Understanding the Economic Benefits and Adoption Challenges of Grid-Tied Solar Photovoltaic Systems for Prosumers in a Local Electric Cooperative in South Cotabato, Philippines

Abstract

Adopting solar photovoltaic (PV) systems is crucial for a sustainable energy transition. This study examines solar PV adoption among prosumers, who are both consumers and producers of electricity, in a local cooperative in the southern Philippines, analyzing billing data from all nine (9) available prosumers and conducting semi-structured interviews with five (5) consenting prosumers. The study shows that the payback period of the investment varies among prosumers, ranging from 7.44 years to 35.90 years. The findings highlight technological limitations, such as the lack of smart home integration, high installation costs, inadequate after-sales services, and the intermittency of solar PV, along with environmental factors such as insufficient waste management policies, the lack of maturity in the solar industry, onerous permitting requirements, and insufficient financial incentives, which significantly hinder the widespread adoption of solar PV systems. This study offers critical insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders seeking to accelerate solar PV deployment. To build upon these findings, future research should pursue larger-scale, longitudinal studies across broader regions. Such work must examine policy impacts, regional disparities, diverse prosumer profiles, maintenance costs, and utility perspectives to enhance generalizability.