The Grid Revolution: Solar is Now 'Anytime' Electricity as Battery Costs Plummet!

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

A monumental shift is reshaping the global energy landscape: the once-prohibitive cost of battery storage has collapsed, making dispatchable solar—solar power available day and night—an economic reality. New analysis from the energy think tank Ember reveals that dramatic price drops in 2025 have confirmed batteries are now cheap enough to transform cheap daytime solar into reliable, anytime electricity.

This is a game-changer for countries with soaring electricity demand and abundant solar resources.

The New Benchmark: $65/MWh Levelised Cost of Storage (LCOS)

Ember's assessment, based on recent auction results from markets like Saudi Arabia, India, and Italy, shows the Levelised Cost of Storage (LCOS) has fallen to just $65/MWh as of October 2025, in markets outside of the US and China.

This groundbreaking LCOS is driven by a stunning reduction in the total cost to build a utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS):

Total Project Capital Expenditure (CAPEX): An all-in cost of just $125/kWh for long-duration (4 hours or more) utility-scale BESS projects.

Core Equipment Cost: The core equipment, mainly sourced from China, costs around $75/kWh. This covers the BESS enclosures, Power Conversion System (PCS), and Energy Management System (EMS).

Installation & Connection: Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services and grid connection typically add approximately $50/kWh.

More Than Just Cheaper Batteries

While the cost of battery equipment saw a 40% fall in 2024 and is on track for another major decline in 2025, the dramatic drop in LCOS is not solely due to cheaper hardware. Modern battery performance is far superior, with key improvements contributing to the sharp decline in storage costs:

Longer Lifetime

Modern Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) technology enables a 20-year standard design life, which alone reduces the LCOS by approximately $20/MWh.

Higher Efficiency

Round-trip, AC-to-AC efficiencies are now typically 90%, cutting an estimated $5/MWh off the LCOS compared to older models.

Lower Project Risk

Increased safety and the shift from high-risk merchant revenue models to lower-risk auction models have lowered the cost of capital from 10% to 7%, saving around $10/MWh.

Taken together, these performance and financing improvements have reduced the LCOS by over a third—from an estimated $100/MWh to $65/MWh—even before accounting for falling battery prices.

The Economic Case for Dispatchable Solar

The $65/MWh LCOS means that turning intermittent solar energy into reliable, dispatchable power is stunningly cheap:

The Cost to Store: Shifting 50% of a day’s solar generation to cover night-time demand adds only $33/MWh to the total cost of solar.

Total Dispatchable Cost: Using the 2024 global average solar price of $43/MWh, the resulting total cost of dispatchable solar is just $76/MWh.

"Solar is no longer just cheap daytime electricity; with storage, it becomes dispatchable, anytime electricity," said Kostantsa Rangelova, Global Electricity Analyst at Ember.

This makes dispatchable solar competitive with, and often cheaper and quicker than, building a new gas power plant, especially in countries reliant on costly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports. The pairing of solar and batteries provides a scalable, secure, and affordable foundation that is on track to meet much of the world’s future energy demand growth over the next decade.

Igniting the Nation's Engine: SM and Jobstreet Power the MSME Summit 2025

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

The heart of the Philippines' economy beat stronger on November 25, 2025, as a powerful collaboration between Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines and SM Supermalls culminated in the highly successful MSME Summit 2025. Held at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, the event gathered a dynamic crowd of entrepreneurs, industry titans, and key stakeholders, all united by a singular mission: to empower and accelerate Filipino Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

A Shared Vision for National Growth

The summit served as a vibrant testament to the shared commitment of Jobstreet and SM Supermalls to foster sustainable growth for the nation's backbone industries.

Ms. Dannah Majarocon, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK Philippines, underscored the summit's critical goal: supporting MSMEs as the undeniable driving force of the Philippine economy.

Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing of SM Supermalls, delivered a profoundly inspirational message, reinforcing SM's unwavering support for Filipino entrepreneurs.

"SM is not just a venue—it’s a partner in every MSME’s success story," stated San Agustin. He added, "When MSMEs grow, the nation grows. Every small business that thrives represents a dream realized, a livelihood sustained, and a community strengthened".

SM's own journey, from a small shoe store in Carriedo to a massive presence with 88 malls nationwide, echoes the spirit of its MSME partners. San Agustin highlighted that almost 70% of SM's tenants are MSMEs, cementing their success as the very foundation of SM's continued growth. Through the SM for MSMEs program, the company actively provides essential support, including high-foot-traffic retail spaces, crucial market access, and visibility to help entrepreneurs scale sustainably.

The Blueprint for Scaling: Key Learning Sessions

The MSME Summit delivered an arsenal of practical knowledge through powerful key sessions designed to address the most urgent needs of small businesses. Attendees received game-changing insights across crucial business pillars:

Talent and Hiring: Participants learned how to scale their first hire from Mr. Henry Jose “Joey” Yusingco of Jobstreet.

Technology and Innovation: Ms. Arlynne Roa-Awayan of Asia Pacific College led a session exploring AI applications for small businesses.

