Top 7 Philippine Power Payment Options
In 2025, the conversation in the Philippines has shifted from "Can I afford solar?" to "How should I pay for solar?"
Years ago, you needed a bag of cash to get panels on your roof. Today, financial institutions, fintech apps, and even the government are fighting to lend you money for renewable energy. They finally realized what we’ve known all along: a solar system is an asset that pays for itself, not a toy that loses value.
Whether you are a cash-rich saver or a monthly-budget warrior, there is a payment structure that fits your wallet. Here are the top 7 options to pay for your own power plant in the Philippines today.
1. Cold Hard Cash (The ROI King)
If you have the liquidity, Cash is still King.
Paying upfront gives you the fastest Return on Investment (ROI). Most installers in the Philippines offer a Cash Discount ranging from 5% to 10% off the total contract price.
Why it wins: No interest, no processing fees, and immediate ownership.
The Math: If a 5kW system costs ₱250,000 cash, and you save ₱9,000/month, your payback period is roughly 3.5 years.
Best for: Homeowners with savings who want to maximize their long-term savings.
To see exactly how much faster cash pays back compared to loans, check our detailed solar ROI guide.
2. Pag-IBIG Home Improvement Loan
For the lowest interest rates in the market, look at the Pag-IBIG Fund.
Their Home Improvement Loan covers the installation of solar panels as a valid construction purpose.
Interest Rate: As low as 5.75% per annum (1-year fixing) or 6.25% (3-year fixing).
Terms: Up to 30 years (though we recommend capping it at 5–7 years).
The Catch: It requires a Real Estate Mortgage. You must surrender your land title (TCT) as collateral, and processing can take 1–3 months.
If you are already an existing Pag-IBIG housing loan borrower, this is the smartest "top-up" you can make.
Read our step-by-step Pag-IBIG solar application guide before you line up at the branch.
3. Bank "Green Loans" (BPI & Security Bank)
Commercial banks have aggressively entered the chat with specialized "Solar Mortgage" products.
Security Bank: Offers a "Solar Mortgage" that allows you to top up your existing home loan or take out a new one specifically for panels. Rates hover around 7.00% to 8.50%.
BPI: Offers a "Green Loan" or "Solar Mortgage" often bundled with partners like Helios. They offer terms up to 7 years with rates around 7%.
Why choose this over Pag-IBIG? Speed. Banks can approve these loans in 5–10 banking days if your credit is good.
Compare the current offers in our solar bank loan comparison.
4. Solar Leasing (Rent-to-Own)
This model is gaining traction for homeowners who want "Zero Down" without a bank loan. Companies like Solviva offer a Rent-to-Own (RTO) model.
How it works: You pay a fixed monthly fee (e.g., ₱7,800) for 5 years.
Ownership: The company owns the system during the lease. You own it after the last payment.
The Benefit: It often includes maintenance and performance guarantees during the lease period.
The Downside: The total cost is higher than a bank loan due to the baked-in premium.
5. GCash / GGives (The Fintech Option)
In a massive move for accessibility, GCash has partnered with solar integrators like Helios to offer solar financing via GGives.
The Offer: Promos like the "Triple Zero Solar Starter Package" (0% interest, 0 down, 0 fees) have been rolled out for qualified users.
The Limit: GGives limits usually cap at ₱125,000 or lower depending on your GScore, meaning this is best for smaller systems (1kW–3kW) or as a partial payment method.
It’s the easiest approval process—no land titles, no income tax returns, just your GScore.
6. Credit Card Installments (0% Interest*)
The standard for the middle class. Most Tier 1 installers offer 12, 24, or 36-month installment plans via BDO, Metrobank, or BPI credit cards.
The "0% Interest" Warning: Always ask for the "Cash Price" vs. the "Installment Price." Often, the installment price is 8–12% higher. That markup is the interest.
Convenience: Swipe and sign. No collateral needed.
See our breakdown of installer in-house financing vs. credit cards to see if the convenience fee is worth it.
7. Home Credit (For Budget Setups)
If you are buying a small off-grid kit, a portable power station, or a solar appliance from a mall (like SM Appliance or Abenson), Home Credit is the go-to.
Process: Fast approval in-store with just 1 valid ID.
Best For: Solar air conditioners, standalone solar generators, or small hardware store kits.
Rates: Interest rates can be high if you don't catch a 0% promo, so read the fine print carefully.
Conclusion
The "I can't afford it" excuse is expiring.
Want the best savings? Pay Cash.
Want the lowest rate? Go Pag-IBIG.
Want speed and scale? Go Bank Loan.
Want zero hassle? Go Leasing or Credit Card.
The electricity bill isn't going away. The only choice you have is whether you pay Meralco forever, or pay yourself for 5 years and enjoy free power after that.
For a side-by-side look at the numbers, check our ultimate solar loan comparison.