The burgeoning solar energy industry in the Philippines can now add the worlds largest solar powered shopping mall to its list of accomplishments. Launched on May 30, 2016, at Robinsons Starmills, Pampanga, the 2.88 megawatt system consists of 10,880 Canadian Solar modules covering 1.75 hectares of roof space and 136 Fronius Symo 3-phase inverters. With the system designed to offset up to 95% of daytime demand, the facility is seen to cut carbon dioxide emission by 2.25 million kilograms. This is equivalent to planting 100,000 trees or removing 5.5 million miles worth of carbon emissions from cars each year. The project was delivered on a turn-key EPC basis by Solenergy Systems Inc. Solenergy has also completed two other mall sites for Robinsons Land.
According to Frederick Go, the president of Robinsons Land Corp, the company is continuously looking for ways to adopt sustainable practices and minimize carbon footprint by steadily shifting to renewable energy across their many sites. During his speech at the project inauguration, Go stated that RLCs move to install solar power facilities in all of its malls is evidence of the companys clear commitment to the environment. Go also added further reasons they chose solar power over other renewable energy sources being the low maintenance requirements and absence of any noise and air pollution from the system.
Go also noted that Pampangas local government is installing bicycle lanes, encouraging citizens to drink tap water rather than buying disposable bottles and advocating other activities that help promote environmental protection and awareness. He said the Robinsons Starmills rooftop solar system is the companys way of giving back to the community, thus adding to the local governments ongoing efforts. Their goal is to eventually install solar power systems in all of RLC's 41 malls, remarking on the global trend towards the use of renewable energy sources. In addition, Go mentioned that all of their future malls will be designed to optimise the installation of solar panels thus making the most of the abundant solar energy throughout the Philippines archipelago.
