In Davao, a city in southeastern Philippines, a solar technology exhibition was held recently, attracting more than 700 people. Some even drove for 9 hours to attend the event. Such events are usually held during celebrity concerts or religious festivals in the region, but this time, people came just to see the latest photovoltaic panels and energy storage products from Chinese companies.
According to Bloomberg's report on July 12, as electricity prices continue to rise, Filipino households and businesses are rapidly embracing solar energy on their roofs. Chinese photovoltaic companies have become the biggest beneficiaries of this surge in demand.
Reports indicate that the Middle Eastern situation has disrupted the global oil and gas market, leading to increased energy costs in many Asian countries. The Philippines, which has long relied on imported energy, has seen a significant impact on electricity prices. It now ranks among the countries with the highest electricity prices in Southeast Asia. This year, electricity prices in the Philippines have risen by at least 14% compared to last year. The high electricity costs are driving more and more households and businesses to look for alternative solutions.
Electricity rates are rising, and I like Chinese products, not only because they are cheap but also because of their competitive technology. Filipino resident Cesar Aliaga said this at the Davos Exhibition.
Data shows that this year, the Philippines became the largest single overseas market for Chinese solar panels, surpassing emerging markets like Pakistan. According to Trade Data Monitor, the export volume of Chinese solar components to the Philippines increased by more than double in the first five months of 2026, with exports in March increasing by 262%. Since the beginning of this year, Filipino consumers have spent over $500 million on Chinese photovoltaic panels.
Chinese photovoltaic companies are expanding their local presence. Among them, Jinko Energy plans to sell nearly 1.5 gigawatts of power to the Philippines by 2025, accounting for more than a quarter of the local market share. In the first six months of this year, the company’s shipments to the Philippines reached nearly 1 gigawatt.
Bloomberg pointed out that China's photovoltaic industry currently accounts for about 80% of the global supply. Emerging markets such as the Philippines are becoming important export destinations for Chinese photovoltaic companies to utilize their production capacity.
For the Philippines, there is also a practical need to introduce low-cost Chinese photovoltaic technology. As the cost of solar installations decreases, the payback period for residential rooftop photovoltaic projects has been shortened to just over three years. The Philippine government has also introduced low-interest loans for clean energy projects and is accelerating the construction of new energy facilities.
However, the rapid growth in demand also brings pressure on supply. The demand for solar energy consulting has increased significantly, but the number of installers and the supply chain capacity are temporarily unable to meet market needs.
Analysts believe that the Philippines needs to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels, while Chinese companies need to expand their markets. The current wave of solar energy is creating a mutually beneficial situation. Even if there are differences between the two countries regarding issues such as the South China Sea, the surge in demand for Chinese solar products in the Philippines is expected to continue.