Logistics and Operations: Experts from Lalamove PH, 2GO Travel, and DITO BizBayan provided essential guidance on logistics and operations.

Ms. Flor Tanay of Lalamove PH, Mr. Francis John Cha of 2GO Travel, and Mr. Gabriel Cui of DITO of BizBayan specifically presented logistics and digital solutions designed to help MSMEs scale.

Marketing: Ms. Life Dawn Cervero of TikTok guided attendees on mastering smart marketing on a budget.

Finance Hacks: A high-profile panel featuring partners from BDO, Maya, RCBC, BanKo, and Asialink shared vital finance hacks for achieving sustainable growth.

The atmosphere was further electrified by real-life inspiration, including success stories like that of Kay & Karl Santos of 1919 Chocolate, who shared their experience scaling a Filipino business.

Networking and Engagement

Beyond the main stage, the summit fostered hands-on learning and practical engagement.

Partner Demos: Attendees actively engaged in partner demos.

Partner Passport Challenge: This interactive activity encouraged attendees to make their rounds, visiting different booths to learn about essential services supporting MSME growth, such as hiring solutions, business tools, digital platforms, and other partner services.

Booths from partners like Jobstreet, BDO, Maya, BanKo, Asialink, and others were active during the challenge.

The MSME Summit 2025 was more than an event; it was a powerful statement that reaffirmed SM Supermalls' enduring commitment to Filipino entrepreneurship. By providing innovative programs, essential physical spaces, and strategic partnerships, SM helps MSMEs innovate, scale, and thrive amidst a rapidly evolving economy.

SM Supermalls champions Filipino entrepreneurship as the country’s biggest marketplace for MSMEs, driving local growth and fueling the Filipino spirit of enterprise.

Cebu Ushers in a #NewEraOfFirsts: Big Thrills, Bigger Experiences at SM Supermalls!

Wazzup Pilipinas!? 

Life is truly more fun when you have greater access to discovering new things. From running small errands to embarking on bigger adventures, the best of living means continuously expanding the things you love! SM Supermalls is proudly leading this charge, bringing a groundbreaking New Era of Firsts to explore and discover, with exciting, never-before-seen brands heading your way—now closer than ever, right here in Cebu.

No longer do you need to travel across regions for world-class dining, retail exclusives, and innovative spaces; the best experiences are now within reach. At SM Supermalls, you will find culinary destinations and experiences you won't find anywhere else.

Culinary Adventures Await at SM City Cebu

Get ready for a sweet and savory sensation at SM City Cebu!

While you can already savor the authentic Japanese Teishoku set meal experience at the newly opened YAYOI , the culinary landscape is about to expand dramatically with these highly anticipated food spots opening their first Cebu branches this May:

Manam (Opening May 26): A celebrated Filipino bistro offering classic and modern interpretations of traditional dishes.

Ooma (Opening May 28): A modern Japanese dining spot known for its bold flavors and creative dishes, blending traditional Japanese cuisine with contemporary twists.

Café Laguna (Opening May 8): A renowned Filipino restaurant chain bringing the comforting flavors of Luzon to the Visayas with its authentic Tagalog-style dishes.

Abaca Baking Company (Opening May 10): A beloved Cebu-based café and bakery serving artisan-crafted breads, all-day breakfast offerings, and premium coffee selections.

Ramen Kuroda: A popular Japanese restaurant specializing in authentic, high-quality ramen with homemade noodles and rich, flavorful broths.

Action and Flavor at SM J Mall

The thrill continues in Mandaue City, Cebu, with an exciting mix of flavor and fun at SM J Mall!

For a taste of Japan, savor familiar flavors and beloved dishes at the Food Hall area's Yuki-Kun. But expect even more first-in-Cebu experiences to arrive soon:

Ramen Nagi: Complete your J Mall experience with this Japanese favorite, offering authentic, customizable ramen bowls featuring rich, savory soup and handcrafted noodles.

iSwing Golf Arena: Enjoy a round of golf without the scorching sun, thanks to this indoor, high-tech golf simulation experience.

Sweet Indulgences at SM Seaside City Cebu

Satisfy every sweet craving at SM Seaside City Cebu, where new dessert and dining destinations are opening their first stores in Cebu:

Beard Papa’s (Opened April 25): The famous Japanese cream puff chain known for its freshly baked choux pastries.

Conti’s (Opened April 30): The beloved Filipino bakeshop famous for its iconic cake specials and signature comforting savory dishes.

Additionally, coffee lovers have something significant to anticipate: the rapidly growing Pickup Coffee is headlining its upcoming first-in-SM premium café concept, offering elevated brews perfect for a productive lifestyle.

SM Supermalls is committed to providing groundbreaking experiences that connect and inspire communities. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to sustainability, community empowerment, and creating memorable moments that make every visit meaningful.

You'll never run out of things to add to your itinerary! Explore beyond limits and discover these exciting firsts here in Cebu—only at SM Supermalls, bringing you a #NewEraOfFirsts. There's always something new and exciting waiting for you.