Since launching, Solviva has helped Filipino homeowners take control of their energy through residential solar panel systems designed for real-life needs. But the road to making solar energy in the Philippines more accessible hasn't been straightforward. In this blog, we speak with Coby Cobankiat, Marketing Head of Solviva, about the pivots, customer learnings, and bold ambitions behind the venture–and how it's helping bring decentralized energy to more Filipino homes.

What originally inspired Solviva, and what problem were you trying to solve?

Coby: Solviva is and has always been committed to empowering Filipino households by helping them spend less on electricity. The big problem we’re trying to solve is that electricity in the Philippines is expensive. Solar energy is a seemingly obvious remedy because it makes electricity less expensive. And yet why doesn’t every Filipino household have it yet? This leads me to the problem we’re trying to solve right now, which is access to solar. Our current obsession is making each household’s switch to solar as easy, simple, and affordable as possible. The recent launch of our rent-to-own solar offering is just the first of many steps towards solving both the big problem and the problem right now. 

Once you started engaging with customers, what did you learn?

Coby: Solar isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. When you ask for a quotation from any solar company, most will design a system that lets you save 50% off electricity bill. So would we, especially for customers focused on ROI. But we’ve learned that motivations vary. Every household has its own goals, budget, and definition of value. That’s why we take the time to understand these factors and work closely with each customer to find the right solution for them. They aren’t investing in the stock market. They’re investing in how their lives could change if electricity became more affordable. 

You eventually shifted to a Rent-to-Own model. What led to that decision?

Coby: The biggest barrier to solar is the upfront cost. Every month that passes without solar is a missed opportunity to save. We don’t believe that you have to save up to start saving. ‘Di mo dapat kailangan mag-ipon para magtipid. We launched our Rent-to-Own solar offering to make it possible for you to start saving with solar on your roof even before making a single payment. With zero down payment and up to five years to pay, you have the flexibility to choose the plan that works best for your situation. We hope this can help a lot of people. 

What have been your most important learnings so far?

Coby: For most people exploring solar for the first time, it can feel overwhelming. But it shouldn’t be. That’s why we’re focused on making the switch as simple and easy as possible. You don’t need to be a solar expert. That’s what our team is for. One of our biggest learnings is that it’s not about having the flashiest sales pitch. It’s about being able to answer every question a customer has with honesty and clarity. This reinforces our role, which is to be the trusted guide for each household through their solar journey, every step of the way.

What does success look like for Solviva in the next few years?

Coby: If I had a wishlist for where I see us in a few years, here are the non-negotiables. I’d love for us to help even more Filipino households take control of their electricity through solar. For the customers who took the leap and trusted us, I want them to feel like they scored a bargain. Not just from the savings but from everything we build for them long after the installation. And I hope we create a culture that is truly customer-obsessed–one that never stops learning, improving, and finding better ways to serve our customers.

How does Solviva support 1882’s mission to decentralize energy?

Coby: Solar is like having a personal power plant on your roof. Each household is empowered to generate its own electricity, lower electricity bills, and reduce reliance on the grid. The decentralization of energy is all about putting the control back in the hands of Filipino households. 

At the same time, Solviva plays a key role in 1882’s broader mission by translating this big idea into something tangible and real for everyday families. Through our Rent-to-Own model and customer-first approach, we’re proving that decentralized energy doesn’t have to stay at the level of policy or infrastructure. It can start at home–with a rooftop, a solar panel, and a household finally in control of their power.

Any advice for homeowners still unsure about switching to solar?

Coby: If you’re unsure, you’re not alone. Our job is to make your switch to solar as easy and hassle-free as possible. Don’t hesitate to reach out. One of our solar experts can even visit your home for a free site assessment and answer any questions you have. You can also check out our website and blog, where we break down just what you need to know about solar, nothing more. 

Changing the Way Filipinos Experience Power

Solviva continues to grow with the belief that access to clean, stable energy shouldn’t be limited by income or geography. With a model built on trust, education, and flexibility, the team hopes to change the way Filipinos experience power–literally.

Learn more at www.solvivaenergy.com.