2022 – Reports | SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

ISU’s Grid-Tied Photovoltaic System

Isabela State University’s Grid-Tied Photovoltaic System (GTPVS) represents a remarkable stride toward sustainability by providing affordable and clean energy solutions on campus through the development of a 20-kW roof-mounted Grid-Tied Photovoltaic System (GTPVS).

Situated atop ISU’s Climate Change Center building, GTPVS not only serves to address the heightened energy demands of the modern age but also plays a pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change through sustainable energy practices.

Each day, this state-of-the-art system consistently generates between 5 and 10 kW of power, harnessing the sun’s energy from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additionally, it has the capacity to export as much as 30 kW of surplus energy to the grid, with the peak export performance recorded in 2019, reaching a substantial 70 MWh.

The practical impact of the GTPVS is vividly demonstrated by a significant reduction in electric bills, amounting to a remarkable ₱32,677 in savings. This financial transformation was achieved by reducing power consumption from 4,736 kWh to 1,237 kWh, thus cutting the expense from ₱44,232.49 to a mere ₱11,555.45.

Since its installation on December 11, 2017, it has offset an impressive 41.71 tons of carbon emissions, a contribution equivalent to planting 112 trees, demonstrating its impact not only on SDG 7 but also on SDG 13 – Climate Action, highlighting both the economic and environmental merits of this initiative.

In January 2023, the initial investment of ₱2,000,000.00 has already been entirely recovered, only 5 years since its launch.

ISU’s Energy Conservation Measures

In an effort to reduce energy costs throughout the system, Isabela State University implemented mandatory energy efficiency and conservation measures, exemplifying ISU’s commitment to SDG 7.

A memorandum has been issued reminding all employees to be mindful of their electricity consumption by turning off the lights and computers when not in use, adjusting the air-conditioning unit thermostat to not lower than 24 degrees, activating sleep settings on office equipment as well as keeping doors closed in air-conditioned spaces.

Furthermore, pursuant to Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular no. 6 s. 2022, which provides flexible work arrangements in the government in the pretext of the evolving operations and service deliveries in the New Normal, ISU has adopted a four-day work scheme.

This not only allows a wider adoption of emerging technologies and work arrangements, and provides an increase in the productivity and performance of employees but also supports the government’s effort for energy conservation pursuant to Department of Energy Department Circular No. DC2019-11-0014 and Administrative Order No. 103 s. 2004 of Malacañang directing the continued adoption of austerity measures in the government.

ISU’s energy conservation measures reflect a profound commitment to responsible energy consumption, driving the university forward into a more sustainable and efficient future.