SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Empower Tomorrow: Clean Energy for Everyone, Everywhere! 

LIGHT UP OUR WORLD WITH PV CELLS
Solar PhotoVoltaic Cells installed at College of Computer Studies (CCS) 

The Solar photovoltaic cells were installed at the College of Computer Studies since 15 December 2016 and until now maintained by the university. Figure 1 shows installed photographed PV cells with a total initial energy generation of Figure 2 from three string inverters Figure 3. 

Figure 1: 80 kW Solar PV System Installed in the College of Computer Studies

Figure 3: 3x 33 kW Grid Tied String Converters for the Solar PV Panels 

Figure 2 : Initial Energy Generation of the three-phase Grid Tied Solar PV System 

The project cost of the CCS Solar PV System is about PhP 8 million pesos. As of 20 November 2023, the total energy generation of CCS Solar PV System [Figure 4] reached to 678,963 kWh.  At PhP11.50/kWh, the total Solar PV installation is translated to PhP 7, 808,074.00. Using an emission factor from the grid electricity of 0.55 kg/kWh, our CCS PV system has a carbon footprint savings of about 373,430 kg CO2 since its commission date on December 15, 2016.

Figure 4 : Solar PV Energy Generation per Inverter

The CCS Solar PV System almost break even with a payback period of about 7 years. This means that starting 2024, our PV system will already be earning for the Institute. The high payback period of 7 years is due to lack of maintenance of the Solar PV System Figure 5. In the figure, dust accumulating in the solar panels resulted to lower PV energy generation.

Figure 5: Status of 80 KW CCS Solar PV System as of November 2023

GO GREEN, TAKE A BREAK : NO MOTOR VEHICLE WEDNESDAY
MSU-IIT implements No-Vehicle Wednesday every first Wednesday of the Month 

MSU-IIT joins the global effort to reach net zero by implementing no motor vehicles every Wednesday starting July 5, 2023.
In a memorandum issued by Chancellor Ditucalan on June 27, 2023, university constituents and guests are encouraged to walk or use human-powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles and pedicabs) or solar/electric-powered vehicles during “No Motor Vehicle Day.” Privately-owned vehicles that use fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel will not be allowed entry into the campus during this day.

The memorandum specifies the vehicles exempted from this policy, as follows:
1. Hybrid and electric vehicles;
2. Emergency service vehicles (e.g., ambulances, fire trucks, barangay patrol vehicles, and other similar vehicles) when necessary during emergencies;
3. Vehicles carrying elderly and sickly persons, including persons with disabilities (PWDs); and
4. University vehicles during major campus events and when ferrying visitors.

Previously, the University has implemented a BOR-approved “Vehicle-Free Day” every first Wednesday of the month per BOR Resolution No. 306, s. 2019 with its implementing rules and regulations promulgated by Special Order No. 2690, s. 2019. With the urgent call to reduce CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030 and attain net zero by 2050 as resolved in the Paris Agreement in 2015, MSU-IIT strengthens its climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives by increasing the number of motor vehicle-free days in the campus

CLEAN ENERGY TECH : POWERING A SUSTAINABLE CAMPUS
MSU-IIT'S Clean Energy Technology

ILPI Personnel Visited College of Computer Studies

REC Meter Installed at College of Computer Studies as of November 20, 2023 

In April of 2022, personnel from Iligan Light and Power Inc. (ILPI ) Figure 1 visited the College of Computer Studies to know the status of the Solar PV System for a possible installation of REC meters as part of the government effort on advocating clean energy and energy efficiency. REC Meter is a bi-directional meter for renewable energy facilities registered in the RE Market (REM).  With REC meters, distribution utilities can report to the Energy Regulatory Commission on the Renewable Energy Capacities under their franchise area of which MSU-IIT is a customer.

In the first quarter of 2023, the REC meter Figure 2 was installed and registered a total of 4978 kWh of energy generation as of November 20, 2023. The REC meter is the concrete proof of the support of MSU-IIT through ILPI in advocating renewable energy initiatives of the Philippine government.