Spectrum surpasses 50-MW solar capacity, eyes bright future for RE in Philippines

Spectrum’s COO discusses growth, partnerships, challenges and future plans in reshaping Philippines’ clean energy landscape.

Operating in the Philippines for seven years now, Spectrum has made significant strides in reshaping the clean energy landscape in the country since first powering businesses with solar electricity in 2017.

In an exclusive interview with Asian Power, Patrick Henry Panlilio, the chief operating officer of Spectrum — a subsidiary of the country’s largest power distribution firm, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) — shed light on the company’s progress, key milestones, and future prospects as it bids to revolutionize the RE industry in the Philippines.

Panlilio acknowledged the many challenges of navigating the business landscape since it was not the first to offer solar power. And just as it took off, Spectrum had to contend with the pandemic.

“Despite the hurdles posed by the pandemic, Spectrum has adapted and made internal improvements, enabling us to solidify our position for long-term growth,” said Panlilio.

In 2022, the company achieved remarkable results, surpassing the 50-megawatt mark in installed capacity for rooftop solar installations across the country. “This milestone is a testament to the trust customers have placed in Spectrum as their solar service provider,” he said.

Spectrum experienced a 20% increase in customer acquisition, exceeding its sales targets. Panlilio emphasized the company’s strategic focus. “Our emphasis on revenue growth and expansion, trusted partnerships, talent capability building, and business streamlining will continue to drive our success in 2022 and beyond,” he said.

Asked about Meralco’s decision to establish Spectrum and venture into renewable energy, Panlilio revealed that sustainability is a core value of the premier energy distribution utility.

“Spectrum was created to embody Meralco’s commitment to providing clean, affordable, and accessible renewable energy to our customers,” he said.

“As the largest distribution utility in the Philippines, Meralco recognized the need to ensure grid stability while integrating solar and other renewable energy sources. Spectrum’s establishment enabled us to set higher standards and comply with the Philippine electrical code, contributing to the development and centralization of policies for renewable energy,” he added.

Reflecting on the challenges Spectrum faced during its inception, Panlilio acknowledged the competition from established solar companies and the higher costs of their products compared to recent years.

However, Spectrum leveraged its relationship with Meralco’s supply chain and established partnerships with manufacturers, enabling them to improve pricing and attract more customers.

Their affiliation with Meralco also helped establish Spectrum as a premier solar rooftop provider. Over time, Spectrum adapted to government policies and regulations, ensuring compliance with international safety standards and working closely with regulatory bodies to shape guidelines for the industry.

Panlilio also impressed upon Asian Power that Spectrum keeps its commitment to safety and regulatory compliance. “We prioritize adhering to international safety standards and collaborate with regulatory bodies like the ERC and DOE to ensure compliance and help shape guidelines for solar energy.” he said.

Speaking about Spectrum’s operations and goals, Panlilio explained how Spectrum incorporates the four Ps of Meralco's Sustainability Agenda— power, people, planet, and prosperity — in its value chest for its customers, the community, and the country.

He emphasized the importance of partnerships, referring to them as “integral to our mission as we aim to stand side by side with customers on their sustainability journey.”

Looking ahead, Panlilio revealed upcoming projects and partnerships. “Spectrum plans to engage with utility-scale solar farms and collaborate with commercial and industrial sectors to build a minimum capacity of 23 megawatts. We are actively engaging with utility-scale developers to offer our expertise to support their builds and government entities to contribute to the government's mandate of installing solar facilities,” he said.

“Our vision extends beyond solar. While we acknowledge the prevailing importance of this technology, we remain open to exploring other renewable energy sources in the future,” he added, referring to Spectrum’s vision.

Spectrum’s journey exemplifies resilience and growth as it continues to lead the charge towards sustainable energy practices in the Philippines.