Assessing the Feasibility and Sustainability of Off-Grid Renewable Energy

Systems for Rural Electrification in Mindanao, Philippines

A Group Project Proposal

Presented to Science, Technology, and Society Department
Ateneo de Davao University

In Partial Fulfillment of the Course Requirement

In Science, Technology, and Society

Diane Princess Sultan

Jessie Manuel Telmo
Marc Linnus Vales
Team Astro, GE 1212 (16-151)

Marianita Santos
Instructor

March 2022
 ABSTRACT

Access to reliable and affordable energy is a challenge faced by many developing

countries undergoing rapid urbanization, including the Philippines. Rural electrification initiatives
have been attempted, but technical and financial limitations often result in insufficient
infrastructure to support the electricity needs of communities, particularly in remote areas.
Meanwhile, increasing energy infrastructure has created pressure for the country to find more
sustainable and dependable energy sources due to environmental issues related to fossil fuel
emissions, supply constraints, variable costs, and energy security.

This proposal aims to address the challenges of limited access to reliable and affordable
energy in rural areas, specifically in the municipality of Nunungan in Lanao del Norte, Mindanao,
Philippines. Despite the ongoing rural electrification initiatives, a significant portion of the town's
population still lacks access to electricity due to technical and financial limitations in extending
the on-grid power transmission to these dispersed communities. To address this issue, our team
at Aurora Energy Solutions has developed an innovative solution called the Luminocycle
initiative, which involves the installation of solar panels in the remaining barangays that still lack
access to on-grid transmission. The objective of this proposal is to install off-grid renewable
energy systems (ORES) powered by solar panels in 3 villages in Nunungan, with the aim of
improving energy access and infrastructure in these areas. The proposal will cover the design,
installation, and maintenance of the solar panels, as well as the necessary equipment and
infrastructure to support their operation. Our team is committed to providing innovative solutions
to energy poverty, and we believe that the Luminocycle initiative will help improve the lives of
those who have been left without access to reliable electricity in Nunungan.
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

Background of the Proposal

The ongoing discourse surrounding the transition from conventional energy systems to
more sustainable and renewable alternatives as to mitigate the impact on the environment, is
definitely not an uncommon topic, and it has a reason to be so. However, for developing
countries such as the Philippines that are undergoing rapid urbanization, while the creation of
renewable energy sources has certainly not been neglected, the challenge of ensuring that both
urban and rural communities, including those in remote areas, have access to receive reliable
and affordable energy. According to Lim and Washio (2018), although the country is
experiencing rapid urbanization and an expanding population, it is ranked 97th out of 137 in
terms of infrastructure according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness
Report (2017). In the same report last 2015 (WEF, 2015), the Philippines was ranked 90th out
of 140, implying that the Philippines has seen a decline in its infrastructure, making it the worst
performing country among the original ASEAN member countries. To address the challenges
posed by limited energy access in rural areas, rural electrification initiatives have been
attempted. However, the technical and financial limitations in these regions often result in
insufficient infrastructure to support the electricity needs of the communities. For example, in the
Philippines, despite on-grid power transmission being the most cost-effective source of
electricity, extending it to rural locations may prove to be more expensive than the benefits it
would provide due to the technical and financial difficulties of reaching these dispersed
communities (Hong & Abe, 2012). The absence of adequate energy infrastructure hampers
economic growth in rural areas, creating a vicious cycle where the financial resources required
to support energy infrastructure are lacking due to the lack of economic development. This has
been a persistent issue in many rural communities.

The municipality of Nunungan in Lanao del Norte, Mindanao, is severely impacted by

these problems, especially in terms of its inadequate power supply. Despite being the largest
town in Lanao del Norte in terms of land area with a population of approximately 18,800
residents, electricity is scarce (Census of Population, 2020). The local government relies on
small diesel-powered generators, and although there are a few solar-powered lights in the town
center, only a few families with small generators can afford to illuminate their homes (Manos,
2022). Following the memorandum of agreement signed on September 22 with Laneco and
Lanao Builders and Enterprise, the local government of the town with 25 villages was able to
commence a 43 million electrification project on November 13. This project aims to provide
electricity to 11 barangays (Masibay, Maribi, Abaga, Katugoan, Butadon, Poblacion, Raraban,
Inayawan, Tongkod, Malaig and Pantar) in Nunungan, finally addressing the town's long
standing electricity problems (Umel, 2022). Despite the initiation of the electrification project, the
issues mentioned in the first paragraph still remain. On-grid electrification is a costly process,
and this project did not extend to cover all 25 barangays in Nunungan, which means that a
significant portion of the town's population still lacks access to reliable electricity.

