Solar homes for Malaysia

MBIPV funding support has led to a growing number of PV-equipped buildings which serve as demonstration sites such as a roof link bridge at Monash University in Bandar Sunway, Selangor

IT IS now possible for Malaysians to have solar-powered homes. Three housing developers are offering high-end homes equipped with photovoltaic (PV) systems, in the Klang Valley.

In its latest phase at Setia Eco Park in Shah Alam, Selangor, SP Setia is including PV systems in 20 of the 39 bungalows, which are going for around RM1.58mil. The 5kilowatt peak (KWp) system cost over RM170,000 each and is expected to generate RM150 worth of electricity every month.

In Precinct 16 of Putrajaya, developer Putrajana Perdana is offering PV modules in 15 bungalows ranging in price from RM2.9mil to RM4mil. The PV systems average around 5.4KWp each. Another developer, Amarin Wickham, will incorporate PV cells into the sunshade on the roof of its low-density condominum in the U-Thant area of Kuala Lumpur.

All three developments will benefit from a 30% to 35% subsidy from the Malaysian Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (MBIPV) project, which funds PV systems for private dwellings, commercial buildings and housing development, to promote solar energy.

This scheme is implemented by Pusat Tenaga Malaysia (PTM) and is partially sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme/Global Environment Facility.

MBIPV funding support has led to a growing number of PV-equipped buildings which serve as demonstration sites: the Sri Aman school in Petaling Jaya; shoplots in Damansara Uptown in Petaling Jaya; six bungalow show units at Setia Eco Park in Shah Alam; Putrajaya Perdana office in Putrajaya; a roof link bridge at Monash University in Bandar Sunway, Selangor; and four bungalows at Precinct 16 in Putrajaya.

The MBPIV component that most benefit the public is Suria 1000. Here, people can bid for PV system subsidies of up to 50%. This scheme has so far given 30 house owners the rare opportunity of generating solar power.

The MBIPV project also backed development of the Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications Low Energy (LEO) Building and PTM Zero Energy (ZEO) Building. Both structures have incorporated PV cells and energy-conservation features.

Numerous workshops were also held to build up expertise in BIPV technology, promote a local PV industry, and outline laws and policies that will encourage BIPV development.

By The Star