THE EFFICIENCY OF USING SOLAR ENERGY IN BAGONG

SILANG CALOOCAN CITY

A Research Project presented to

the class of Ms. Serah Mae Antonio

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Subject

Practical Research 1
STEM - APACIBLE
GROUP NUMBER #5

By:
PUERTOLLANO, YLAINE E.
CASTILLEJOS, JANA ROSE A.
JARDER, MARIA SUSANNAH
JUAB, VEA NICOLE
BITE, JAY BHIE B.
ABAD, GEIRLY R.

(02/26/2022)
 INTRODUCTION

Electricity is a good that adds massive value to modern life: from having light at night, to washing
clothes, cooking meals, running machinery, or connecting with people across the world. However, the
fact that it is extremely expensive cannot be ignored. Traditionally, electricity is sourced from fossil
fuels such as coal and natural gas. When fossil fuels are used to generate power, toxic gases are
released, which are the leading source of air pollution and global climate change. Fossil fuels are not
only harmful to the environment, but they are also limited resources. The lack of natural resources
for electricity is also one of the reasons why electric bills increase. The continuous increase in
electricity bills is one of the major issues in the Philippines, especially in the selected phases in
Bagong Silang, Caloocan City. Bagong Silang is known for being the largest baranggay in the whole
country and is also known for having a larger population than any other barangay in Caloocan City.
So, when the population of an area is large, the electricity demand also grows. Due to its increasing
demand and shortage of supply, the price is continually changing and can rise dramatically in a short
period of time. This law is called the Law of Supply and Demand.

Many people are suffering from this kind of issues from then until now and as the years go by it
gets worse. So people are trying to come up to a solution for their problems. Scientists created a
technology that allows consumers to save money on rising electricity prices while simultaneously
preventing them from experiencing a power outage in their location. The device is called solar panel.
Our sunburnt country is the perfect place for solar power, it is clean and renewable source of energy,
Absorbs the sun's rays and converts them into electricity or heat and convert them to power. The sun
provides more than enough energy to meet the entire world’s energy needs, that can be used for
lighting bulb, giving life to the machines and can be used in a different kind of application or
appliances. The purpose of this study is to combat high electricity costs.

As members of the public, the researchers sought to ascertain the impact of using solar power in
Barangay Bagong silang Thus, a phenomenological study on “ THE EFFICIENCY OF USING
SOLAR ENERGY IN BAGONG SILANG CALOOCAN CITY” was carried out.
 THEMATIC REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

According to Nathan L. (2016) The associated hardware of delivering power from solar cells to
homes and businesses, and storing this intermittent resource on the grid, offer R&D opportunities.
Lewis reviews the status of these areas, as well as solar thermal and solar fuels approaches for
harnessing solar energy.

Nathan L. (2016) conducted a research on the opportunities on advance solar energy utilization.
The study’s result showed that Major developments, as well as remaining challenges and the
associated research opportunities, are evaluated for three technologically distinct approaches to solar
energy utilization: solar electricity, solar thermal, and solar fuels technologies. Much progress has
been made, but research opportunities are still present for all approaches. Both evolutionary and
revolutionary technology development, involving foundational research, applied research, learning by
doing, demonstration projects, and deployment at scale will be needed to continue this technology-
innovation ecosystem. Most of the approaches still offer the potential to provide much higher
efficiencies, much lower costs, improved scalability, and new functionality, relative to the
embodiments of solar energy-conversion systems that have been developed to date.