Given the challenges of on-grid electrification, our team at Aurora Energy Solutions,
although small, has developed an innovative solution to address the energy issues that remain
in Nunungan municipality. Our project, called the Luminocycle initiative, is specifically designed
to provide energy to the remaining barangays that still lack access to on-grid transmission. As
the team is quite small, we have decided to limit ourselves to helping 3 of the smallest
barangays, that being Notongan, Songgod, and Canibongan. The Luminocycle initiative
involves the installation of solar panels in these areas as a temporary solution while the
government works towards fully electrifying the municipality. This serves as a sustainable and
eco-friendly energy source that would not only address their immediate energy needs but also
reduce their dependence on diesel-powered generators. Our team at Aurora Energy Solutions is
committed to providing innovative solutions to energy poverty, and we believe that the
Luminocycle initiative will help improve the lives of those who have been left without access to
reliable electricity in Nunungan.

Goal and Objectives

This proposal therefore seeks to suggest an alternative to counter these infrastructural
issues and provide the growing energy needs of these communities while simultaneously
satisfying environmental and resource scarcity problems. Particularly, this proposal aims to
reconsider rural renewable energy methods, particularly solar energy as a suitable alternative to
conventional energy sources used today. The objective of this proposal is threefold:

A. Install off-grid renewable energy systems powered by solar panels in Notongan,

Songgod, and Canibongan in Nunungan, Lanao del Norte, Mindanao within one year.
B. To improve the energy access and infrastructure in the 3 barangays in Nunungan with
the installation of these off-grid renewable energy systems.
 C. Ensure that the solar panels are properly maintained and repaired as needed, in order to
maximize their lifespan and energy output.

Scope and Limitations

The scope of this proposal is to implement off-grid renewable energy systems powered
by solar panels in 3 villages in Nunungan, Lanao del Norte, Mindanao, with the aim of improving
energy access and infrastructure in these areas. The installation of these off-grid systems will
provide a temporary solution to the inadequate power supply in these communities until on-grid
transmission can be extended to reach them. The proposal will cover the design, installation,
and maintenance of the solar panels, as well as the necessary equipment and infrastructure to
support their operation.

However, this proposal has certain limitations. Firstly, it only covers 3 out of the 14
remaining barangays in Nunungan that still lack access to on-grid transmission, which means
that it will not address the energy needs of the entire municipality, as our team is quite small.
Secondly, the project's scope is limited to the installation of solar panels, and it does not cover
other forms of renewable energy such as wind or hydropower. Finally, while the proposal aims
to provide a sustainable and eco-friendly solution, the project's effectiveness may be affected by
factors such as weather conditions and environmental factors that could affect the energy output
of the solar panels.
 CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Technological advancements in renewable energy systems. Renewable energy is

not a foreign concept to most people, as it has been advocated as a replacement for our current
energy systems today, due to their potential to address various environmental issues, such as
greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and climate change. With technological advancements,
renewable energy systems have become more increasingly efficient, cost-effective, and reliable.
In this regard, this section of the paper aims to discuss the technological advancements in
renewable energy systems, as well as the emerging technologies that are being developed to
enhance their efficiency and reliability. By examining these advancements, this section aims to
provide insight into the future of renewable energy and its potential utilization to transform the
energy landscape.

A study by Gul et al. (2022) provides a concrete example of how renewable energy
systems, particularly combined heat and power (CHP) systems, can be used to meet the energy
needs of small, distributed communities while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions and
lowering the cost of energy. The model proposed in the study integrates solar PV and wind
systems to maximize power generation, and the results show that the system can satisfy 79.2%
of the energy demand of selected communities. The study also emphasizes the importance of
efficient resources management and combined dispatch strategies to increase the penetration
and utilization of energy produced by the system. Furthermore, the study highlights the
economic and ecological benefits of renewable energy technologies and suggests that they can
play a significant role in decarbonizing the existing energy sectors.

