A LEADING solar solutions provider has completed the second solar-power rooftop of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), contributing to the sustainability goal of the 48-year-old regional development bank.Located on the Third Atrium Building of the ADB’s Manila Headquarters, the 110.7-kilowatt-peaks (kWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) system is another landmark project for Propmech Corp., providing solar energy to ADB whose offices are now powered by 100-percent renewable energy (RE).
The first solar rooftop, which was installed at the ADB’s Segment C Facilities block with a designed capacity of 571.2 kWp, was built by Propmech and inaugurated on June 5, 2012.The project is the largest roof-mounted installation in the Philippines, providing approximately 3.5 percent of the ADB headquarters’ electricity needs. A flagship project of both the ADB and Propmech, ADB has set an example for other organizations to adopt renewable-energy solutions to reduce their carbon footprint.
The power generated by the second solar rooftop is connected directly to the ADB’s grid, providing energy to the cooling system of the new building during daytime. Propmech has designed the solar rooftop with a framing system that can withstand wind pressures of 270 kilometers per hour during strong typhoons. The new system, which can provide power to at least 60 households, will save over 570 trees every year.
Propmech COO Helen Tong said RE remains a viable and efficient solution to the energy crisis. “We are proud to support ADB and the Department of Energy [DOE] in their solar-power programs and efforts,” Tong said. ADB Vice President for Administration and Corporate Management Bruce Davis said, “It’s really an important demonstration of walking the talk as we put significant emphasis on RE issues throughout our broader work and broader program.”
“This is a great start for our country, which can be a regional hub where RE technology can thrive,” said Mario C. Marasigan, DOE director of RE Management Bureau. Propmech participated at the launching of ADB’s second solar-power rooftop highlighted by a ceremonial switch-on on March 5, joining officials from ADB and the DOE.
Propmech, a Filipino-owned company engaged in marine engineering and solar-power generation, has completed several milestone RE projects in the country, including the rural electrification program of the Philippine government, Manila Electric Co.’s own solar PV center, and solar-power rooftops of Manuel L. Quezon University and Saint Scholastica’s College.