November 5, 2024 – Around 40 participants from ASCOT’s General Services Unit, Electrical Engineering team, faculty, and staff took part in a one-day Solar Orientation Seminar held at the ASCOT Research and Development Conference Hall in Zabali, Baler. This seminar provided valuable insights into the newly installed solar panel system on campus, which is capable of producing approximately 132kW of energy to support multiple facilities.With Solar Vlogger Ireneo “Renz” Eleponio Jr. as the resource speaker, the seminar covered a range of topics, including basic electrical systems, photovoltaic modules, the functions of the DEYE solar power inverter, safety features, fault codes, and essential knowledge about Lithium Ion Phosphate (LifeP04) batteries. Participants also engaged in hands-on training, enhancing their practical skills for maintaining the system.
“This was very informative. Tinuro ang basics to advanced hybrid solar power generation at automation systems,” said Engr. Amarlo Banania, one of the attendees.
“Worth it po. Since solar energy na po talaga ang future ng energy source natin, it is safe, reliable and eco-friendly, ito din po ay free infinite energy source… Kaya very nice na ma-involve sa seminar on operation and maintenance ng solar energy system.” added Engr. Marco Sollano from General Services Unit.
ASCOT has been implementing cost-cutting measures, including a three-hour no air conditioning policy (8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM onwards), to reduce energy consumption. “We can save more or less 3M pesos for a year in our electricity bill,” said VP for Administration, Planning and Finance, Engr. Oscar C. Barawid, Jr.
This seminar aligns with ASCOT’s commitment to becoming a “smart green campus” and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and Goal 13 (Climate Action).
Through the seminar, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the benefits of solar power, its applications on campus, and key maintenance practices, all of which further ASCOT’s vision of sustainability.