The challenges in transitioning from conventional to renewable energy. Renewable

energy is a critical component of sustainable development, and its adoption is crucial for
reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. However, despite efforts to increase
the use of renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on conventional energy systems,
traditional energy sources such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal still dominate the global
market (Mohtasham, 2015). This presents a significant challenge to the transition towards
sustainable and renewable energy alternatives.
 One of the main challenges in transitioning to renewable energy is the lack of modern
and affordable renewable alternatives. Vanegas Cantanero (2020) discusses that traditional
energy sources such as biomass are predominant mainly due to the fact that modern and
cleaner alternatives are not available nor affordable. She highlights her study on the country of
Nicaragua, as although there have been significant investments in renewable energy capacity,
the residential sector in Nicaragua continues to be heavily dependent on traditional biomass,
due to a narrow focus on a single sector in energy planning and energy transition. Building on
the previous point, Vanegas Cantanero goes on to mention that the population in developing
countries are impacted by energy poverty, whereas rural, remote areas, who lack access to
modern, clean energy sources, are limited in their ability to afford it. Vanegas Cantanero argues
that in order to have a smooth transition towards renewable energy sources, there needs to be
significant changes in three key areas: technology, society, and policies. This includes
transforming current institutions and policies. Vanegas Cantanero suggests that the transition to
decentralized energy systems will also require a transformation of the current political structures
to ensure more accountability and democracy. To achieve this, representatives of the renewable
energy sector should be included in decision-making processes to oppose the influence of fossil
fuel corporations. In developing countries, the energy transition also involves economic growth,
social inclusion, transparency, and accountability. This paper highlights the available strategies
and alternatives to achieve a swift energy transition in developing countries, including
knowledge exchange, international aid, and reinforcing the values of energy justice and
democracy for a fair distribution of the transition's costs and benefits.

The challenge of limited energy access in rural areas. In developing countries such
as the Philippines, the challenge is no longer simply creating renewable energy sources, but to
ensure that both urban and rural communities, especially those in remote areas, have access to
reliable and affordable energy. The limited energy access in rural areas are due to a multitude
of factors such as inadequate infrastructure to support on-grid transmission systems, or a lack
of financial resources to support these energy infrastructures, creating a vicious cycle where
economic growth is hampered (Hong & Abe, 2012). A study conducted by Mendoza et al.
(2019) displayed the clean, sustainable, and economical energy inaccessibility the country is
experiencing and how the energy's vital role in providing for the needs of the poor. Lack of
energy access was observed in Visayas and Mindanao, particularly in ARMM(now known as
BARMM), SOCCSKSARGEN, and the Zamboanga Peninsula, where energy services
deprivation is compensated with traditional biomass and cooking fuels to meet the essential
energy requirement. The limited energy access harms the region's health, life expectancy,
standard of living, and literacy levels, gaining poor ratings on said aspects. Mendoza mentioned
how clean, sustainable, and economical energy access correlates with a region's economy and
HDI (Human Development Index). Depending on its location, areas far from the national grid are
uneconomical to extend electricity, leading to lower growth and human development levels.
Thus, rural areas tend always to get the short end of the stick regarding infrastructure,
economy, and energy development. The study also highlighted the correlation between income
poverty and energy inaccessibility and how the results demonstrated how diverse the landscape
of the lack of energy sources in the Philippines is.

Sustainability of renewable off-grid technology in rural areas. Heksi Lestari,

together with his colleagues, studied six stand-alone renewable electricity projects in Indonesia.
These projects are used to help the 14% of people who don't have access to power, especially
those living in developing countries with poor rural areas. The Indonesian government started a
programme using locally available resources for these off-grid systems. Out of 22 recorded
programmes, only ten were found working and six still operating at the start of research. The
study of Lestari et al. (2018), looked into how sustainable these operations were and what
factors led them to keep running or stop when it became possible which could lead communities
away from their local energy source (which may be renewable). Results showed a mixed picture
on sustainability scores but it was harder for solar based technology compared to other sources
like hydropower as well as technical back up lacking across all cases. It also uncovered a strong
wish among households connected through this project that they wanted connection by national
grids despite high performance scores associated with some existing systems making operation
difficult if not impossible due to cost. Overall findings suggest dual focus is necessary while
considering electrification options both grid extensions/connections alongside
support/maintenance capabilities needed for off-grid solutions so environmental impacts can be
reduced alongside development goals met without sacrificing either one needlessly.