Opportunities also exist to improve the capabilities of concentrated solar power systems that
convert sunlight into heat. Improved thermal storage fluids would provide longer-term storage to
compensate for cloudy days in areas of high direct insolation. Thermoelectrics, in principle, could
replace engines to provide efficient conversion systems that have no moving parts. New
thermochemical cycles could allow for the highly efficient, cost-effective conversion of solar heat into
fuels by promoting endothermic reactions, such as water splitting, carbon dioxide reduction, or
thermochemical conversion of feedstocks, such as methane to high energy-density liquid hydrocarbon
fuels that are needed in the transportation sector.
 According to Nadarajah K., & Divagar V., (2016) World‫׳‬s energy demand is growing fast
because of population explosion and technological advancements. It is therefore important to go for
reliable, cost effective and everlasting renewable energy source for energy demand arising in future.
Solar energy, among other renewable sources of energy, is a promising and freely available energy
source for managing long term issues in energy crisis. Solar industry is developing steadily all over
the world because of the high demand for energy while major energy source, fossil fuel, is limited
and other sources are expensive. It has become a tool to develop economic status of developing
countries and to sustain the lives of many underprivileged people as it is now cost effective after a
long aggressive researches done to expedite its development. The solar industry would definitely be a
best option for future energy demand since it is superior in terms of availability, cost effectiveness,
accessibility, capacity and efficiency compared to other renewable energy sources. The paper
therefore discusses about the need of solar industry with its fundamental concepts, worlds energy
scenario, highlights of researches done to upgrade solar industry, its potential applications and
barriers for better solar industry in future in order to resolve energy crisis.

The development of unique solar power technology is seen as one of several critical options to
meeting the world's growing energy needs. Despite rapid growth in the field of solar technologies,
various technical barriers such as low solar cell efficiencies, low performing balance-of-systems (BOS),
economic barriers (e.g., high upfront costs and a lack of financing mechanisms), and institutional
barriers (e.g., high upfront costs and a lack of financing mechanisms) remain (e.g., inadequate
infrastructure and a shortage of skilled manpower). Kabir E. (2018)

According to Devabhaktuni V., Alam M., Shekara S., Robert C., and Douglas N. who conducted
the study of Solar energy: Trends and enabling technologies. The global demand for energy is
currently growing beyond the limits of installable generation capacity. To meet future energy
demands efficiently, energy security and reliability must be improved and alternative energy sources
must be investigated aggressively.
 An effective energy solution should be able to address long-term issues by utilizing alternative
and renewable energy sources. Of the many available renewable sources of energy, solar energy is
clearly a promising option as it is extensively available. Solar power, especially as it reaches more
competitive levels with other energy sources in terms of cost, may serve to sustain the lives of
millions of underprivileged people in developing countries. Furthermore, solar energy devices can
benefit the environment and economy of developing countries.

This illustrates the need for the utilization of alternative energy sources, evaluates the global
scenario of installed generation systems, reviews technologies underlying various solar powered
devices, and discusses several applications and challenges in this area.

In summary, solar energy is efficient in the area of study. High electricity bill issues are
common among the residents of Bagong Silang, Colocan City, and are clearly linked to poverty. The
researchers believe that the area of Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, is in need of an effective energy
solution. However, in terms of the attitude-behaviour gap, consumers may favour sustainable and
green products, but they may not adopt them due to inconvenience, price concerns, moral norms,
personal beliefs and other factors. Park and Ohm (2014) claim that earlier studies have observed that
individuals' acceptance and intention to use a technology are indirectly affected by their knowledge.
The development of solar energy is seen as one of several critical options to meet the world's
growing energy needs. Based on these findings, researchers consider that the surge in electric bill
issues in barangay Bagong Silang, Caloocan City, does require further attention. There is also a need
for continuous monitoring and interventions that support, promote and conserve energy.
 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The world's energy demand is growing fast because of the population explosion and
technological advancements. It is therefore important to opt for reliable, cost-effective, and
everlasting renewable energy sources for energy demand arising in the future (Nadarajah k. 2016).
This study aimed to understand the contribution of solar energy to sustainable development in the
community and environment. The main objective of this descriptive research is to help people with
the burden of high electric bills that have occurred for a long time up to this day.

The researchers specifically sought answers to the following questions:

1. What are the impressions of the respondents towards the efficiency of using solar energy?

2. How were the respondents convinced on the cost-effectiveness of using solar energy?

3. How may the respondents describe the significant contribution of using solar energy at home?
 SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this descriptive research is to demonstrate the relevance of solar energy and the
significant contribution it can make not just to reducing electricity bills but also to the environment.
This research focuses on the efficiency that solar energy provides to consumers, as well as the
benefits that it will provide to those who use it. The citizens living in the specified phases in the
barangay Bagong Silang who also experience the surge on electricity bills are the subject of this
study.

