Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Company & Credentials

Who are you? What does First Power Solar do?

We are First Power Solar, a full‑service solar energy solutions provider in the Philippines. We design, engineer, supply, install, and maintain solar power systems for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. Our goal is to help customers reduce electricity bills, increase energy independence, and support a green, sustainable future.

Our main office is located at The World Centre, Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati, Metro Manila. While we are based in the heart of the capital, First Power Solar proudly serves clients all over the Philippines. Whether you’re in Luzon, Visayas, or Mindanao, we are equipped to deliver reliable, customized solar solutions nationwide. For specific project inquiries or to confirm service availability in your area, feel free to reach out to our team directly.

Yes. We hold the necessary business permits, electrical contractor licenses, and certifications relevant to solar installations in the Philippines. We also follow Philippine Electrical Code (PEC) standards and secure required approvals from utility/distribution companies. We maintain affiliations with recognized industry groups and maintain up‑to‑date training for our technical staff.

We have been operating for 2 years . We have completed numerous installations across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Upon request, we can share a portfolio of past projects, client testimonials, and site photos (before/after). We also encourage prospective clients to contact previous clients for direct feedback.

Products & Technology

What types of solar panels and inverters do you install? What brands do you use?

We work with high-efficiency, Tier 1 solar panels and inverters from trusted global brands JA Solar, Longi Solar, Jinko Solar, TBEA, HUAWEI. Depending on your budget and system requirements, we may offer modules from mono‑crystalline or polycrystalline panels, and inverters (string inverters, microinverters, or hybrid inverters for battery integration).

  • Solar panels: typically 25 years performance warranty (guaranteed power output above a certain percentage)

  • Inverters: 5 to 15 years standard warranty (extendable)

  • Batteries: 5–10 years (or specified number of cycles)
    We also provide workmanship warranties on installation (e.g. 1–5 years), depending on the project agreement.

We design and install grid-tied, off-grid, or hybrid (grid + battery backup) systems.

  • Grid-tied is suitable if your location has reliable grid access and you want to offset your electricity bills.

  • Off-grid is ideal for remote locations without grid access.

  • Hybrid systems combine grid connection and battery storage to provide backup during outages.
    We assess your site, energy consumption, budget, and goals to recommend the optimal system type.

Yes, many of our systems are designed to be scalable. If your energy needs grow, we can add more panels or batteries to augment your system—assuming your roof, structural support, and electrical design allow for it.

Design, Installation & Process

How do you design a solar energy system for my home / business?

We begin with a site survey to measure roof area, orientation, tilt, shading, structural integrity, and electrical access. We also collect your historical electricity usage (monthly kWh), future plans (load increases), and desired financial goals. Based on those, we simulate system output and size the solar array, inverters, wiring, and any storage components.

  • Solar panels: typically 25 years performance warranty (guaranteed power output above a certain percentage)

  • Inverters: 5 to 15 years standard warranty (extendable)

  • Batteries: 5–10 years (or specified number of cycles)
    We also provide workmanship warranties on installation (e.g. 1–5 years), depending on the project agreement.

Our standard package includes: supply of solar panels, inverter(s), mounting structures, wiring, protective devices (circuit breakers, surge protectors), labor & installation, electrical interconnection works, system commissioning, performance monitoring setup, and handling of permits or interconnection applications (where applicable). Any additional items (e.g. structural reinforcement, roof repairs) may carry extra cost.

For commercial or industrial solar projects, installation timelines vary based on system size, roof or site conditions, and the permitting process. On average, a medium-scale commercial installation (e.g. 30–100 kW) may take 2 to 4 weeks, while large-scale systems (e.g. 100 kW and above) can take 1 to 3 months including pre-construction activities.

The timeline covers:

  • Engineering and system design

  • Site preparation and mounting

  • Electrical work and inverter setup

  • Testing and commissioning

  • Utility interconnection and compliance inspections

We coordinate closely with your operations team to minimize downtime and disruptions, ensuring a smooth, safe, and efficient installation process.

Yes. We manage the process of securing municipal building permits, electrical permits, and utility interconnection approvals. We coordinate with your local distribution utility (LDU) or electric cooperative to ensure grid compliance and net metering (if applicable).

In most cases, we do minimal modifications. However, if your roof is old or structurally weak, we may recommend reinforcement (e.g., adding support beams). We aim to maintain aesthetics by using low-profile mounts, concealing wiring where possible, and aligning panel layout with the roof’s features.

Performance & Monitoring

How much energy can I expect to produce? (What’s the ROI?)

