Sungrow Sets Record With 2-Day VSG Off-Grid Commissioning At Philippines’ First PV-BESS Hybrid Plant

Sungrow, a global leader in photovoltaic (PV) inverters and energy storage systems, has successfully commissioned the Citicore Solar (CS) Batangas 1 Project in Lumbangan, Tuy, Philippines. This project marks the first phase of Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation’s landmark 1.5 GWh battery energy storage system (BESS) initiative and is the Philippines’ first solar power plant equipped with large-scale battery storage capable of delivering true baseload renewable energy. The 197 MWp solar facility, combined with a 125 MW/320 MWh BESS, is powered by Sungrow’s PowerTitan 2.0 solution and achieved a record-fast virtual synchronous generator (VSG) off-grid commissioning in just two days, setting a new standard for efficiency and reliability in hybrid renewable projects.

The commercial operation ceremony was attended by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., representatives from the Department of Energy Philippines, and Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation. The event highlighted a historic moment for the nation’s renewable energy sector. During the ceremony, President Marcos toured Sungrow’s advanced energy storage system and emphasized its role in strengthening the Philippines’ energy security and sustainability. The Department of Energy highlighted that the Citicore Solar Batangas 1 facility addresses one of the key challenges of renewable energy: ensuring a stable and consistent power supply despite the intermittent nature of solar generation.

At a critical pre-grid connection stage, Sungrow’s commissioning team achieved major technical breakthroughs. The VSG off-grid commissioning was completed in just two days, ensuring stable PV-to-BESS charging even before the main grid was energized. The all-in-one AC-DC block design of PowerTitan 2.0, with pre-assembled battery modules and integrated power conversion systems, enabled seamless integration, reducing installation time and costs while ensuring early energy recovery and long-term reliability.

Additionally, Sungrow led the first solar-plus-storage variable renewable energy compliance test in the Philippines, working closely with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to establish new testing standards for hybrid renewable projects. Drawing on its extensive experience in Southeast Asia and Australia, Sungrow helped bridge regulatory gaps, providing a benchmark for future projects in the country.

With these advances, the Citicore Lumbangan project can store surplus solar energy during peak hours and dispatch it during evening demand, delivering reliable and environmentally friendly baseload power while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. As the Philippines advances toward its target of achieving 35 percent renewable energy by 2030, the project serves as a strong model for scaling clean energy across the nation. Sungrow’s cutting-edge technology, proven project execution, and collaborative approach with regulators and customers underline its role as a trusted partner in accelerating the Philippines’ energy transition and supporting a more sustainable energy future.