Filipino homeowners turn to solar as the Iran war lifts power bills

One Manila family's monthly power bill went from about US$150 before the war began in late February to as much as US$220. They are now putting solar panels on their roof.

Solar panels imported from China, March to May

407 million US$

From March to May, the Philippines imported US$407 million in solar panels from China, the biggest single overseas market for that period, according to Chinese trade data.

Why it matters

The Philippines does not subsidize electricity and relies on imported coal and gas for more than 70 per cent of its power, while the peso has slid to a record low of more than 63 to the US dollar.

Planned solar farm north of Manila

3,500 hectares

Officials are counting on dozens of renewable projects, including a 3,500-hectare solar farm north of Manila expected to supply 2.4 million households. Some consumers say such projects could take years.