In line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Department of Energy (DOE) has issued simplified guidelines for the installation of own-use solar panels for households, medical facilities, and small enterprises.
The DOE said the streamlined process reduces regulatory requirements as part of efforts to expand access to clean energy and help consumers cut reliance on electricity from the grid.
Under Department Circular No. DC2026-08-0017, the agency said rules have been simplified for Self-Generating Facility Zero-Export Solar Systems (SGF-ZESS) and Micro-Solar Systems (MSS), allowing consumers to generate their own electricity without depending on the distribution grid.
“Under the streamlined rules, MSS are no longer required to secure a Building Permit or a Certificate of Compliance (COC) from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and will instead be subject to a notification process with their distribution utility (DU). For qualifying SGF ZESS installed in homes, clinics, and hospitals, the COC requirement is likewise waived, while a Building Permit will no longer be required where the structure already has the applicable clearance for such installation,” the DOE said in a statement.
The agency added, “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 undertaken, allowing qualified consumers to begin using their solar systems without waiting for immediate meter replacement.”
The DOE said the circular was developed following consultations with stakeholders in June to ensure consumer protection and the implementation of technical safeguards.
The circular also directs distribution utilities to “maintain the transformer and service-drop capacity assigned to customers with these systems, ensuring adequate grid support when solar generation is unavailable or insufficient.”
In addition, the agency required utilities to submit quarterly reports on the number and installed capacity of SGF-ZESS and MSS installations “to track their growth and support power system planning.” — Photo from DOE
