Kristen Joy Atregenio
De La Salle University Manila
Pia Manalastas
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In the heart of the bustling city of Pasig, Philippines, exists a small but determined solar company called Namkoo Philippines. Namkoo demonstrates how integrating sustainability into its main operations gives them a competitive edge. Namkoo supports and is committed to building a more sustainable future for the coming generation by achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. That includes Decent Work and Economic Growth (SGD 8), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SGD 11), and Affordable and Clean Energy (SGD 7).
In the Philippines, solar energy is still not used extensively. Despite being a clean and the best renewable energy source, many still don't embrace the benefits of transitioning to solar. A Statista (2024) analysis of the Philippine power generating mix for 2021 and 2022 reveals that, in comparison to other energy sources like coal, natural gas, etc., only 3.9% and 3.7%, respectively, of the total come from solar, wind, and biomass. The pricey investment in solar panel installation, in addition to the equipment required for their operation and ongoing maintenance, is one aspect that contributes to this.
Specializing in solar energy technologies, Namkoo offers residential, commercial, and industrial clients a wide range of affordable products and services. They provide solar panels such as Grid-Tie and Hybrid PV Solar Systems from 3.3 kWp up to 10.25 kWp PV. These panels can be easily installed on the roof or any open space area and come in a package to suit customers' financial capacity.
Namkoo puts so much value on its employees. Employees at Namkoo care for one another like family and work in a safe and healthy environment. People are the backbone of a successful business. That's why Namkoo provides opportunities for everyone and hires people coming from different backgrounds. Together, they proved that innovation isn't all about technology – it is about people, too. Namkoo's innovation is to push the boundaries in solar energy by making it more accessible, cost-effective, and efficient for Filipinos by working together and impacting the world.
Source: Statista Research Department. (2024, January). Power generation mix in the Philippines in 2021 and 2022 by source. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1266240/philippines-power-generation-share-by-source/
Namkoo employees with Country Manager Mr Roger James Tan third from left. Taken from Northscapes SJDM Open House last February 18 2024
Namkoo was established by a passionate businessman Roger James Tan in 2019 with the mission to harness the power of the sun to create a more sustainable future for everyone. It started as a “side gig” while Mr Tan was working as a full-time manager in a multinational bank. “Humble beginning talaga nagsimula” [It started small] as Mr. Tan recalled how he started with the company that takes patience. “I was able to close my first deal with my 23rd client. I started meeting with customers in August and got my first deal in November", he continued.
When he thought about giving up, he said to himself that he can not quit now. He has been through a lot and the setbacks and struggles are just really part of something great. With the help of his amazing wife Carol who supports him through all the challenges and the people who are working behind Namkoo who stayed through thick and thin, he set out to face all the challenges. He focused on educating clients about the benefits of transitioning to solar. He forged great partnerships with the communities and other industries to reach more and seek support.
Armed with determination and belief that renewable energy must be revolutionized and that it brings a brighter future, they continue to expand. Their unwavering commitment to revolutionizing renewable energy, Namkoo became a beacon of hope and inspiration for everyone. Their five years of success have demonstrated that anything is achievable with perseverance, teamwork, and partnership combined with a strong commitment to sustainability.
Beyond simply installing solar panels, Namkoo has had a significant impact on sustainability and is changing the paradigm for renewable energy. Their collaboration with Megawide, a construction company to provide solar panels and installation for 390 houses, demonstrates how they have contributed to changing the way of housing development in the Philippines.
“We only know how to reduce, reuse and recyle without knowing that there are other technologies like solar panels. Here in the Philippines, it’s not widely known," said Mr. Tan when asked about the perception of people about solar energy. With that, Namkoo is making solar energy accessible to the public by providing high-quality and reasonably priced solar panel packages. To make a difference, they share the vision of using cleaner energy. They are educating people to recognize the potential of solar energy for a better world. This proves to be an effective strategy as more and more are reaching to know more about solar.
With all its efforts to promote solar energy, Namkoo was able to influence business operations, practices and even secure contracts with local government units (LGUs). Namkoo's completed contracts shows how businesses and communities are increasingly embracing the use of solar energy. Some of these are the 40KWP Grid Tie Solar PV System contract with Barangay Palatiw in Pasig City, 200KWP deal in Primark Cavite, the 11,300 solar road studs in Mindoro, and the 293KW Grid Tie Solar installation at Laguna TechnoPark.
To help those unable to afford solar energy, Namkoo has competitive promotions and packages, including everything needed for solar to operate, installation help, and net metering support. In addition, the package consists of warranties for the inverter (8 years), solar panels (15 years), and workmanship (5 years). To make it easier for the consumer to pay, they have partnered with Metrobank to offer installment payments that can last up to 36 months.
Solar might be intimidating at first due to the initial investment it requires, which ranges from 170,000 pesos up to 800,000 pesos depending on the system and how many kilowatts you need. “Despite the cost it is an investment, especially since the Philippines is a tropical country,” Mr. Tan pointed out. Return on investment would be in two – to three years. Not only can you cut costs on your monthly electric bill from 30 – 99%, but you can also earn. Suppose you have 50 kWp and only consume 30 kWp. The excess 20 kW will be transferred to the power grid. Electric power distributing companies such as Meralco will then take and, in return, give you credits.
Its greatest assets are the relationships, client service, and talented people working behind Namkoo. Their ability to attend to the needs and preferences of their customers is just one of the numerous reasons they are securing contracts and negotiating deals with larger businesses. This is an advantage in attracting new customers as existing customers acted as their market with their experience in how Namkoo people handle pre- and post-sales transactions. They want people to embrace and spread the word about renewable energy. They are helping to promote sustainability by switching to solar energy, besides lowering their electric bill.
Through conferences and speeches, Namkoo is promoting its goal to raise awareness of the many benefits of solar energy. Over the past several years, there has been a noticeable rise in the total amount of energy consumed by solar power (Richie et al., 2022). More and more individuals are now trying to figure out how to switch to something cleaner, thereby changing Filipinos' perspectives on renewable energy.
Namkoo has been providing seminars and forums to educate people. The most recent event was the Philippines International Future Energy Expo, held at the SMX Exhibition Center in Manila on May 15-16, 2023, where they talked about the sustainability and cost-benefits of solar panels. The other one was the Northscapes SJDM Open House, held last February 18, 2024, at Bulacan, where they offered electrical solutions and promoted renewable energy.
“We have projects in Mindanao and the North areas of Luzon as there are farmers with no access to water." Namkoo’s most recent project was in Sarangani, Mindanao. This is to help the farming community with their irrigation problem. In Saranggani, farmers typically cultivate crops like maize in the mountains, where river water is difficult to access. Farmers have struggled with this issue for a long time since it reduces their harvest, which causes some of them to quit planting and sell their land.
Many other companies were contacted for the contract but only Namkoo said yes. Believing that solar energy must be accessible to everyone, they take on the project. Although the community's location has presented difficulties, Namkoo has persevered in seeing the project through to completion. Even though that work was completed over three years ago, the farming community continues to be appreciative of Namkoo. This achievement has demonstrated that solar panels are not just for powering your home's electric appliances but can be used for bigger purposes.
Source:
Hannah Ritchie, Max Roser and Pablo Rosado (2022) - "Energy" - Philippines: Energy Country Profile. Published online at OurWorldInData.org. Retrieved from: 'https://ourworldindata.org/energy'
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Roger James Tan, Country Manager
Namkoo Philippines is a fast-growing company that specializes in selling solar panels, inverters, and installations for residential, commercial, and industrial use.