Aboitiz Solar Startup Eyes Expansion Beyond Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Solviva Energy, a solar startup backed by Aboitiz Power Corp., is planning to expand its operations beyond Metro Manila, targeting Cebu and Davao as its initial key markets. The move aims to capitalize on the growing demand for cleaner and more affordable electricity options among Filipino households struggling with persistently high power bills. "Over the last couple of years, we’ve been in a testing phase. Now, the goal is to expand in the smartest way that we can. We intend to be available in more cities and offer more products for more households," said Solviva CEO Coby Cobankiat. He noted that continued volatility in global energy markets has significantly accelerated demand for rooftop solar, turning it from a product they had to push to one that customers actively seek. The Philippines has recently experienced record-high electricity spot prices, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao regions in August, driven by sustained demand and the simultaneous shutdown of major coal-fired power plants. In response, Solviva reported a 272 percent surge in inquiries for its residential solar packages from March to August compared to the same period last year. The company also observed a trend of increased overall electricity consumption by households post-installation, which they interpret as a positive sign that solar power is helping consumers manage their energy costs more effectively. Despite the growing interest, the relatively high upfront cost of installation remains a significant barrier for many households. To address this, Solviva offers a zero-down-payment, rent-to-own option with fixed monthly installments spread over as long as five years, with payments commencing 30 days after installation.