The Mindanao Goes Solar initiative is decentralizing its outreach this year, transitioning from a few large-scale summits to a multi-city “Solar Caravan” designed to bring renewable energy solutions directly to local consumers.
This strategic shift addresses the practical challenges of rising travel expenses and the growing demand for residential rooftop solar. By bringing smaller, targeted trade fairs to various urban centers, the program ensures that residents do not have to travel long distances to access reliable information or interface with industry experts.
Instead of requiring consumers and suppliers to converge in one or two major cities, the caravan’s solar trade fairs are now being brought to them,” organizers shared. “This allows more communities across Mindanao to engage with solar solutions directly, especially as transportation costs continue to rise.”
Vetted Suppliers Drive Consumer Confidence
Central to the caravan’s mission is the Mindanao Goes Solar supplier directory. The result of years of rigorous verification, this directory serves as a safeguard for the public. It includes only installers and suppliers who have undergone thorough due diligence, including the validation of business permits, operational history, and service coverage.
Participation in the caravan is strictly limited to these verified entities, with exhibitors selected based on their active presence in the host city. This localized approach guarantees that consumers are connected with legitimate providers capable of offering long-term after-sales support.
Organizers noted that the directory was developed after early studies showed that many solar installers in Mindanao were informal or short-lived operations, leaving customers with limited after-sales options. The directory and the expos together aim to professionalize the solar industry in the region while protecting consumers.
To further support the local industry, organizers are waiving rental and exhibition fees for participating suppliers. This initiative helps offset the high logistics and equipment costs often faced by Mindanao-based enterprises, positioning the expos as both an educational hub and a vital market-access platform.
Strategic Partnership with SM Malls
The 2026 caravan will utilize SM Malls as primary venues, chosen for their high foot traffic and existing commitment to sustainability. Many of these locations already utilize solar power, providing a practical backdrop for the events.
By hosting these fairs in high-traffic retail environments, suppliers can engage with a broader demographic, including everyday shoppers who might not have otherwise sought out renewable energy information. Exhibitors will showcase physical equipment—such as panels, inverters, and battery systems—to demystify the components of a standard solar installation.
2026 Caravan Schedule
The Mindanao Goes Solar Caravan has confirmed the following dates and locations:
- Cagayan De Oro City (Post-Earth Day): April 24–26 at SM City CDO Uptown and SM CDO Downtown Premier.
- Davao City (World Solar Day Weekend): May 1–3 at SM City Davao and SM Lanang.
- Regional Simultaneous Events (World Sustainability Day): October 23–25 at SM City Butuan, SM City Gensan, and SM City Zamboanga.
For more information and inquiries, interested parties may visit Mindanao Goes Solar Movement on Facebook.
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