Sustainability of rural electrification programs based on off-grid photovoltaic (PV)

systems in Chile. Rural electrification programs in Chile have historically relied on centralized
grid extension, which has proven to be costly and inefficient for remote areas. The use of off-
grid PV systems, however, has gained attention in recent years as a more sustainable and cost-
effective alternative. Off-grid PV systems have the potential to improve energy access and
reduce greenhouse gas emissions in rural areas. The the article stated that these systems can
generate cost savings for households and communities, particularly in areas where grid
extension is not financially viable, and off-grid PV systems can also generate income-generating
opportunities for rural communities through the establishment of small-scale businesses, such
as the sale of electricity to neighboring households or the provision of charging services for
electronic devices. The Off-grid PV systems can improve the quality of life for rural communities,
particularly in terms of education, health, and communication. Feron et al. (2016) indicated that
these systems can provide reliable electricity for lighting, refrigeration, and electronic devices,
which can enhance education outcomes, support health facilities, and improve communication
access.

Lastly, Feron et al. (2016) evaluate the environmental sustainability of off-grid PV

systems. They report that these systems have a lower environmental impact compared to grid
extension, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers highlight the
potential for off-grid PV systems to facilitate the transition to renewable energy sources and
reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Overall, off-grid PV systems have the potential to improve
energy access, generate economic opportunities, enhance social welfare, and reduce
environmental impact in rural areas. Feron et al. (2016) note, however, that the sustainability of
these systems is contingent upon various factors, such as appropriate design and
implementation, community engagement, and adequate maintenance and repair.

Alliance for Mindanao Off-grid Renewable Energy Project. The Alliance for
Mindanao Off-Grid Renewable Energy (AMORE) Project is a collaborative initiative aimed at
providing sustainable energy to off-grid communities in Mindanao, Philippines (Philippines DOE,
2005). The project focuses on the installation of renewable energy systems, including solar,
hydro, and biomass, in remote and isolated areas, and emphasizes community participation and
capacity building to ensure the sustainability of the installed systems. The project aims to
promote social and economic development, improve access to basic services, and reduce
greenhouse gas emissions in the region (Philippines DOE, 2005).

Off-grid communities in Mindanao have traditionally relied on costly and polluting diesel
generators for their energy needs (Philippines DOE, 2005). The AMORE Project offers a more
sustainable and cost-effective alternative to these communities, allowing them to access clean
and reliable energy for their daily activities. The project has already benefited numerous
communities, improving their livelihoods, education, and health. For instance, the installation of
solar panels in schools has provided students with access to electricity, enabling them to study
and learn even after dark, while the use of biomass as a cooking fuel has reduced indoor air
pollution, benefiting the health of the community members (Philippines DOE, 2005).

The AMORE Project is a prime example of how renewable energy can promote social
and economic development in remote and isolated communities. It highlights the importance of
community participation and capacity building in ensuring the sustainability of renewable energy
systems. As such, the AMORE Project can serve as a model for similar initiatives in other
regions, providing access to clean and reliable energy to millions of people across the world.

Renewable energy education in rural communities. Renewable energy application in

rural areas is impossible if the potential consumers disapprove, which is caused by varying
factors. According to Frederiks et al.(2015), when applied with psychology's key principles and
behavioral economics to explain household energy consumption and conservation behavior,
customers frequently behave in ways that diverge significantly from their ideals and material
interests. It is far from the rational decision-makers the economic models believe consumers to
be. Cognitive biases, heuristics, and other typically illogical tendencies influence consumer
decisions and behavior. The study also mentioned how people use mental shortcuts to cut
through complexity, avoid losses over gaining, prefer lower-value certainties over higher-value
risks, evaluate things in relative rather than absolute terms, and get heavy influence from those
around them. Considering these, it is only one of the few variables that might hinder renewable
energy introduction to rural communities. A study by Luthra et al. (2015) listed a few hindrances
experienced in India. First, the failure to adopt renewable energy is due to a lack of technology
awareness. Lack of facile information and dissemination about the latest technologies causes
uncertainties regarding the efficiency and quality of renewable energy devices and machines
and training and information about available government incentives and support systems.
Second, the lack of trained people and training institutes. The study discussed how essential
technically trained people with good management skills are and how efficient it is for Asians to
learn by coping rather than as individuals while using their local language and to apply a
"hands-on" approach. Lastly, Faith and Beliefs as barriers to promoting renewable energy
sources. Opposition is inevitable due to the inability to comprehend, adopt, and adapt to
technological advancement toward more significant benefits. These core variables are closely
related to a lack of knowledge of renewable energy sources. It makes it more reasonable to
disseminate information and guide rural communities to a more sustainable life. Citizens'
attitudes regarding Renewable Energy Technology(RET) deployment will depend on their
knowledge and perceptions of these technologies (Wojuola et al., 2019).
 CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY

