Philippines Unveils SPECTRUM Tool, Unlocking 1,800MW Solar Potential

The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) launched SPECTRUM, a pioneering online platform aimed at mapping and accelerating the adoption of rooftop solar energy systems across the Philippines. This initiative was announced on July 17, 2025, during a launch event held at Novotel Manila, attended by key stakeholders from the government, energy sector, and civil society. According to ICSC's Chief Data Scientist, Jephraim Manansala, the platform has identified a staggering potential of 1,846.08 megawatts (MW) of solar rooftop capacity nationwide, with 1,309.64 MW located in Luzon, 472.48 MW in Visayas, and 61.08 MW in Mindanao.

The SPECTRUM tool uses machine learning to track existing rooftop solar installations and aims to assist local governments, utilities, and communities in the implementation of solar energy programs. ICSC Executive Director Angelo Kairos Dela Cruz emphasized that SPECTRUM represents a significant leap toward integrating innovation with inclusivity in the renewable energy sector. Given the current capacity estimates, the Philippines stands to avoid approximately 1.8 million tons of CO2 equivalent emissions, a critical step in combating climate change, as noted by Manansala.

The estimation of carbon avoidance is based on a 16% capacity factor for solar energy and the Department of Energy's margin emission factors, which indicate that every megawatt-hour (MWh) of solar electricity produced can prevent around 0.69 to 0.85 tons of CO2 emissions, depending on the region. This is particularly pertinent for the Philippines, a nation already grappling with the severe impacts of climate change, including increased instances of extreme weather events.

The urgency of transitioning to clean energy in the Philippines is underscored by the nation's ranking as the 10th most affected country by extreme weather events over the past three decades, as highlighted in the Climate Risk Index 2025 by German Watch. In light of these challenges, the launch of SPECTRUM is timely, aiming to enhance the country's renewable energy landscape.

In addition to the unveiling of SPECTRUM, the launch event featured keynote addresses from prominent figures, including Climate Vulnerable Forum–V20 Secretary-General Mohamed Nasheed, who stressed the importance of scaling up clean energy initiatives on both regional and global levels. A panel discussion followed, engaging representatives from the Department of Energy, Energy Regulatory Commission, Meralco, and local government officials in discussions about policy implications and integration of renewable energy systems.

The ICSC plans to expand the SPECTRUM platform's coverage from its current mapping of 174 cities and municipalities to include up to 400 within the next month. With free online access, SPECTRUM is poised to facilitate net metering, identify solar-ready zones, and foster a wider transition towards renewable energy in the Philippines. This initiative reflects a growing commitment to sustainable energy solutions in a country facing increasing environmental vulnerabilities.