The Iloilo City government is encouraging more households to invest in solar energy by offering tax incentives to homeowners who install solar panels, as part of its campaign to promote renewable energy and reduce electricity costs.
Mayor Raisa Treñas said switching to solar power is a practical long-term investment that can help families cope with rising electricity rates while contributing to environmental sustainability.
“We encourage households to invest in solar panels because they provide long-term savings. It is an investment that will eventually help families reduce their electricity expenses,” she said.
To encourage wider adoption of renewable energy, the city grants a 20-percent discount on the basic Real Property Tax (RPT) to qualified homeowners with solar panel installations.
The incentive is provided under City Regulation Ordinance No. 2009-358 and reinforced through the city’s SunRise Program, one of the flagship environmental initiatives of the Treñas administration.
As of July 2026, a total of 173 households have already availed of the tax incentive, according to city government data.
Treñas emphasized that residents do not need to install a full-scale solar power system at once, noting that families can begin with smaller renewable energy solutions based on their budget.
The mayor said homeowners may initially install solar-powered lights for their homes, gates, or outdoor spaces before gradually upgrading to larger solar panel systems.
According to Treñas, even small solar installations can help reduce electricity consumption while encouraging more households to embrace clean and renewable energy.
The mayor also urged Ilonggos to gradually transition to renewable energy, stressing that the shift offers both economic and environmental benefits.
“We encourage everyone to take it one step at a time. Let’s shift to renewable energy, not only for the savings but also for the environment,” she said.IMT
