The city of Samal has launched a new renewable energy project, a solar-powered parking structure, which has already shown significant economic and environmental benefits. The PHP50 million project, located on the Samal City Hall grounds, has generated over PHP132,000 in electricity savings just weeks after its formal commissioning in May 2025. The facility is part of the city’s strategy to expand clean energy adoption and reduce dependence on conventional energy sources.

The solar-powered structure has a 500 kVA grid-tied system composed of 1,036 solar panels, each rated at 450 watts, spanning 2,690 square meters. The facility provides over 190 parking slots while optimizing land use and energy generation. The project was jointly developed by the City Government of Samal, HG Agri Industrial Machineries, and Greenergy Development Corporation, and was officially inaugurated on February 6, 2025.

The project has been operating continuously, channeling clean solar energy directly into the local grid, which helps to bolster Samal’s power supply and reduce the area’s recurring power interruptions. City officials have highlighted the project’s dual benefits of enhancing energy security and promoting climate-resilient infrastructure. Outgoing Mayor Al David Uy noted that the solar parking structure is a key legacy project, reflecting his administration’s commitment to sustainable development.

The Samal City solar carpark is part of a broader national trend in the Philippines, where local government units are increasingly investing in renewable energy solutions that balance cost-effectiveness with environmental responsibility. The project demonstrates the city’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable development. With its strong returns, both economically and environmentally, the project is expected to serve as a model for other cities in the Philippines to follow. Overall, the Samal City solar-powered parking structure is a significant step towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient future.