How to Choose a Solar Installer in the Philippines
Not all solar installers in the Philippines are equally qualified. The market includes DOE-accredited companies, unaccredited operators, and everything in between. Before signing any contract, five things must be verified: DOE accreditation, ERC net metering accreditation, Meralco-accredited installer status, PRC-licensed engineer on the project, and a clear, itemized proposal. This guide walks through each one.
For residential and commercial solar customers in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, and Bulacan · Updated May 2026
DOE-Accredited
Solar Installer
Meralco-Accredited
Solar Installer
ERC Net Metering
Accredited
PRC-Licensed
Electrical Engineer
Serving:
Metro Manila
Cavite
Laguna
Bulacan
Why Installer Selection Is the Most Important Decision
A solar panel system is a 25-year investment. The installer who designs and builds it determines whether the system is correctly sized, legally compliant, eligible for Meralco net metering, and properly warranted. A poorly selected installer can produce a system that never qualifies for net metering, fails inspection, or uses equipment that cannot be serviced locally. The solar installation requirements in the Philippines include accreditation-based conditions that only a properly credentialed installer can fulfill.
The five criteria below are the minimum verification standard for any installer you are considering for a Meralco-connected property in Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, or Bulacan.
Five Things to Verify Before Signing a Contract
Each of the five criteria below is independently verifiable before you sign any agreement. An installer who is reluctant to provide verification documentation on any of these five points is a disqualifying signal.
DOE
DOE Accreditation — Department of Energy
DOE accreditation confirms the installer is registered as a qualified renewable energy service contractor under Republic Act 9513. Verify at the DOE website (doe.gov.ph) by searching the active registry.
DOE-accredited solar installers in the Philippines are listed in a publicly searchable registry — if the installer does not appear, their accreditation is lapsed or was never obtained. DOE accreditation is also required for your installation to qualify for the RA 9513 VAT exemption on solar equipment.
ERC
ERC Net Metering Accreditation — Energy Regulatory Commission
ERC net metering accreditation authorizes the installer to connect systems to the grid that qualify for the ERC Net Metering Program. Without this accreditation, the installer cannot guarantee your system will be accepted by Meralco for net metering registration. Verify at the ERC website (erc.gov.ph) or request the installer’s accreditation certificate number directly.
MRL
Meralco-Accredited Installer Status
Meralco requires that all grid interconnection work within its franchise area be performed by a Meralco-accredited installer. Without this accreditation, the net metering application will not be accepted by Meralco even if the installation is technically sound. Verify by contacting Meralco directly or requesting the installer’s Meralco accreditation certificate.
PRC
PRC-Licensed Professional Electrical Engineer
Philippine law requires a PRC-licensed Professional Electrical Engineer to sign all solar installation electrical plans and permit documents. This is not optional — unsigned plans cannot be submitted for LGU permits or Meralco application. Ask for the name and PRC registration number of the engineer assigned to your project. Verify at the PRC website (prc.gov.ph).
PRO
Clear, Itemized Written Proposal
A credible installer provides a written proposal before contract signing that specifies: system size in kWp, panel brand and model, inverter brand and model, mounting system type, estimated monthly generation in kWh, estimated monthly savings in ₱, payback period in years, and total cost in ₱ with no line items deferred to post-installation. Any installer who cannot or will not provide all of these items in writing before signing is not operating at a professional standard.
Three Accreditations. One PRC License. One Written Proposal. All Five Before You Sign.
Red Flags to Watch For When Evaluating Installers
Beyond the five verification criteria above, these specific behaviors from a solar installer should cause concern before any contract is signed.
Cannot Provide Accreditation Documentation
A credentialed installer has documents. If the response to a documentation request is verbal assurance without certificate numbers or registry confirmation, the accreditation may not exist or may be expired.
Unclear or Verbal-Only Pricing
Verbal pricing that changes between conversations, or proposals without complete component specifications, are common precursors to post-signing cost increases. Every peso commitment should be in writing before the contract is signed.
Promises Net Metering Approval Before Inspection
No installer can guarantee Meralco net metering approval before the Distribution Impact Study is completed. Meralco controls the DIS timeline and outcome. An installer who promises approval timelines they cannot control is overpromising.
Does Not Include LGU Permits in Scope
A Building Permit and Electrical Permit from your LGU are legally required before installation begins. If these are listed as the customer’s responsibility in the proposal, the installer is transferring a critical compliance obligation to someone who may not know how to fulfill it.
Questions to Ask Before Signing Any Contract
These seven questions confirm the installer’s credentials, process transparency, and professional standard before any money is committed.
1
What is your DOE accreditation number and expiry date?
Confirm the accreditation is active, not lapsed. Accreditations expire and must be renewed. Verify the number independently at doe.gov.ph.
2
What is your ERC net metering accreditation certificate number?
Confirm ERC accreditation separately from DOE. These are two different credentials issued by two different government bodies.
3
Who is the PRC-licensed engineer on this project?
Get the name and PRC registration number. Verify at prc.gov.ph. The engineer must be an active Professional Electrical Engineer in good standing.
4
What panel brand, series, and model will you install?
The specific panel model should be in the proposal. Vague answers like “Tier 1 brand TBD” are not acceptable before contract signing — you are entitled to know exactly what equipment you are paying for.
5
Are LGU permits and net metering application included in the price?
Confirm that Building Permit, Electrical Permit, CFEI coordination, and the complete Meralco net metering application are all included in the quoted price at no additional charge.
6
What warranties are included and who honors them?
Confirm the panel performance warranty duration and brand, the inverter warranty duration and service provider, and the installer’s own workmanship warranty terms. All should be in writing in the contract.
7
Have you completed installations in my LGU or municipality?
Permit requirements differ by LGU. An installer with prior experience in your specific municipality will encounter fewer surprises during the permit filing and CFEI coordination stages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Solar Installer
How many accredited solar installers are there in the Philippines?
The DOE maintains a registry of accredited renewable energy service contractors, which includes solar installers. The number of active accredited installers changes as accreditations are issued, renewed, and lapsed. The registry is publicly accessible at doe.gov.ph and is the authoritative source for current accreditation status.
Can I get solar installed without using an accredited installer?
A solar system can be physically installed by an unaccredited operator, but it will not qualify for the RA 9513 VAT exemption, will face significant complications during Meralco net metering registration, and may not pass LGU inspection without a PRC-licensed engineer signing the plans. The financial and compliance risks of using an unaccredited installer far outweigh any upfront cost savings.
Does SolarPro Install hold all five credentials?
Yes. SolarPro Install holds DOE accreditation, ERC net metering accreditation, and Meralco-accredited installer status. Every project is supervised by a PRC-licensed Professional Electrical Engineer. Every proposal includes a complete written specification with all components, permits, and net metering assistance itemized. Documentation for all five credentials is provided on request before any contract is signed.
What is the difference between DOE and ERC accreditation for solar installers?
DOE accreditation is issued by the Department of Energy and recognizes the installer as a qualified renewable energy service contractor under RA 9513. ERC net metering accreditation is issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission and specifically authorizes the installer’s systems to participate in the Net Metering Program. Both are required. An installer with DOE accreditation but without ERC net metering accreditation cannot guarantee their systems qualify for Meralco bill credits.
SolarPro Install Meets All Five Criteria
SolarPro Install holds DOE accreditation, ERC net metering accreditation, and Meralco-accredited installer status. Every project has a PRC-licensed engineer, and every proposal is fully itemized in writing before signing. Request a free site assessment for your Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, or Bulacan property.
