The most common question people ask when they talk about solar malaysia is, "How much will it cost to put up solar panels?" There are a lot of statistics on the internet and in kopitiam presentations, but it might be hard to discover the ones that are important. Let's go over the numbers, talk about what you're really paying for, and maybe share a personal story or two.
Begin with a small system. Most urban homes would be best served by a 4kW residential system. Prices in 2024 range from RM16,000 to RM22,000. That's it: the panels, inverters, wiring, installation, testing, and documentation. The cost can vary depending on the type of panel, the quality of the inverter, the unique features of your roof, and whether you want extra warranties. Some folks like the extras. What about the rest? Just give them renewable energy and a large break on their TNB bill.
Do you want to think about more? A 6kW system, which is what a home with three air conditioners at full blast would need, might cost between RM22,000 and RM31,000. If you require more than 10kW, which is more than most homes need, you should budget between RM35,000 and RM55,000. Do you see those big arrays that cover schools or factories? Six figurines are OK, but they're using so much power that even a PS5 would be jealous.
This is where the math gets interesting: NEM, or net energy metering. With this plan, you can "sell" additional electricity back to the grid. Homeowners think they may save between 60% and 80% on their electricity bills. Payback times have gotten shorter during the last ten years. Most families can pay back their loans in five to eight years.
Don't forget the fine print. Some companies let you lease the panels with no money down and pay a monthly fee that is locked in at a favorable rate. This is a good option for folks who want solar power but don't want to invest a lot of money. Most of the time, maintenance is easy: just clean it quickly and inspect the system once a year. You can relax because most panels come with a warranty that lasts 10 to 25 years.
It makes sense for Malaysia to switch to solar power because the cost of solar panels goes down, there are more methods to get loans, and the cost of grid power goes up. For most people, the sunny side isn't as far away as it used to be. If you have the right information, some patience, and a willingness to haggle, you can turn it on and let your roof do its work.