Energy output depends on system size (kW), panel efficiency, orientation, shading, and local solar irradiance. For example, a well-designed 5 kW system might produce 20–25 kWh per day (varies by location). We provide a projected annual energy yield and calculate estimated payback period (ROI) and savings on your electricity bill.

Yes, but output will be reduced on cloudy or overcast days. During night time (no sunlight), grid-tied systems do not generate power; they rely on grid electricity or stored battery power (if using a hybrid system with batteries).

We integrate online monitoring systems (via web portals or mobile apps) that allow you to see real-time and historical data: power production, system health, alerts, and performance analytics. You’ll receive login credentials to track your system’s performance.

We provide technical support and troubleshooting. If a component fails (panel, inverter, wiring), we dispatch qualified technicians to diagnose and repair or replace it—assuming it’s under warranty (or under service contract). We also monitor alerts to proactively detect issues.

Costs, Payments & Incentives

How much does a solar system cost (per kW, per panel)?

Costs vary depending on system capacity, component quality, and site complexity. We will provide a detailed, itemised quotation based on your site.

Yes. We partner with financing institutions and may provide installment plans / loans, or leasing options depending on project size and client eligibility. Ask us for current financing available in your area.

In the Philippines, various local government units (LGUs) or electric cooperatives occasionally provide rebates, exemptions, or incentives for solar installations. Also, there may be net metering or feed-in tariff programs under the Department of Energy (DOE) or Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). We help you identify and apply for applicable incentives in your area.

Maintenance costs include occasional cleaning, inspections, small repairs, and monitoring subscriptions (if any). Insurance (for fire, theft, natural calamities) is advisable, depending on your coverage. We can arrange or recommend these services.

Costs, Payments & Incentives

What kind of maintenance is required?

Minimal maintenance is needed: cleaning panels (especially in dusty areas), visual inspections for damage or debris, checking wiring and junction boxes, ensuring no shading changes. Usually done annually or biannually.

Yes. We offer optional maintenance service agreements that include scheduled inspections, cleaning, performance checkups, and priority repairs.

  • Solar panels: up to 25-year performance warranty

  • Inverters: 5–15 year manufacturer warranty (extendable)

  • Workmanship / installation: 1–5 years depending on agreement
    We will state specific warranty terms in your contract.

If a component fails after warranty, how do you handle repairs or replacements?
After warranty, we can still provide repair or replacement services at the client’s expense. We provide transparency in pricing and may offer discounts for our existing customers.

Grid & Utility Integration

How does grid-connection work? Do you handle the interconnection process?

Yes, we handle the interconnection. We coordinate with your electric utility / distribution company. Your system is synchronized to the grid via a bi-directional meter (for net metering) or export meter (depending on policy). The utility inspects and approves connection.

Absolutely. In a grid-tied or hybrid system, you remain connected to the grid as a backup when solar production is low or zero.

Yes, if your utility or local government allows net metering or energy export, you can “sell back” excess energy to the grid or get credit in your bill. We advise you on the regulations and assist in applying for net metering where available.

Once your system is live, your electric bill should drop significantly, depending on system production vs your usage. During periods with excess generation, you may get credit (if net metering is allowed). Over time, you may recover your investment through the savings.

Safety & Risks

Is solar power safe? Any risks of fire, electrical hazards, etc.?

Solar power is generally very safe when properly designed and installed. Risks are mitigated via proper wiring, protective devices (surge protectors, fuses), and ensuring all components meet safety standards. Fire risk is minimal if correctly installed and maintained.

Our technicians follow safety protocols: using proper PPE (helmets, gloves), grounding systems, isolation switches, and following electrical and structural codes. We also perform testing and inspections before commissioning.

In a purely grid-tied system without battery, the system shuts off during a blackout (for safety and utility rules). But with a hybrid system with battery backup, your home or critical loads can continue operating using stored energy during blackouts.

Miscellaneous / Custom

Can I combine solar with battery storage or backup generators?

Yes, hybrid systems integrate solar + battery + optional generator. The generator can act as backup when solar + battery is insufficient.

Yes, we can evaluate existing systems and provide maintenance, repairs, upgrades, or expansions, provided the original installation is structurally compatible.

Yes, in most cases the solar system is considered an asset that can be transferred/sold with the property. We can assist with documentation, re‑commissioning at the new owner’s name, or even relocating components (if economically feasible).

Just contact us (via phone, email, or our website). We’ll schedule a free site survey, collect your electricity consumption data, inspect your roof or site, and then present you with a proposal and detailed quotation.

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