Description of Product or Service

The Luminocycle project is a one-year initiative designed to meet the energy needs of
isolated rural communities in Mindanao, particularly Notongan, Songgod, and Canibongan in
Nunungan, Lanao del Norte, while also taking into account concerns about the environment and
resource scarcity. By establishing off-grid renewable energy systems (ORES), the main goal is
to supply solar energy to many isolated rural villages in Mindanao in order to address the issue
of how expensive it is to transmit power over the grid. The participation of numerous parties,
including investors, distributors, and local communities, is crucial to the project's success.

This section provides the framework for the one-year implementation of the Luminocycle
project. Planning, installation, and maintenance, are the three distinct stages of this initiative.
The team will conduct a thorough feasibility study with the contractors and engineers as part of
the project planning phase to be able to effectively install the renewable energy systems, taking
into account the target communities' energy needs as well as their geographic location, the
stability of their infrastructure, and the availability of resources. In order to comprehend each
individual household’s requirements and potential roadblocks to the project's success, there will
also be discussion with local barangay officials. Once a detailed plan has been discussed with
the locals, funding is secured from various sources, such as a government grant from the
Department of Energy, crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter and GoFundMe, and other
potential investors committed to supporting the project's cause.
 After securing the necessary funding, the installation phase begins, where the team will
be responsible for procuring the necessary materials, including solar panels, batteries, inverters,
and mounting hardware. The team will need to ensure that the installation process follows the
specifications outlined in the project plan, which may involve collaborating with local contractors
and ensuring that all equipment meets safety and performance standards.

A distributed off-grid PV system will be installed in each barangay, with solar panels
installed on a centralized location such as a school or community center. This system will be
grid-tied, meaning that excess energy produced by the solar panels can be sold back to the
utility company for credit, which can then be used to offset the cost of the energy consumed at
night or during periods of low sunlight.

Each household will be equipped with a metered connection to the centralized system,
which will allow them to access the electricity generated by the solar panels. The size of the
system will be determined based on the energy requirements of each household, with the team
working closely with the local community to ensure that the system meets their needs. However,
an estimate can be calculated. According to PhilAtlas (n.d.), Notongan, Songgod, Canibongan
have a population of 489, 505, and 530 respectively, coming to an average of 500 population.
Being a rural area, we can assume that their energy consumption is limited to small activities
that require electricity such as lighting (typically 120 Wh) and cooking (typically 750 Wh),
coming around to an estimate of 0.87 kW per household. We can also assume that each
household is a family of 4, therefore we have a rough estimate of 125 households in one
barangay. For 125 households, the total consumption would be 108.75 kWh. The solar panels
we have chosen are Powitt 400w Square Mono PERC. If we assume that the solar panels have
an efficiency of 20% and an average daily solar irradiance of 5 hours (which is a reasonable
estimate for a sunny rural area), then each 400W solar panel can generate around 2 kWh per
day. Based on the estimated electricity consumption of 108.75 kWh per day for 125 households
in the rural area, we would need a total solar panel capacity of at least 108.75 kWh divided by
the daily output of each panel (2 kWh) to meet the electricity needs of the households. This
comes out to be approximately 54 solar panels. Do note that this is an estimate, and could vary
depending on what the outcome is during the discussion with local barangay officials and
contractors.
 Fig 1. Powitt 400w Square Mono PERCPowitt 400w Square Mono PERC. https://www.facebook.com/photo?
fbid=2283085245285987&set=pcb.2283086001952578

Fig 2. Example of the distributed ORES. https://www.enerzytech.com/resources/articles/13-types-of-solar-pv-systems

 Maintenance is a crucial part of the project's success, and the team will be responsible
for ensuring that the installed solar panels are working correctly and that they are kept clean
and free of debris to maximize their efficiency. The team will establish a maintenance schedule
that includes regular checks and cleaning of the solar panels, as well as battery maintenance
and replacement if necessary. Local community members will also be trained on the basics of
solar panel maintenance, allowing them to identify potential problems and perform minor
repairs. The team will establish a communication plan with the local community to ensure that
any issues are addressed promptly and effectively, minimizing any downtime for the solar
panels.

