Arlene and Jem Coquia, owners of a Kumon Center in Marikina, made the switch to solar in May 2025 through our Rent-to-Own program. We recently visited them to hear about their experience and find out how much they’re already saving on electricity.
What made you interested in switching to Solar?
Managing a Kumon Center requires operating at least 4 air conditioners. This is one of my biggest expenses. And I’ve been noticing since 2021, the electricity bill just keeps on getting higher and higher, so I wanted to install solar panels to help me reduce my electricity costs.
When we visited developed countries, we always saw solar panels in residential areas. Siguro, this was around high school or college. I made it my life goal na mag-install sana ng solar panels in our houses.
How did you come across Solviva? And what made you decide to switch with us?
Arlene: I was very happy when my dear friend and colleague, Teacher Cynthia Austria of Kumon Pasig, introduced me to Solviva and said, “Teacher, somebody from Solviva will call you.” And true enough, the following day, Faye from Solviva called me and immediately, an appointment was set.
Jem: Since Mom was actively searching for solar panels since last year, I also did my own search through social media and Google. Actually, I researched around 10 companies. Most of them required a 20–50% down payment, 25% upon delivery of the materials, and the remaining balance upon turnover.
“But with Solviva, it’s a one-year payment scheme with monthly payments, no interest as well—so it was the most affordable option out there, and of course, great service.”
Yung ibang na-message ko, they got back to me with proposals after one week, even one month—so matagal yung customer service nila, unlike Solviva. So, very happy kami with the service.
How was your overall experience with Solviva? From start to finish, from consultation, installation, after-sales?
"Solviva made sure that the whole process was very easy"
Arlene:
Being a senior citizen, it’s very difficult for me to understand the technical terms, but Faye and even the project engineer, Ianah, made it easy for me to understand. They were very patient in explaining everything—from the initial meeting to the proposal to the preparation of the documents. It was a breeze. Other companies would tell us, “Do you have a messenger who can do the legwork?” or “Go to the LGU.” But with Solviva, it was, “Ma’am, these are all the documents you need. We’ll do all the legwork.” So I could proceed with my job. There was no time lost in preparing all the documents.
Solviva staff made it easy for me to get the panels installed. As soon as the documents were submitted, the panels were delivered in two days. The following day, they were installed. Even during the installation, I was updated. They were sending videos in real time.
Jem:
It’s very difficult to self-study solar. Ang daming technical terms that, honestly, I found difficult to understand. When we had a meeting with Solviva, the terms were made simpler to understand. Wala masyadong technical terms. So it’s really good servicing.
Have you noticed any changes with your electricity bill or your home lifestyle when you switched to Solar?
"There's a big difference . Last month, prior to to the installation of the solar panels, our electricity bill was at ₱22,000. I just got my Meralco bill after the installation, and it’s down to ₱14,000, so that’s an ₱8,000 saving for us."
My teachers, as well as my students, are now in a very comfortable learning environment. It has become more conducive for them, especially since they travel from their homes, maybe 30 minutes away, to the center. Usually, it’s very hot when they arrive, but now, as soon as they step inside, they feel the comfort because I’ve already turned on the aircon. I’m no longer afraid to turn on all the air conditioners because we’re already enjoying huge savings from the solar panels.
Would you recommend Solviva to others? Why?
Jem:
We highly recommend Solviva because of their good client servicing, fast turnover, and fast processing of documents. After the installation, I automatically posted about the experience on my socials because I was happy. It was actually the first time we were excited to see our Meralco bill, just to compare the “before solar” and “after solar” amounts.
Arlene:
“ Highly recommended to all my friends and relatives. If you are in need of solar panels, I highly recommend Solviva. All their staff are highly knowledgeable, skilled, and very patient in explaining. They made it very easy to own solar panels.”
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