IECEP KSA-ERC Hosts Technical Webinar on the Role of ECE Professionals in Advancing Solar PV Systems

May 8, 2026, | IECEP KSA-ERC HQ, Al-Khobar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Philippines – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Eastern Region Chapter (IECEP KSA-ERC) successfully conducted a comprehensive technical webinar on May 8, 2026, titled “Power Electronics -The Role of ECE Professionals in the Advancement of Solar PV Systems in the Philippines.”

Held via Zoom from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (KSA), the event brought together participants from the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, IECEP regional chapters, government agencies, student organizations, and professionals from the growing solar energy sector.

The program formally opened with invocation, national anthems, and the IECEP Hymn, followed by a welcome message from Engr. Kelvin F. Cano, Vice Governor–Internal of IECEP-KSA-ERC. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the technical competencies of Filipino engineers, particularly in emerging fields such as renewable energy and power electronics.

Mr. Troi Oberio, Chairman for Ways and Means, introduced the resource speaker, highlighting his extensive contributions to the profession.

The webinar featured Engr. Mark Philip G. Fernandez, PECE, a seasoned industry expert with over 25 years of experience in telecommunications, ICT, cybersecurity, and solar energy. As the founding chairman of the IECEP Power Electronics Society and an active member of IEC TC82 Working Groups on Solar Photovoltaic Energy Systems, Engr. Fernandez provided an authoritative and in-depth discussion on the critical role of power electronics in modern solar PV applications.

In his presentation, Engr. Fernandez underscored that power electronics serves as the “heart” of solar PV systems, enabling efficient energy conversion, regulation, and monitoring.

He explained the functions of DC–DC converters, MPPT charge controllers, inverters, and battery energy storage systems (BESS), emphasizing their importance in ensuring system reliability and maximizing energy yield.

He also presented a detailed overview of intelligent PV system architecture, covering smart monitoring, grid interaction, protection mechanisms, and communication technologies that support modern renewable energy infrastructures.

A significant portion of the webinar focused on the Philippine solar energy landscape. Engr. Fernandez noted the country’s 3.9 GW installed solar capacity, the rapid expansion of rooftop solar installations, and the increasing adoption of net-metering programs, with Meralco reporting more than 20,000 registered net-metering customers. He highlighted how these developments create new opportunities for electronics engineers to contribute to national energy sustainability efforts.

The speaker also outlined the responsibilities of ECE professionals across protocol, system, and component levels, emphasizing their role in design, documentation, operation, maintenance, and compliance with national and international standards.

He further discussed grounding and bonding practices, common installation errors, and the importance of adhering to the Philippine Electrical Code to ensure safety and system integrity.

A dynamic Q&A session followed, moderated by Engr. Jeffrey A. Conciso, allowing participants to engage directly with the speaker on technical and regulatory concerns.

Engr. Conciso also led the awarding of a Certificate of Appreciation to Engr. Fernandez for sharing his expertise.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Engr. Teofilo C. Bitoon Jr., Governor of IECEP KSA-ERC, who commended the participants for their active involvement and reaffirmed the chapter’s commitment to delivering high-quality professional development programs.

The chapter continues to uphold its mission of empowering Filipino electronics engineers worldwide through continuous learning, technical excellence, and global professional engagement.