Solviva Reports 272% Jump in Residential Solar Inquiries
Rising fuel costs and shipping disruptions have driven a sharp increase in demand for Aboitiz-backed rooftop solar systems in the Philippines.
Key points
- Solviva Energy saw a 272% rise in residential solar inquiries from March to August 2026.
- Global fuel price volatility and shipping disruptions triggered the surge in Philippine consumer demand.
- The company offers zero-downpayment plans with five-year installments to lower entry costs for households.
Solviva Energy, a residential solar startup backed by Aboitiz Power Corp., has recorded a 272% increase in customer inquiries between March and August 2026. This surge marks a significant shift from the company’s previous testing phase to a period of accelerated demand driven by external economic pressures.
The primary driver of this growth is the disruption of global energy markets and shipping routes caused by the Middle East conflict. These factors have increased fuel prices and domestic electricity tariffs, prompting consumers to seek stable, lower-cost alternatives to grid power.
Market dynamics drive demand surge
Solviva CEO Coby Cobankiat attributed the spike in interest to the volatility in global energy prices. He noted that the conflict acted as a tipping point, transforming the company’s approach from generating demand to responding to an influx of prospective customers.
According to World Bank Group data, the Philippines has among the lowest per-capita electricity consumption levels in Southeast Asia. However, Solviva has observed higher electricity usage among its customers after installation, suggesting that access to reliable power may be increasing household productivity and living standards.
Expansion plans and regulatory support
The company intends to expand its operations beyond the Greater Manila area to capture growing interest in other cities. This expansion aligns with a recent Department of Energy circular issued in August that simplifies installation rules for homes, medical facilities, and small businesses.
Cobankiat stated that the current regulatory environment is designed to accelerate adoption. Solviva plans to offer more products to a wider range of households, leveraging the simplified compliance systems to reduce friction for new customers.
Business model reduces upfront barriers
To address the high initial cost of solar systems, Solviva offers zero-downpayment, rent-to-own packages with fixed monthly installments over up to five years. Payments begin 30 days after installation, allowing customers to use immediate electricity savings to help cover their installments.
Operating under 1882 Energy Ventures, the innovation arm of AboitizPower, Solviva has served as its direct-to-consumer renewable energy arm since 2023. The company provides full-lifecycle support for systems designed to operate for 25 years, emphasizing long-term reliability and customer trust.