This research study is limited to residents of Barangay Bagong Silang. The residents from different
phases of this barangay are the only selected respondents that can present their perspectives and
views for this study. This research study will not cover or no longer includes people outside the
barangay since it is too extensive. This research will only be conducted during the first set of the
second semester, which will last around one and a half month. The target population of this research
study is the group of people who are experiencing a high electricity charges living in the Barangay
Bagong Silang, Caloocan City.
 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Electricity is a valuable commodity in today's world, but In reality Electricity is almost always
expensive. An individual or families suffering from high electricity costs are not to disregard.
Particularly now we are in the midst of a crisis where money is hard to earn. Solar energy is a clean
source, non contaminating, inexhaustible and renews itself, and against climate change. Not only it
will save consumers money, but it will also preserve the environment for future generation. This
study aimed to combat high electricity costs and determine the struggles of consumers that lived
through the years of experiencing high electric bills.

The results of the study will be beneficial to the following:

FAMILIES.

Families in Bagong Silang Caloocan, in particular, who suffers from high electric bills will be
informed about how to save money and reduce their electric bill expenses. Since solar energy is clean,
renews itself, and has low maintenance costs, As a result, families will aspire to recognize and solve
these issues. In contrast, this study will help those families facing this type of problem.

COMMUNITY.

This study will benefit the community of Bagong Silang, by providing clean, renewable energy.
Reduces air pollution and water usage and more importantly improves humanity’s health in the long
run.
ENVIRONMENT.

Solar energy has a positive impact not only on individuals but also on the environment because
this sort of energy is necessary for socioeconomic development. An environmentally safe energy
supply is essential.

INDUSTRIES.

The rising cost of electricity is becoming a serious dilemma for certain individuals. As a result,
solar energy is essential for businesses and other industries that require a dependable and secure
energy source to provide a safe and inexpensive electricity supply.

FUTURE RESEARCHERS.

The study’s findings will help researchers understand the impact of high electricity costs issues
in Barangay Bagong silang. As a result, further research in this area would be possible. They will also
have basis and useful reference material in understanding related studies on aspects that were not
yet explored in the study.
 METHODS

This section describes the research methods and procedures used by the researchers to collect

the information needed for the research. It also included the data sources and techniques that

assisted the researchers in conducting this study.

RESEARCH DESIGN

The researchers utilized qualitative research approach of study. According to Vibha, P., Bijayini,
J., Sanjay, K. (2013). Qualitative research focuses in understanding a research query as a humanistic
or idealistic approach. This study focuses on the impact of using solar energy to the citizens of
barangay Bagong Silang.

This study use the phenomenology research design. According to Sokolowski (2000).
Phenomenology is the study of human experience and of the ways things present themselves to us in
and through such experience. The researchers utilize a phenomenology research design because the
purpose of this study is to focus on how solar energy affects the lives of the respondents.
 SAMPLING TECHNIQUE

The researchers utilized purposive sampling technique. Purposive sampling, according to Ashley
Crossman (2020), is a non-probability sample that is chosen based on characteristics of a population
and the objective of the study. Purposive sampling is distinct from convenience sampling and is also
known as judgmental, selective, or subjective sampling. Besides, according to arikunto (2010),
purposive sampling is the method of picking a sample by taking a subject that is not selected based
on the level or area, but rather on the specific purpose.

RESPONDENTS /POPULATION OF THE STUDY

Furthermore, the process is designed so that the participants are the people/family who has
firsthand experience dealing with high electric bill issues. This study used 6 (six) respondents across
the selected phases of bagong silang caloocan city. The Purposive sampling was chosen by the
researchers because they require specific information from each participant. The participants'
qualifications were as follows:

1. The participant must be a resident in Bagong silang, caloocan city.

2. The participant must have had experience with electric bill problems.

3. The participant must have been using solar energy and must have had experience using the
source

The above-mentioned qualifications of the participants ensure that the gathered

perspectives will be proactive in understanding the study being conducted.
 RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION

The researchers utilized interview as a research instrument. This study specifically used semi-

structured interview. According to Tegan George (2022) A semi-structured interview is a data

collection method that relies on asking questions within a predetermined thematic framework.

However, the questions are not set in order or in phrasing. In research, semi-structured interviews

are often qualitative in nature. They are generally used as an exploratory tool in marketing, social

science, survey methodology, and other research fields.

Semi-structured interviews are those in-depth interviews where the respondents have to answer

preset open-ended questions and thus are widely employed by different healthcare professionals in

their research. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews are utilized extensively as interviewing format

possibly with an individual or sometimes even with a group (Corbin J and Morse JM. 2003). Also a

semi-structured interview is a meeting in which the interviewer does not strictly follow a formalized

list of questions (Allison Doyle 2020).

The researchers conducted a individual interview, the interviewer ask certain questions and collects

the information from the participants. The researchers chose zoom as a data collection method

because its relative ease of use, cost-effectiveness, data management features and security options.

Further research exploring the utility of zoom is recommended in order to critically assess and

advance innovations in online methods. ( Archibald, Ambagtsheer, Casey, Lawless 2019), The

researchers and participants make it easier and smoother as they use this method.
 DATA GATHERING AND ANALYSIS PROCEDURE

The Researchers’ first step was to look for the target respondents. The researchers choose

bagong silang, caloocan city, because it is convenient since the researchers are also residents in the

said location. The researchers made research questionnaires. After it was approved by the research

adviser, the researchers start to collect and gather data. Researchers use both online interview and

face to face interview allowing the researchers to gather detailed information. After the respondents

answer the surveys, the researchers tally the answers and finalized the gathered data. The raw data

that have been gathered as part of the research study and use it to provide explanations,

understanding, and interpretations of the study.

 RESULTS AND ANALYSIS
This chapter discusses the result of the semi-structured questionnaire responded by 6

participants. Responses, data processing, and interpretations are carried out. Furthermore, the

respondents have also been given the assurance that all the gathered data will only be used for the

purpose of the research and the identities of the respondents will be confidential.

Research question: What are the impressions of the respondents towards the efficiency of
using solar energy?

Theme: The impressions of the respondents towards the efficiency of using solar energy.

Explanation: Solar panels are those devices that are used to absorb the sun's rays and convert
them into electricity or heat. A solar panel is a collection of solar (or photovoltaic) cells, which
can be used to generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect. These cells are arranged in
a grid-like pattern on the surface of solar panels. Solar panels are usually able to process 15%
to 22% of solar energy into usable energy, depending on factors like placement, orientation,
weather conditions, and similar. The amount of sunlight that solar panel systems can convert
into actual electricity is called performance, and the outcome determines the solar panel
efficiency.

The residents of Bagong Silang, Caloocan City which uses solar panel share their
experiences about the efficiency of solar energy in their households. They share the reasons
why they put and invest in solar panels in their own home, some of them said that the reason
for using solar panels is to reduce the high maintenance of electricity bills and some are for
emergency purposes. One of the participants said that electricity costs can make up a large
portion of your monthly expenses. All of the participants have good reviews about using solar
panels. All the participants stated that solar energy is worth investing in and helpful in
lessening the maintenance of electricity. Some of the participants said that solar panels can
also be used in times of emergency like brownout or power outage
 A rising number of houses prefer to install solar panels in their own home to help lessen
their energy costs. The respondents in bagong silang , caloocan city are joyful in placing solar
energy in their own home, and was said to be worth it and efficient. Solar allows them to save
costs on electricity and be an alternative way for emergency purposes. This growing world of
technology and development has made the possibility of using the abundant form of energy in
different technological beneficial way.

Research question: How were the respondents convinced on the cost-effectiveness of using
solar energy?

Theme: The cost -effectiveness of using solar energy

Explanation: High electricity charges are one of the reason why residents of Bagong Silang are
convinced on installing solar panels. Solar panels are one of the most significant ways to save
money and reduce electricity bills. Another factor is the significant function of solar panels in
emergencies such as brownouts, which are common and consistent in other phases in Bagong
Silang. Solar panels, according to several residents, would be a major assistance in this
circumstances.

Most of the respondents in this research study stated that having a solar panel caused
them to have an affordable electricity bill. The reduction in their electricity bills is huge and the
big advantage of these residents is that, they have solar panels which is essential especially
during the brown out seasons in their respective phases. Solar energy has numerous
advantages, especially since it will no longer be a source of financial problem. Solar panels can
help you save a lot of money, especially if you own a business.
 Many residents of Bagong Silang have invested in solar panels because they believe it
would help them save money on their electricity bills. Solar panel installation is a great
investment it is beneficial for people who have serious difficulties with their electricity bills, and
having a solar panel is the primary Solution for this. Many residents of Bagong Silang are
dealing with high electricity bills, therefore solar panels are a must-have for them. Aside from
the usual benefits to daily life, it's a good idea to invest in a reliable and economical supply of
electricity.

Research question: How may the respondents describe the significant contribution of using
solar energy at home?

Theme: The respondents description about the significant contribution of using solar energy at
home.

Explanation: Solar power is self-sufficient, safe and easy path to contribute to a sustainable
future. Solar power is a great way to reduce carbon footprint. There’s nothing about solar
power that pollutes mother nature. It is important to opt for reliable, cost-effective, and
everlasting renewable energy source.

All participants acknowledge solar energy as efficient, beneficial, important, and

sustainable. Participant describe solar as convenient, simple to use and maintain, a good
investment and environmentally friendly. Solar can help you save money on electricity; if you
earn less on average, Solar energy is a helpful solution to lessen electricity consumption.
 Considering the geographic location, it would be an excellent site for greater solar
energy integration, and aside from that it will help the residents save money and the
community as well will benefit through environmentally sustainable energy. Solar energy will
not just benefit the households alone by saving money from electricity bills in the long run, but
just one home installing a solar energy system has immeasurable effect on the environment,
by reducing the demand of fossil fuels and limiting the greenhouse gas emissions.

All the participants strongly recommend others to use solar energy at home. As it has
a lot of advantages and helps sustain energy needs. Given the current situation of the world, it
is therefore crucial to reduce the use of fossil fuels and opt for renewable energy sources. As
the climate is drastically changing. Based on the experience of the respondents, the use of
solar energy on their own home is beneficial, and effectively cope with the burden of high
electricity bills.
 DISCUSSIONS
The research study aims to find out about the people at Bagong Silang, Caloocan City who had
first-hand experience of high electricity bills and as well as the changes in their bills as they started
using solar energy at home.

The research addressed the following issues or questions: First, What are the impressions of the
respondents towards the efficiency of using solar energy?; Second, How were the respondents
convinced of the cost-effectiveness of using solar energy?; Third, How may the respondents describe
the significant contribution of using solar energy at home?

The study hypothesized that “There is a significant contribution to the efficiency of using solar
energy in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City.”

CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS
Based on the data collected, many respondents believed that solar energy may help reduce
electricity bills. Respondents added that it would be ideal if the country with hot weather will
implement the use of solar energy since solar energy is powered by the sun. In addition to that, solar
energy keeps the environment free from other ecological systems and will create a more sustainable
power source. Furthermore investigation into the efficiency of solar energy, participants conclude that
solar energy is an investment that will help reduce electricity consumption in a home as well as
benefit the environment and will make a valuable contribution to every country, particularly in the
current issues related to energy. By reducing the demand for fossil fuels, limiting greenhouse gas
emissions, and lowering personal carbon footprint, solar energy helps to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions. In truth, even a single home with a solar power system has an immeasurable
environmental impact.

The efficiency of solar energy, according to respondents, was quite advantageous, and the
cost-effectiveness of lowering electricity bills was well worth it. They also stated that solar energy is
extremely beneficial to our country, particularly in terms of high electricity bills.
 SYMBOLIC REPRESENTATION

The illustration represent the results that researchers gathered from the respondents. The sun

shines all over the world, making solar electricity viable anywhere. Solar energy is expected to

become increasingly attractive as a renewable energy source because of its inexhaustible supply and

its nonpolluting character. If suitably harnessed, this highly diffused source has the potential to

satisfy all future energy needs. Solar energy is sustainable, cost-effective, helps the environment,

cruel and toxin free.

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