07/06/2026
Always choose SAFETY over affordability.
GUSTO MO BANG MAGPASOLAR? You might wanna consider this before you do.
REPUBLIC ACT NO 7920
Under Republic Act No. 7920 (New Electrical Engineering Law), all solar photovoltaic (PV) installations including design, estimation, and implementation must be performed by duly licensed electrical practitioners. Unlicensed individuals or unauthorized "electricians" working on solar systems are subject to legal penalties.
Who is Authorized to Work on Solar PV Systems?
The law categorizes these responsibilities into distinct technical tiers:
1. Overall Design & Plan Approval
✅Professional Electrical Engineer (P*E): Only a P*E is legally authorized to sign and seal your solar electrical plans, single-line diagrams, and technical specifications. This sign-off is mandatory to secure your local government building permit and net-metering approval from distribution utilities like Meralco.
2. On-Site Installation & Field Supervision
✅Registered Electrical Engineer (REE): REEs can legally oversee, supervise, and execute the physical installation and wiring of solar PV systems of any capacity.
✅Registered Master Electrician (RME): RMEs are legally permitted to directly install and supervise solar installations, provided the system operates within their legal limits (typically up to 600 volts and 500 kVA). Most residential and small commercial rooftop solar setups fall well within this threshold.
✅Installers trained by TESDA must be supervised by Licensed Electrical Engineers before or during installation.
‼️‼️Risky Practices to Avoid"D-I-Y" or Unlicensed Handymen:
Having an uncertified electrician or general contractor do the electrical wiring is illegal. This will result in a denied building permit, rejection for net-metering, voided equipment warranties, and severe fire hazards.
‼️‼️Unsupervised Labor:
While general laborers can physically hoist and fix panels onto structural rails, their work must be directly supervised on-site by a licensed REE or RME.
Why Regulation Matters for Solar Safety & Code Compliance:
Solar systems connect to the main power grid and carry high DC and AC voltages. Compliance with the Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) prevents fires and electrocution.
Warranty & Insurance:
Most solar equipment manufacturers and insurance providers require installations to be done by licensed professionals to honor system warranties.
If you are currently hiring an installer, ask this first:
📌Are you dealing with an established solar company or an independent unlicensed installer?
📌Do they have the credentials and experiences to do so? To verify their license you may check PRC verifying portal.
📌It is also important to ask about the materials they will use. Is it substandard or not?
📌Are they not running from accountabilities by securing permits with the government such as DTI, BIR, etc..?
📌Do they have aftersale support?
Solar installation is a good lifetime investment. Piliin ang tama. Piliin ang safe.
