QUEZON CITY, 24 Nov. (PIA)—President Benigno S. Aquino III lauded the SM Malls for its initiative on using alternative source of power.
 
On Monday, Aquino led the ceremonial switch on of the solar powered rooftop at the Multi-level Carpark Building of the SM North Edsa in Quezon City.
 
The President was assisted by SM Prime Head, Henry Sy, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, and Solar Philippines President Leandro Leviste activated the the solar powered rooftop at the SM City North Edsa that could generate uo to 1.5 MW power which is enough to power 1,000 households.
 
He said that the Philippine government supports renewable energy sources like solar energy through Renewable Energy Act (Republic Act 9513).
 
SM Prime worked closely with Solar Philippines to put up 5,760 solar panels. Solar Philippines is the company behind the largest commercial rooftop solar power projects in the country.
 
The power generated from the solar panels could offset 1,200 tons of carbon dioxide or the equivalent of planting 6,000 trees per year.
 
The solar panels can be used to light up all the 16,000 lighting fixtures, 59 escalators and 20 elevators of the SM North EDSA.
 
SM Prime is hoping that the solar rooftop project will serve as a model for similar developments in other commercial and industrial establishments as it will not only male business sustainable but make future generations live in an environment that is safer and healthier. (PIA-NCR/RJB/SDL)