Maintenance Task Frequency

Check inverter performance Monthly

Inspect and clean solar panels Quarterly

Check battery condition Semi-annually

Check wiring and connections Semi-annually

Test system performance Annually

Replace batteries as necessary As needed

Perform general system maintenance As needed

Stage Timeframe

Feasibility study with local contractors 1 month

Discussion with locals 2 weeks

Funding 1-2 months

Installation 3-4 months (includes procurement,

collaboration with contractors, installation
process, and safety checks)

Maintenance Ongoing (includes regular checks, cleaning,

and battery maintenance)
Market Research
A. Target Market
Sex. People of all sexes are included in the target market.

Geographical location. The target market is mostly concentrated on Notongan, Songgod,

and Canibongan in Nunungan, Lanao del Norte, as these are the least populated areas in
Nunungan that lack adequate infrastructure to allow on-grid electricity transmission or are
located distant from any cities.

Income bracket. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (2003), areas without
access to electricity are frequently the result of poverty. As a result, it only makes sense for the
target market to consist of low-income homes and communities that cannot afford access to
conventional electricity sources.

Gender preference/sexual orientation. The project is not specific to any particular gender
preference or sexual orientation and is intended to help all populations.

Educational background. There is no specific educational background required for the

target market.

Hobbies. The target market's hobbies are not relevant to the project's objectives.

Profession. Rural residents who work in a variety of industries, such as farming, fishing,
and small businesses, and who could benefit from electricity to make their tasks easier make up
the target market.

This project's objective is to carry out its activities in the Mindanao region, especially in
isolated rural areas without access to reliable and reasonably priced energy sources. These
villages are frequently located distant from urban areas, and the infrastructure of the current
electricity system may not adequately support them. With the installation of off-grid renewable
energy systems, the initiative seeks to offer sustainable energy solutions to these communities,
enhancing their quality of life and encouraging economic growth.
 B. Competitors
As a non-profit organization, the group recognizes that we do not have direct
competitors in the traditional sense. However, the group believes that it is important to work
collaboratively with other organizations and stakeholders to achieve our shared goal of rural
electrification in Mindanao. By forging partnerships and working together, the group can
leverage their respective strengths and resources to make a greater impact and promote
sustainable development in the region. Such examples of other groups that share our goal of
rural electrification and/or sustainable energy are the Department of Energy (DoE), the
Renewable Energy Association of the Philippines (REAP), and Okra Solar.

C. Advertising Channels
The project has various plans for utilizing advertising channels in order to promote the
initiative. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn will be
leveraged to raise awareness about the project. Specific demographics and communities in
Mindanao that may benefit from the project will be targeted through these platforms.

Community outreach events, public seminars, and distribution of flyers and brochures in
local communities will be organized to interact with potential customers face-to-face and provide
them with detailed information about the benefits of the Luminocycle project. Local media
outlets such as radio stations and newspapers will also be utilized to promote the project to a
wider audience in Mindanao. Collaborations with local influencers and celebrities will be
established to endorse the project on social media and raise awareness about sustainable
energy solutions.

D. Distribution Channels
The Luminocycle project will be distributed through regional partners and community
organizations in these areas. The organization intends to collaborate closely with these partners
to determine which communities could benefit from our renewable energy solutions and to make
sure that our goods successfully reach their intended markets. We do not foresee considerable
cross-border distribution for the Luminocycle initiative because the emphasis is on rural areas.
The group is, nonetheless, open to investigating collaborations with other initiatives and
organizations that have the same objective of fostering sustainable development in Mindanao.
We may be able to increase our distribution channels and connect with more people in the area
through such partnerships.
Financial Feasibility
This section provides the breakdown of the possible expenses for the project’s overall
implementation.

