KUALA LUMPUR: Trina Solar Ltd, integrated solar systems provider, sees Malaysia has the ability to grow its business presence fuelled by the government’s aspiration to utilise 20 per cent of the power generation with renewable energy.
Trina Solar senior sales director Asia Pacific and Middle East Ku Jun-Heong believes Malaysia would have a higher growth of photovoltaic solar installation in the next two to three years.
He said there was ample opportunity to increase renewable energy’s share of Malaysia’s energy mix by adopting Trinahome, solar energy solutions for both residential and commercial.
“The government has set its target of 20 per cent renewable energy by 2025. This is important for us to take advantage and focus on our resources to support this growth opportunity in Malaysia,” he told NST Business recently.
He added that the cost of solar energy had reduced significantly over the past years, making the installation of this renewable energy system affordable.
“The hardware for solar PV system used to be expensive but is more affordable now due to economies of scale and higher adoption rates.
“Therefore, it pushes the entire suppliers to have much lower cost and components to make the project viable from investment standpoint,” he said.
According to the Energy Commission, the country’s electricity generation mostly derived from coal (42.5 per cent), gas (43.5 per cent) and hydro (13 per cent) in 2016.
Based on the International Renewable Energy Agency, Malaysia ranked third in Asean with the generation of the solar capacity of 362 megawatts by end of 2017.
“The deployment of renewable energy in Malaysia still very small base in comparison with other countries in the Asean region,” he said.
He said Trinahome was perfect for households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) wanting to reduce their energy bills and help the environment.
“We continuously work with local partners in Malaysia such as system installers and developers for large solar power plant in Malaysia.
“If the government wants to have higher adoption rate of renewable energy, solar could be one of the largest options. This will give a lot of benefits to the country,” he said.
Ku said the company would partner with the locals in terms of installers, suppliers and distributor network in the country to support the deployment of the solar solutions.
“This will increase employment in the renewable sector. We will also provide training for local installers to bring up the solar PV system, while establishing stronger distribution network including warehousing and logistic facilities,” he said.
On a larger scale, he said there will be investments or financing support from the banks to fund the solar project financing.
“It is a big sector and there is no reason why it can’t be developed in Malaysia. It will create a lot of jobs in terms of helping distributors and installers as well as create a positive impact to the environment,” he said.
He said the company’s initial strategy was to deploy its Trinahome solutions in Malaysia, before pursuing larger scale of solar plant.
“Our investments locally will be case-to-case basis, depending on specific segment that we want to address. We have different strategy for each segment to adopt the solar solutions.
“We work closely with developers who are keen to set up this power plant in Malaysia. We will provide more support and assistance by using different type of products or solutions in the market as well as our technology,” he said.
Ku said the company would adjust its local investment adequately to support the growth opportunity in Malaysia.
TrinaHome is the first of its kind, all in one solution targeting house owners and medium and small enterprises operators, ranging from 1.5kW to 10kW capacity.
“This solution will increase the adoption rate in commercial and residential segments, apart from the utility segment that need to be driven by the government incentive,” said Trinahome business lead for Asia Pacific and the Middle East Daphne Chee.
Chee said Trinahome is a self-sufficient system for users to save electricity bills as well as eco-friendly to the environment and it comes with warranty that ranges from five years up to 25 years including the solar panel performance and accessories.
“Customers have no need to worry because the system is designed to last for more than 25 years. We also provide online monitoring platform for house owners and SMEs so they can monitor their power generation through the app,” she added.
Trinahome starts from RM12,000 for 1.5kW capacity and includes installation and after-sale service for 25 years.
Customers can also save about RM4,500 annually for a 5.0kW system based on the annual expected generation and consumption.
Having launched in China in 2016, Trinahome has sold over 15,000 units and Malaysia is the first country in Asean to receive this solar solution.
“Malaysia is one of the countries in Asean that supports renewable energy. With the current support in place by the government and initiative, we see a lot of potential here.
“The system pays by itself in about seven years. Instead of paying the electricity bill, the electricity savings means it actually pays for itself,” she said.