Solar Power at Balihao
Renewable energy operates our entire resort, learn more about our solar system
At Balihao Resort, we’re committed to living lightly on this beautiful island. Thanks to the Philippines’ mostly sunny climate, renewable energy just makes sense—and solar power is at the heart of how we operate. Our resort is powered by 72 solar panels and 12 high-capacity batteries, designed to supply energy to the entire property and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
We’re proud to operate one of the most advanced solar systems in Camiguin. That said, nature always has the final word. Camiguin’s electricity comes via underwater cables from Mindanao, which makes island-wide power outages fairly common and, unfortunately, unavoidable. While our solar system significantly improves our resilience, it still works in connection with the local grid—especially during extended periods of bad weather—so we’re not entirely invincible.
Our battery system provides reliable backup power for quite some time, depending on overall consumption, meaning that we would still have significant power during island wide grid outages for longer periods. During these moments, we consciously save energy so we can continue operating comfortably. And if an outage does occur, there’s truly nothing to worry about. We invite you to slow down, unplug for a moment, and do what Camiguin does best—look up, breathe deep, and enjoy the stars.
Handled with care by our team of women, preparing our solar panels for installation.
Frequently asked Questions from Guests
If you still sometimes experience power outages, why not just install a generator?
We chose not to install a generator because it doesn’t align with the experience and values we want to offer at Balihao. Generators are typically loud and can disrupt the quiet, restful atmosphere of the resort—especially at night. They also rely on fuel, which is neither environmentally friendly nor in harmony with our commitment to renewable energy.
In addition, generators are not a complete solution: they usually power only limited areas and appliances, and their reliability depends heavily on fuel availability and maintenance. When we weighed these factors, the investment didn’t make sense for us. Instead, we chose to invest heavily in a robust solar and battery system that supports sustainability, comfort, and a more peaceful guest experience.
What happens at night when there is no sun?
During the day, the solar panels generate electricity and any excess energy is stored in our battery system. This stored energy is then used to power the property during the night. If additional electricity is needed, the system automatically draws power from the main grid to ensure a continuous supply. And should a grid power outage occur, the batteries automatically back us up until the grid or sun returns.
What happens when it’s cloudy or raining?
Even during cloudy weather, the solar panels continue to generate power and charge our battery system—often more than people expect. Should this not be sufficient, the local grid quietly supplements the system to ensure a steady and reliable supply of electricity.
Battery power is low, grid is off and there is a power outage. What do we do?
There’s no need to worry. The grid will come back and most importantly, the sun will come back. During island wide outages, we simply ask guests to use electricity mindfully so the batteries last as long as possible. If there are any limitations, our team will let you know. Otherwise, it’s a lovely moment to slow down and enjoy the quieter side of island life.