A. Solar Panel Equipments

Material Cost Quantity Total

Solar panels 400w 8,600 54 464,400

Inverter 10kw 1,599 1 1,599

Charge controller 60A 544 2 1,088

Batteries 12V 450 44 19,800

Mounting hardware 10,000 1 10,000

Lightning arrestor 1,360 2 2,720

Surge protector 479 22 10,548

Grounding system 9,999 1 9,999

Monitoring system 11,499 1 11,499

Total PHP 531,653 (*3 for each barangay = PHP 1,594,959)

B. Installation Equipments

Material Cost Quantity Total

Ladder 10,440 2 20,880

Power drills 4,740 2 9,480

Screwdrivers(set) 1424.90 1 1424.90

Wire cutters 296.00 1 296.00

 Strippers 438.77 1 438.77

Crimping tool 1645.38 1 1645.38

Torque wrench(set) 2489.75 1 2489.75

Total PHP 36,654.80

C. Transportation and Logistics Equipments

Material Cost Quantity Total

Flatbed trucks (rent) 1,000 2 2,000

Forklifts (rent) 2,000 2 4,000

Boom lifts (rent) 2,000 3 6,000

Total PHP 12,000

D. Total Expenses

Category Cost

Solar panel equipments 1,594,959

Installation equipments 36,654.80

Transportation and Logistics Equipments 12,000.00

Total Project Expenses PHP 1,643,613.80

Environmental Sustainability
To achieve environmental sustainability for the Luminocycle project, the supply chain for
the development and production of the off-grid renewable energy systems must be carefully
taken into account. The installation of solar energy systems will prioritize the use of locally
sourced and environmentally friendly materials, decreasing the requirement for long-distance
material transportation and the project's carbon impact. The team will also collaborate with
neighborhood groups to investigate the possibilities of building the required infrastructure out of
locally accessible resources like bamboo or other sustainable materials. This strategy will help
the local economy by generating employment possibilities for trained labor in the area while
simultaneously promoting environmental sustainability.

The Luminocycle project is committed to promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR)

through social enterprises and ecopreneurship. By promoting the use of sustainable and locally-
sourced materials, the initiative will encourage sustainable economic development in the target
communities. Activities aimed at empowering neighborhood communities to take an active role
in the renewable energy sector will also be a part of the training and capacity building stage. By
offering technical training and expertise on the operation and maintenance of renewable energy
systems, the project will generate chances for ecopreneurship, supporting the development of
small businesses in the field of renewable energy. In order to foster cooperation and a shared
commitment to achieving sustainable development in the area, the project team will also work
with local stakeholders to identify and engage with prospective social entrepreneurs.
 ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Aurora Energy Solutions is a youth-led non-profit organization founded in 2015 by a

group of environmentally conscious young adults who were concerned about the lack of access
to clean energy in underserved communities. The organization's founders saw an opportunity to
make a difference by leveraging their passion for the environment and technology to create
sustainable solutions for those in need. In the early years, Aurora Energy Solutions focused on
raising awareness about the benefits of clean energy through educational programs and
community outreach. They organized events and workshops in schools and local communities
to educate people about the importance of renewable energy and how it can help reduce our
dependence on fossil fuels. As the organization grew, so did their ambition. In 2018, Aurora
Energy Solutions embarked on their first project to bring clean energy to a remote village in a
developing country. The project was a success, and it opened the door for more ambitious
projects. Since then, Aurora Energy Solutions has completed several projects in underserved
communities around the world, providing renewable energy solutions that have improved the
lives of thousands of people. Today, the organization continues to innovate and expand their
reach, with a mission to create a sustainable future for all.

VISION. Aurora Energy Solutions is a youth-led non-profit organization that envisions a

world where clean, renewable energy is accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status. It
is a team with commitment to environmental stewardship and social justice. It is a team that
wants to empower underserved communities by providing innovative and sustainable energy
solutions that improve their quality of life. As a youth-led organization, Aurora Energy Solutions
is about creating a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.

MISSION. Our mission is to provide innovative, sustainable, and accessible renewable

energy solutions to communities in need, with a focus on empowering youth and creating a
more equitable and resilient future.

GOALS.
1. Increase access to renewable energy in underserved communities by providing
affordable, efficient, and sustainable solutions.
2. Promote sustainable development and environmental conservation by reducing
reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
 3. Empower youth to become leaders in the renewable energy field through
education and training opportunities.
4. Foster partnerships with local communities, organizations, and governments to
create a more equitable and just energy system.
5. Continuously innovate and adapt to new technologies and advancements in the
renewable energy sector to provide cutting-edge solutions.

AURORA ENERGY SOLUTIONS TEAM MEMBERS:

Marc Linnus Vales - Chairperson
Jessie Manuel Telmo- Vice Chairperson
Diane Princess Sultan - Treasurer
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