commercial and industrial zones.
- *Key Points:* Good solar resource; potential for hybrid renewable projects.
27. **Roxas City, Capiz**
- *Overview:* An agricultural hub with vast open lands.
- *Key Points:* High solar potential; ideal for ground-mounted solar farms.
28. **Kalibo, Aklan**
- *Overview:* A town with abundant sunlight and available rural areas.
- *Key Points:* Opportunities for utility-scale PV systems; supports local agrivoltaics.
29. **Tagbilaran City, Bohol**
- *Overview:* A major town in Bohol with tourism and urban infrastructure.
- *Key Points:* Good rooftop solar potential; enhances sustainability in tourist areas.
30. **Ormoc City, Leyte**
- *Overview:* An urban center with access to agricultural outskirts.
- *Key Points:* Consistent solar exposure; suitable for both distributed and central solar installations.
31. **Tacloban City, Leyte**
- *Overview:* A regional hub with significant reconstruction and renewable initiatives.
- *Key Points:* High solar irradiance; opportunities for resilient, off-grid solar projects.
32. **Catbalogan, Samar**
- *Overview:* A town in Samar with available open lands.
- *Key Points:* Suitable for small- to medium-scale solar farms; potential to enhance local energy security.
33. **Catarman, Northern Samar**
- *Overview:* A municipality with a high solar resource and ample open fields.
- *Key Points:* Excellent for ground-mounted installations; supports rural development.
34. **Sipalay, Negros Occidental**
- *Overview:* A coastal town with undeveloped lands and clear skies.
- *Key Points:* High solar potential; dual-use opportunities with tourism.
35. **Escalante City, Negros Occidental**
- *Overview:* A rural city with abundant agricultural lands.
- *Key Points:* Ideal for large-scale solar farms; supports agrivoltaic systems.
---
### **C. Mindanao (Approximately 15 Locations)**
36. **Davao City, Davao del Sur**
- *Overview:* A major urban center in Mindanao with a strong solar resource.
- *Key Points:* Opportunities for both rooftop and ground-mounted PV; high energy demand.
37. **Tagum City, Davao del Norte**
- *Overview:* An emerging regional center with available open spaces.
- *Key Points:* High solar insolation; ideal for utility-scale solar projects.
38. **Mati City, Davao Oriental**
- *Overview:* A coastal city with clear skies and abundant sunlight.
- *Key Points:* Suitable for distributed solar installations; enhances local resilience.
39. **Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental**
- *Overview:* A bustling urban area with significant industrial rooftops.
- *Key Points:* High potential for rooftop solar; supports local energy grid stability.
40. **Iligan City, Lanao del Norte**
- *Overview:* An industrial city with available industrial parks and rooftops.
- *Key Points:* Opportunities for large-scale industrial PV projects; high solar yield.
41. **Malaybalay City, Bukidnon**
- *Overview:* A regional center surrounded by agricultural land in a highland climate.
- *Key Points:* Moderate-to-high solar potential; suitable for both ground and rooftop systems.
42. **Marawi City, Lanao del Sur**
- *Overview:* An urban center in a recovering region with potential for renewable energy projects.
- *Key Points:* Opportunity to integrate solar in redevelopment efforts; supports energy self-sufficiency.
43. **Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur**
- *Overview:* A major port city with available rooftops and industrial lands.
- *Key Points:* High solar potential; strategic for distributed generation and grid support.
44. **Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur**
- *Overview:* A regional hub with open surrounding lands.
- *Key Points:* Ideal for utility-scale solar farms; high daily sun hours.
45. **Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte**
- *Overview:* A coastal city with a growing industrial base and high solar exposure.
- *Key Points:* Opportunities for both rooftop and ground-mounted PV; supports local development.
46. **Koronadal City, South Cotabato**
- *Overview:* A fast-growing urban area with available agricultural lands.
- *Key Points:* High solar irradiance; potential for integrating solar with local agribusiness.
47. **General Santos City, South Cotabato**
- *Overview:* A major urban and commercial center with extensive rooftops and open lands.
- *Key Points:* High energy demand; strong candidate for large-scale distributed solar.
48. **Butuan City, Agusan del Norte**
- *Overview:* A regional center with a favorable tropical climate and ample sun hours.
- *Key Points:* Suitable for community and utility-scale solar; supports local grid improvements.
49. **Surigao City, Surigao del Norte**
- *Overview:* A coastal city with a predominantly clear sky and open spaces.
- *Key Points:* High solar potential; opportunities for renewable energy to support local industry.
50. **Tandag City, Surigao del Sur**
- *Overview:* A smaller urban center with available agricultural and undeveloped lands.
- *Key Points:* Consistent solar exposure; ideal for decentralized and community-based solar projects.
---
**Final Considerations:**
- **Local Policies & Incentives:** The Philippine government and local governments are increasingly promoting renewable energy through incentives, net metering schemes, and feed-in tariffs. Engaging with local authorities is essential to understand current policies and funding opportunities.
- **Site-Specific Evaluations:** Each location should undergo a comprehensive feasibility study—including solar resource mapping, grid connectivity analysis, environmental impact assessments, and economic evaluations—to ensure the project is viable and optimized for local conditions.
This comprehensive list of 50 candidate locations provides a starting point for exploring solar power project opportunities in the Philippines. Each site’s unique climatic, geographical, and regulatory characteristics should be carefully analyzed to determine the best fit for your specific project requirements.
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