PRC Engineering Board, IIEE, and SM Prime collaborate on rooftop solar PV compliance
In Photo: (Upper Photo) Standing (L to R): Rennel Mallari, Edwin Severino and Mikel Garcia (Total Energies); PEC-1 Chairman Reynaldo Santiago, Joel Marquez of the Office of the Building Official (OBO)-Makati, Aileen Alejo and Aman Lanuza (IIEE); SM Engineering Design and Development (SMEDD) Assistant Vice President Charles Singson; Electrical Safety Committee Chairman Eric Tamondong (IIEE); SM Supermalls’ SAVP for Operations Perkin So, Symon Andres, Wilmar De Leon, and SMEDD AVP Randy Dugay. Seated (L to R): Ed Tan, Conrado Binondo and VP for External Esperanza Collado (IIEE), Chairman Francis Mapile (PRC-BEE), SM Supermalls’ VP for Operations Engr. Junias Eusebio, and SM Supermalls’ AVP for Corporate Compliance Atty. Pearl Turley. (Lower Photo) The MOA Square Solar Rooftop Photovoltaic (PV) System. (SM Prime File Photo)
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Board of Electrical Engineering (BEE) and the Institute of Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE) collaborated with SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) to study improvements to the Philippine Electrical Code, particularly on the provision regarding the design and installation of the Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System.
A table top discussion was held last August 6, 2024, at the SM Prime Headquarters in Pasay City. Representatives from PRC BEE, IIEE, Total Energies, OBO Makati, and SM Prime were welcomed by SM Supermalls’ Senior Assistant Vice President (SAVP) for Operations – SM Mall of Asia, Perkin So. SM Supermalls’ AVP for Corporate Compliance Atty. Pearl Turley delivered a message emphasizing the importance of compliance.
PRC BEE Chairman Francis Mapile, stated in his message that PRC BEE and IIEE are reviewing current regulations and practices and recommending updates based on current technologies and best practices from other countries. He emphasized the importance of having accreditation for solar panel providers and suppliers to regulate the industry and ensure the safety of users.
“I commend SM Prime as the number one company in terms of compliance with RA 7920 or the New Electrical Engineering Law as far as PRC BEE is concerned. SM Prime is the benchmark for private companies, especially on the hiring of registered and/or professional electrical engineers in its establishments,” said Chairman Mapile.
SM Supermalls’ VP for Operations Engr. Junias Eusebio said that collaboration among key stakeholders is relevant in discussing the safety and efficient operation of a Solar PV System. He also praised the PRC BEE and IIEE for their continuous efforts to improve the provisions of the Philippine Electrical Code, as new technologies will affect the existing code provisions.
Following the table top discussion, the team conducted an actual inspection of the MOA Square 2003 kWp Rooptop Solar PV System. This PV system generates an average annual energy of 2,146,852 kWh, equivalent to 13% of the building’s energy consumption.
SM Prime remains committed to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities, thereby enriching the quality of life of millions of people. SM Prime is pursuing the next horizon on integrated property development and onward to building sustainable cities of the future. (PR)
