The Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance (PSSEA) today expressed strong support for the establishment of a national registry for solar installers, and signaled its readiness to engage with the Department of Energy (DOE) in scoping a structured framework for the registration of solar installation professionals across the country.
“We are building an entirely new industry — one that operates under a new set of paradigms. It is critical for PSSEA to cultivate a workforce ecosystem that clearly defines competency standards, the foundational skills required of solar rooftop designers and installers, and certification procedures that are aligned with and recognized across the region.”
— Tetchi Capellan, Chair, PSSEA
Capellan noted that solar energy systems have only entered the mainstream electricity landscape within the last two decades — a relatively short timeline that belies the speed of transformation underway in the sector.
“Innovation in the solar energy space is relentless. Changes are happening at light speed — in technology, in system design, in integration with storage and the grid. Our workforce development strategies must keep pace with the demands of this fast-evolving industry.”
— Tetchi Capellan, Chair, PSSEA
PSSEA has underscored its commitment to professionalizing the solar industry and standardizing the technical specifications of rooftop solar components and equipment. The Alliance is working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to develop product standards that are harmonized with international frameworks, ensuring that Filipino-installed systems meet the quality benchmarks expected in global markets.
In parallel, PSSEA is coordinating with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to develop comprehensive learning modules that will build a robust and highly skilled workforce for the solar energy sector — from entry-level installers to advanced system designers.
Advocating for an Inclusive Industry: VAT Relief for Small Installers
Alongside its workforce and standards agenda, PSSEA is actively advocating for an incentive framework that supports micro- and small-scale solar installers. The Alliance believes that a VAT-exempt regime for this segment of the industry is essential to driving down installation costs and making solar rooftop systems more accessible and affordable for Filipino homeowners.
Under the current regulatory environment, legitimate, tax-compliant installers face unfair competition from non-compliant entities that evade tax obligations and fail to provide official documentation. By strictly implementing the 0% VAT incentive provided under the Renewable Energy Act, the government can effectively level the playing field. By eliminating the VAT burden, the government ensures that legitimate rooftop solar installers and developers can offer pricing that is competitive with the informal sector.
By removing financial barriers at the installer level, PSSEA envisions a more competitive and inclusive solar market — one that democratizes clean energy access and accelerates the country’s renewable energy transition.
About PSSEA
The Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance (PSSEA) is the primary industry organization representing the solar and energy storage sector in the Philippines. PSSEA advocates for policies, standards, and programs that advance the growth of clean energy technology and promote a competitive, professional, and inclusive solar industry.
