Installing rooftop solar? Quezon City rolls out Helpline 122to speed up permits

MANILA – QC residents planning to install solar panels can seek free consultation guidance through the Quezon City government’s Helpline 122, which connects them with the appropriate offices for information on permits, installation requirements, and electrical safety.

The service aims to provide information for first-time applicants who are interested in installing solar panels, according to Joel Distrajo, OIC of the Citizens Services Department. 

Installing solar panels requires more than purchasing equipment. Property owners must also consider their electricity consumption, the appropriate system capacity, electrical safety standards, and the permits required before installation.

Here is how residents can use the service and what they need to know before installing solar panels:

Residents can call Helpline 122 and inform the call taker that they want to inquire about solar panel installation. The call taker will assess their concerns and refer them to the appropriate city office.

Questions about permits and regulatory requirements may be referred to the Department of the Building Official, while technical concerns may be directed to the appropriate engineering personnel. 

Residents planning to install solar panels must comply with applicable permitting and electrical safety requirements. According to Anthony Lopos, OIC of the Anti Dangling Wire Task Force, an application and a riser diagram are required for an electrical permit application related to net metering.

A riser diagram illustrates the proposed electrical connections between the solar energy system and the property’s electrical service entrance.

Applicants must also comply with the applicable requirements for a Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI), which confirms that an electrical installation has undergone the necessary inspection.

According to Engr. Allan Wale, Final Permits Head, Department of the Building Official, Solar panel installations must comply with applicable electrical safety standards to ensure that their components and connections meet the required specifications.

Some applications, according to Engr. Wale, are not approved because installations fail to meet applicable requirements, including those involving electrical safety devices and system sizing.

When deficiencies are identified, applicants may be required to make corrections before proceeding.

Compliance is also important for solar energy systems connected to the electricity grid through net metering, which allows eligible consumers to export excess electricity to the grid under applicable rules.

According to Lopos, choosing a solar energy system requires an assessment of a property’s electricity consumption, available roof space, and budget.

Quezon City engineers shared that implementing the free consultation regarding the solar panel installation will help residents understand the factors involved in determining an appropriate system capacity.

Potential savings depend on several factors, including the system’s capacity, electricity consumption, and installation costs. Residents who want to avail should therefore assess their needs and seek technical guidance before proceeding to an installation.

Residents can contact Quezon City’s Helpline 122 to ask about technical requirements, permits, and safety considerations before purchasing equipment or beginning installation.

Consulting the appropriate offices can help property owners understand the process, prepare the necessary documents, and address potential compliance issues before proceeding.