Solviva Energy, a residential solar energy startup backed by Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), is planning to expand its rooftop solar business across the Philippines as demand for residential solar systems increases and regulatory changes aim to simplify installations.
The company plans to expand beyond the Greater Manila area and introduce additional solar products for households. Solviva Energy CEO Coby Cobankiat said the company had spent the past few years testing its business model and is now preparing for broader market expansion.
According to the company, inquiries for its residential solar packages increased by 272% between March and August 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.
Cobankiat attributed the increase partly to volatility in global energy markets and disruptions to shipping routes following the conflict in the Middle East. He said these developments have contributed to growing interest in rooftop solar as households seek greater control over their electricity costs.
Philippines Eases Residential Solar Installation Rules
The Philippine Department of Energy released Department Circular No. DC2026-08-0017 in August 2026, introducing measures intended to simplify the installation of solar energy systems for residential properties, medical facilities and small businesses.
Solviva Energy said the evolving regulatory environment could support wider adoption of rooftop solar by establishing clearer requirements for compliant systems.
The company expects the policy developments to contribute to the growth of the residential solar market over the longer term.
Solar Adoption Changes Household Electricity Consumption
Solviva Energy said it has observed changes in customer electricity consumption following the installation of residential solar systems.
According to the company, some customers have increased their overall electricity consumption after installing solar systems. Cobankiat described the trend as an indication that households may be able to use more electricity for appliances and other activities while managing their energy costs through solar generation.
The World Bank Group has previously identified the Philippines as having among the lowest per-capita electricity consumption levels in Southeast Asia.
Zero-Down Solar Financing Model
Solviva Energy is offering residential customers a zero-down-payment, rent-to-own model designed to reduce the upfront cost associated with installing rooftop solar.
Under the model, customers pay fixed monthly instalments for up to five years, with payments beginning 30 days after system installation.
The company said the financing structure is intended to address the initial capital requirement that can prevent households from adopting rooftop solar.
Solviva provides an end-to-end service covering site assessment, installation and after-sales support throughout the operational life of the solar system.
The company estimates that rooftop solar panels can operate for approximately 25 years, making long-term service and maintenance support an important component of its offering.
Expansion Beyond Greater Manila
Solviva Energy operates under 1882 Energy Ventures, the startup and innovation arm of AboitizPower. The venture has been developing direct-to-consumer clean energy solutions since 2023.
As residential solar demand grows, Solviva plans to make its products available in additional cities and expand its range of offerings for households.
Cobankiat said the company’s approach is focused on making residential clean energy options more accessible while building longer-term relationships with customers rather than focusing solely on individual transactions.
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