As Malaysia focuses on sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint, solar energy has rapidly become the go-to alternative for people looking to reduce their reliance on non-renewable energy. Malaysians are not only motivated by the cost savings, but the growing environmental concerns to reduce their carbon footprint.
In this article, find out everything you need to know about solar, from how it works, what does outright solar energy mean, who can benefit and how you can get the most out of it.
What is Solar Energy?
Solar energy is the power we harness from the sun. This energy is captured through solar panels and converted into electricity that can be used to power homes, businesses, and more. Solar is a clean, renewable energy source, meaning it does not produce greenhouse gas emissions when generated, or pollute the environment like traditional fossil fuels.
Section 1: How Does Solar Energy Work?
The Basics of Solar Power
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Solar energy is generated through photovoltaic (PV) cells, which are found in solar panels. When sunlight strikes the panels, it creates an electric current, thanks to the material inside the cells (usually silicon) that reacts to the sunlight. Here’s the step-by-step process of how it works:
- Sunlight hits the solar PV panels.
- The PV cells convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.
- The inverter changes DC electricity into alternating current (AC) electricity.
- The AC power is used to run electrical appliances or stored in batteries for later use.
This process is highly efficient, and the more sunlight the panels receive, the more electricity they generate.
Components of a Solar PV System
A basic solar PV system consists of:
- Solar PV Panels: The main component that collects sunlight.
- Inverter: Converts DC electricity into usable AC electricity.
- Battery (optional): Stores extra energy for later use, especially during cloudy days or nighttime.
- Mounting System: The frame that holds the solar panels in place, often installed on rooftops.
- NEM Meter: A specialized bidirectional meter that tracks surplus electricity from your solar PV system sent back to the grid, enabling Net Energy Metering (NEM) to earn credits for excess power used during low production periods.
Section 2: Solar Outright Purchase: What Does it Mean?
An outright purchase means you would purchase the solar PV system upfront with a one-time payment. This option gives you full ownership of the system, which means all the energy produced is yours to use without any additional costs except for maintenance. Overtime, the savings on energy bills help you to recover the upfront cost.
Benefits of Outright Purchase:
- Gain full ownership of the solar PV system.
- Lower energy bills for the long term.
- Eligibility for government schemes. Malaysian homes can also enjoy the Solar for Rakyat Incentive Scheme, SolaRIS, a one-time rebate of up to a maximum of RM4,000. * This rebate is valid until 30 April 2025.
- No monthly payments once the system is paid off.
By investing in solar energy, your home can take control of its energy bills, take advantage of public sector initiatives and contribute to a more sustainable future!
Section 3: How Does Solar Benefit My Home?
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By adopting solar, your home can reap financial & environmental benefits:
- Lower Electricity Bills: Solar helps to reduce your monthly electricity bill, lowering your costs in the long run.
- Return on Investment: While the initial cost may seem high, over time, the savings on energy bills can pay back the cost of the system and more.
- Public Sector Initiative: Government provides schemes to help reduce the cost of adopting solar energy.
- Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: By switching to solar energy, you help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat climate change and protect the environment.
- Sustainability: Solar energy is a renewable resource, meaning it will not run out as long as the sun shines, making it one of the most sustainable energy sources available today.
Section 4: Is Solar Energy Right for You?
Before deciding if solar energy is right for you, consider the following:
- Roof Space: Ensure your property has enough roof space that receives ample sunlight throughout the day.
- Roof Condition: Verify that your roof is in good condition and not leaking to support the solar panel installation.
- Financial Health: Think about whether you can afford an outright purchase.
- Your Electricity Bills: The higher your electricity bills, particularly those exceeding RM300, the greater the potential return on investment (ROI) from installing solar panels.
- Local Regulations: Research available Malaysian schemes that your home can benefit from, check out our previous article on public sector solar initiatives for your home here.
Empower Your Future With Solar
If you're considering going solar, now is the best time to explore your options with an expert like Sunview, who has over 10 years of solar industry experience. With solutions like SunVast, a home solar solution by Sunview, we handle everything from engineering design to permits and solar panel installation for a seamless transition. Leave your solar journey to us and enjoy peace of mind!
Switching to clean energy can save you up to 90% off your monthly electricity bills. See how much you can save with SunVast and start your solar journey today. Connect with us here today!
Conclusion
Solar is more accessible than ever before, with options to fit every budget and energy need. Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or part of a public institution, solar energy offers both financial and environmental benefits that will pay off in the long run.
* Each customer is entitled to only ONE rebate at RM1,000/kWac up to a maximum of RM4,000 for NEM Rakyat customers. This rebate can be claimed from 1 April 2024 and successfully commission their solar PV system installations by 30 April 2025, or until all SolaRIS rebate quotas are fully distributed, whichever comes first.
