LAOAG CITY, Philippines — Ayala-led energy platform ACEN and mobile wallet giant GCash have joined forces to bring sustainable energy solutions to the North. On April 27, 2026, the two companies launched a collaborative campaign in Ilocos Norte, offering residents accessible financing and installation options for solar rooftop systems.
The partnership aims to convert Ilocos Norte into a “Solar Province” by empowering individual households to generate their own clean energy and lower their monthly electricity bills.
The collaboration leverages ACEN’s expertise in renewable energy and GCash’s massive digital reach:
- Easy Financing via GLoan: Residents can apply for solar installation loans directly through the GCash app. The GLoan feature offers flexible payment terms and lower interest rates specifically for “green” home improvements.
- ACEN Technical Support: ACEN, through its retail energy arm, provides the hardware and technical vetting. They ensure that the solar panels and inverters installed meet high-tier international standards for durability and efficiency.
- Net Metering Assistance: The program includes assistance in applying for Net Metering with local electric cooperatives, allowing households to sell excess electricity back to the grid for credits.
The province was chosen as the pilot site for several strategic reasons:
- High Solar Irradiance: Ilocos Norte is known for having some of the highest solar harvesting potential in the Philippines.
- Renewable Energy Hub: As the home of the Bangui Wind Farm and various large-scale solar parks, the local community already has a high level of awareness regarding renewable energy.
- Government Support: The provincial government has expressed strong support for decentralized energy solutions to improve grid stability in remote areas.
ACEN and GCash highlighted the long-term benefits for Ilocos Norte families:
- Cost Savings: A typical 3kWp (kilowatt-peak) rooftop system can reduce a household’s electricity bill by 30% to 50%, depending on consumption patterns.
- Carbon Footprint: By switching to solar, an average household can offset approximately 2.5 tons of CO2 per year.
- Digital Integration: Users can monitor their solar energy production and manage their loan payments through a dedicated “Green Dashboard” within the GCash app.
If the Ilocos Norte pilot proves successful, ACEN and GCash plan to roll out the program to other provinces in the second half of 2026, targeting solar-rich areas in Central Luzon and the Visayas.
“Our goal is to make solar energy as easy to buy and manage as a mobile load,” said a GCash executive during the launch event. “By removing the high upfront cost barrier through GLoan, we are democratizing the energy transition for Every Filipino.”
