DepEd considers solarizing public schools amid energy crisis

The Department of Education is considering a large-scale solar power program for public schools as the government responds to rising energy concerns linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said DepEd is exploring the installation of solar panels on school rooftops as a long-term measure to reduce electricity costs and support national energy conservation efforts.

“We’re studying the possibility of solarizing our public schools. We see long-term benefits in installing solar panels on school rooftops,” Angara said.

He added that equipping schools with solar panels could help ease pressure on the country’s energy supply while also lowering operational expenses for educational institutions.

According to Angara, the department hopes to begin implementing the initiative on a broader scale by next year.

Still, he acknowledged that funding remains a major hurdle.

“We don’t have a budget for that actually. Unless we have savings or we get it from the maintenance funds. So realistically speaking, if we’re looking at doing it on a large scale,” he said.

Despite the energy emergency, DepEd said it is keeping its focus on face-to-face classes and is not currently considering a wider shift to embedded or alternative learning arrangements.

“Regarding embedded learning, wala pa kami ngayon kasi ang bias namin is really towards face-to-face instruction,” Angara said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier declared a national energy emergency due to challenges tied to tensions in the Middle East. As part of the government’s response, he also directed government offices to adopt a four-day workweek to help reduce fuel use and overall energy consumption.

DepEd’s proposed solarization plan is seen as one possible response that could both address immediate energy concerns and provide long-term savings for the public school system.