Solviva Energy, a residential solar startup backed by Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), plans to expand its market within and beyond the Greater Manila area as demand for rooftop solar continues to increase and amid the implementation of new rules to simplify the installation process.
“Over the last couple of years, we’ve been in a testing phase. Now the goal is to expand in the smartest way that we can,” said Solviva Energy CEO Coby Cobankiat. “We intend to be available in more cities and offer more products for more households.”
“What changed this year was the conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted shipping routes and global energy markets, causing price volatility. That has been the tipping point for us. Instead of us trying to force demand for rooftop solar, they’re coming to us,” he added.
In August, the Department of Energy also released Department Circular No. DC2026-08-0017, which intends to ease rules on installing solar energy systems in residential homes, medical facilities, and small businesses.
“In general, the current environment is geared towards setting the type of policies that can accelerate adoption even further,” Cobankiat said. “Today, there’s a lot of focus on trying to set compliant systems. We’re very excited to see what comes out of that. In the long-run that will support the industry.”
From March to August 2026, inquiries about Solviva’s residential solar packages rose by 272% compared to the same period last year.
Following installation, the company observed a significant shift in their customer’s consumption patterns, resulting in higher overall electricity use. Cobankiat read this as a good sign, saying that residential solar is one of the ways to help customers use more energy, live a better quality of life, and be more productive.
According to the World Bank Group, the Philippines has one of the lowest electric power consumption (in kWh) per capita in Southeast Asia.
Unlike other providers that require an upfront lump sum, Solviva offers a zero-down payment and rent-to-own plan with fixed monthly installments of up to five years. Payment starts 30 days after the installation.
“Hindi mo na kailangan mag-ipon para mag-tipid. You don’t have to save up for the system just to save even more. That’s why we wanted to address the barrier of upfront cost,” Cobankiat said. “The beauty of it is you can have solar panels on your roof, save for an entire month, and use those savings to help pay for your installment in Solviva.”
Solviva’s package also includes end-to-end service, from site assessments to after-sales support, valid for the system’s operational life.
“These big panels on your roof will last about 25 years. What you’re really looking for is a company that’s going to be around for the lifetime of the system,” Cobankiat explained.
Solviva is under 1882 Energy Ventures, the startup and innovation arm of AboitizPower, serving as a direct-to-consumer bridge for clean energy solutions since 2023.
“Utimately, the choice goes back to the customer. Our role is to make options clear, simple, and available,” he added. “Our focus really is on building that relationship and trust with the customer, and shifting the way that we sell to one that’s not just transactional but also one that’s relationship-driven.”
