MALAYSIA'S daily average of six to eight hours of sunshine is ideal weather for solar water heating and solar electricity production.
This abundant solar energy allows solar panels to efficiently generate electricity with minimal input, helping numerous households heat water and power their homes while avoiding high energy expenses.
This has positioned Malaysia as a highly attractive nation in terms of its potential for solar energy systems.
Malaysia currently boasts a total installed solar capacity of 2,165 megawatts (MW). Malaysia has outlined plans to increase its capacity by an additional 1,098 MW by 2025, followed by an additional 2,414 MW by 2035.
Additionally, the country has raised its renewable energy (RE) generation goals. By 2025, Malaysia aims to have RE make up 31 per cent of the power mix, equivalent to 8.53 gigawatts. It aims for an even more ambitious target of 40 per cent by 2035.
In the long run, there is an overarching objective of achieving a substantial 70 per cent RE share by 2050.
The question arises: Why should we harness solar energy, and what advantages does it offer?
To begin with, solar power is produced through panels capturing sunlight, an almost boundless source of energy.
Given Malaysia's favourable climate for solar panels, solar energy is readily available for everyday consumption and is versatile in its applications.
While the most widespread use of solar energy is for supplying power to households, its utility extends beyond that. Solar energy can generate electricity through photovoltaic systems or provide heat through solar thermal methods.
Another noteworthy use is in regions lacking a conventional power grid. This capability has been particularly beneficial to rural areas that lack access to the electricity grid.
Solar energy stands out as an environmentally friendly option due to its independence from any fuel source for electricity generation. Solar panels operate without emitting carbon dioxide and do not cause air pollution.
This leads to a reduction in air and water pollution and contributes to the preservation of Malaysia's ecosystems and water resources. It's worth noting that the materials used in solar panels are environmentally safe and pose no harm to the planet.
Opting for solar energy can potentially slash our monthly utility bills by as much as 50 per cent.
With sunlight, we can continually generate electricity to operate our household's electrical devices. This freely available resource further contributes to cost savings.
The expansion of the solar energy sector has the potential to increase employment and economic growth, encompassing jobs in manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and research and development, further strengthening the economy.
Meanwhile, solar energy investments encourage innovation and technical breakthroughs in the renewable energy industry. We have the potential to be a frontrunner in solar technology.
Malaysia may also improve its energy independence and lessen its reliance on energy imports by increasing the amount of electricity it produces from solar energy.
In addition to supporting energy security, generating employment opportunities and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, it also helps us meet our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
DR RULIA AKHTAR
Research Fellow,
Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya