According to studies done by Motea and Tamjis (2016), electric cars have been identified as a key technology for reducing future emissions and energy consumption in the mobility sector. When used as an alternative, electric cars have great potential for improving the environment.

As gas prices continue to increase, people are constantly looking for ways to reduce their fuel costs and reduce carbon emissions, and battery electric cars can reduce both of these needs. 

The difference between electric cars and gas cars

First and foremost, let’s look at the main difference between electric cars and gas cars. Here’s what you need to know. Electric cars and gas cars (also known as traditional cars or internal combustion engine cars) differ in a few significant ways:

1. Power source: Electric vehicles run on electricity, while gas cars run on gasoline.
2. Environmental impact: Electric vehicles produce zero emissions at the tailpipe, while gas cars emit pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. This means that electric cars are better for the environment.
3. Efficiency: Electric vehicles are generally more efficient than gas cars because they convert a larger percentage of their energy into motion. Gas cars lose energy to heat and other forms of waste, which reduces their efficiency.
4. Driving experience: Electric vehicles tend to be smoother to drive than gas cars, as they have fewer moving parts and no engine noise. They also tend to have instant torque, which means they can accelerate quickly from a stop.

The main difference between electric vehicles and gas cars is their power source and the resulting environmental and economic implications.

Benefits of Electric Cars

There are several benefits to an electric vehicles compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars. Here are some of the main benefits:

Lower operating costs

Electric vehicles are more energy-efficient than gasoline-powered cars and have lower operating costs. They require less maintenance and have fewer parts that need to be replaced, which means lower repair and maintenance costs. Plus, it is cost-effective. While the upfront cost of an electric vehicle may be higher than a gasoline-powered car, the long-term cost of ownership is lower. This is because electric vehicles require less maintenance and have lower fuel costs than gasoline-powered cars.

Convenience

Electric vehicles can be charged at home or at public charging stations, making it more convenient for drivers to charge their cars than having to go to a gas station to fill up their cars.

Easier Maintenance

Gas cars need more maintenance because the mechanical parts within an internal combustion engine and the drivetrains require lubrication to keep them from creating friction as the pieces rub against each other. That is why gas car engines need an oil change every few thousand miles depending on the vehicle, and the drive-trains should be serviced with new fluids every couple of years. Even if you don’t drive often, these fluids need to be replaced because they can break down over time. This can be one of the leading costs and benefits of investing in electric cars vs. conventional vehicles, as the regular services required by gas vehicles aren’t required in electric vehicles.

There are also several other reasons why it is easier to maintain electric cars compared to gasoline-powered cars. Here’s how:

• Regenerative braking: Electric cars use regenerative braking, which means that the braking energy is captured and used to recharge the battery. This reduces wear and tear on the brakes, which means that they last longer and require less maintenance.
• No exhaust system: Electric cars do not have an exhaust system, which means that there are no parts that can rust or corrode. This eliminates the need for exhaust system repairs or replacements.
• Software updates: Electric cars rely heavily on software to manage their systems. This means that updates can be made remotely, reducing the need for physical repairs or maintenance.

Safety

Next, let’s talk about safety. Electrical vehicles generally have increased safety precautions in the event of an accident. For one, they’re tested for safety across the same metrics as gas vehicles, so they must pass the same requirements for the road. But because electrical vehicles run on batteries, the power is able to cut out when the airbags are deployed, cutting the power and decreasing how far it will continue to travel after a crash. Plus, because they don’t run on gasoline, there is little possibility of a car fire in the event of a collision. 

Environmental Impact

When we have a discussion about electric cars vs. gas cars, we cannot do it without discussing the impact on the environment. Most importantly, it lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Electric cars produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline-powered cars. While they do rely on electricity from power plants, which can produce greenhouse gas emissions, the overall emissions from electric cars are still lower because electric cars are more energy-efficient than gasoline-powered cars. In addition, renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower can be used to charge electric cars, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition, electric cars reduce dependence on fossil fuels, which are a finite resource and contribute to climate change. Electric cars can be charged using renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which are sustainable and can help reduce the need for fossil fuels.

Interestingly, electric cars reduce noise pollution as well. They are quieter and produce less noise from their engines, which can have a positive impact on the environment and quality of life in urban areas.

Conclusion

This concludes the topic. Electric cars offer several benefits over traditional gasoline-powered cars, including lower operating costs, environmental benefits, convenience, and a smoother, more enjoyable driving experience.

Renewable Energy Resources

Malaysia is seen as being more than serious about increasing electricity generation from renewable energy resources. This was especially seen when our government introduced the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme under the Renewable Energy Act in 2011. 

Under this scheme, commercial and residential electricity customers can generate electricity from renewable energy, like solar energy, and sell all the generated energy to Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), the sole electricity utility in Malaysia. However, due to the high cost of funding such a scheme, the FIT scheme is not long-term sustainable. Because of that, in 2016, the government introduced net energy metering (NEM), named NEM 2016.

According to research papers, unlike FIT, where the customers are paid for the gross renewable energy generated from PV, NEM only considers the net energy generated. The customer will be paid based on the displaced cost per kWh unit. 

Unfortunately, NEM 2016 did not receive the target response from electricity customers in Malaysia due to unappealing financial returns. The displaced cost for a RE connection point less than 1 kV is RM 0.31/kWh. This rate does not benefit large consumers since they are paying a higher electricity tariff. To overcome the problem, our government introduced a new NEM scheme in 2019 by setting the pay rate at the retail rate per kWh of energy exported to the grid.

Net Energy Meter

Based on case studies, this policy has a better financial return than NEM 2016. For commercial and industrial systems, the maximum capacity of the PV system installed is 1 MW, or 75% of the maximum demand (MD) of their existing installation, or 60% of the fuse rating of the transformer.

For domestic or residential consumers, the maximum capacity of the PV systems installed is less than or equal to 12 kW for a single-phase system or 72 kW for a three-phase system. As mentioned before, NEM 3.0 consists of three programs, each of which is assigned to a specific market sector. NEM Rakyat (households), NEM NOVA (industrial), and NEM GoMEn (government ministries and entities).

NEM Rakyat

The first programme, NEM Rakyat, covers the residential segment. A 100-MW capacity is allocated to this programme, effective February 1, 2021. The programme applies the one-to-one NEM 3.0 policy for 10 years. The allowed maximum PV installation capacity for the domestic consumer is 4 and 10 kW for single-phase and three-phase NEM consumers, respectively. This programme benefits people a great deal. Plus, it is so vital for the environment today, especially since we are facing global warming issues.

Let’s apply to NEM 3.0 before it runs out of quota! Read here to understand why NEM 3.0 is running out of quota. 

Did you know that NEM 3.0 is coming to an end?

NEM 3.0 is only available from 2021 to 2023. So yes! Time is running out!

Why must NEM 3.0 come to an end? The answer is quite simple. It is because our government’s quota is running out, and the deadline is set to end at the end of the year. This period was given so that the Malaysian government could analyse and study the participation of residential, commercial, and industrial consumers as well as public entities and government ministries. 

Our government is slowly encouraging Malaysians to make use of solar energy. If more Malaysians decide to use solar power, our government might introduce new and improved programmes in the future.

Together we save the Earth

As you all know, the implementation of solar power has been greatly encouraged due to its influence on reducing carbon emissions. Thus, measuring the environmental benefit of using solar energy instead of fossil fuels is important. 

The rationale behind the carbon footprint tool is that the electricity generated by the photovoltaic system will replace the same amount of electricity in the existing grid. If the carbon footprint of the electricity generation on the grid is greater than that of the PV system per kWh, carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced. 

What’s Next?

At the mention of the future, all of us are wondering the same thing. What’s next? What comes after NEM 3.0? Will there be a NEM 4.0? The answer is that we do not know. We will have to wait for our government to announce its new programme. We do not know what it will be called. With the new programme come new policies for solar installation and solar-powered homes. Whether the policies we have now would remain or be discontinued is still a mystery. That is why we have to make use of NEM 3.0!

What can we do now? If you are a homeowner who wants to install solar panels, be quick to decide before the programme runs out of its quota! There’s not much of it left, and you’re running out of time! A good piece of advice would be for you to engage with Verdant Solar. You are guaranteed to receive a fast response. We at Verdant Solar are known for our efficiency. We carry out installations quickly and effortlessly. We aim to only give you the best. 

Grab the opportunity

If you think you’re too late for NEM 3.0, we are here to help. Apply to us so that we can help you queue for the next NEM. We will help you with the paperwork, so when the next NEM starts, you’ll already be on our list! 

Based on past research, there is one more important note you should all take. NEM ALWAYS exhausts its quota BEFORE the deadline. So if you’re thinking about researching this, why not let the professionals clear all your doubts for you? Contact us at Verdant Solar for a better understanding!

How much do you understand about solar energy in Malaysia? Most of you know that solar energy begins with the sun. Solar panels are also known as “PV panels,” and they are used to convert light energy from the sun to electrical energy. Read here to learn more about how solar energy is produced!

So how is solar energy in Malaysia?

The development of solar technology actually dates back more than 100 years. Edmund Becquerel discovered the “photovoltaic effect,” which would allow the conversion of sunlight into solar electric energy. His discovery led to the invention of  a genuine solar cell by Charles Fritts. This sparked a series of technological advances, including selenium-gold panels, slick silicon solar PV panels, and what we have today.

Why do solar panels keep developing? Why does it need to get better and better? 

The negative impacts on the environment and other issues associated with fossil fuels have forced many countries to change their environmental policies towards achieving sustainability in the renewable-energy industry. Solar energy in Malaysia has become one of the best sustainable energy sources that will gradually replace the use of fossil fuels for the production of electricity.

Do you know?

Breaking news: did you know that Malaysia’s domestic oil and gas reserves are expected to run out by 2029? The country will be forced to import fossil fuels for electricity generation. However, the prices of imported fossil fuels are heavily dependent on exchange-rate fluctuations, which will potentially expose Malaysia to economic risk. Moreover, the widespread use of renewable energy is essential for Malaysia to address its climate change challenges. For example, between 1971 and 2020, the country’s carbon dioxide emissions increased at an annual rate from 14.7 to 262.2 million metric tonnes! Among the available renewable energy sources, solar energy in Malaysia has the greatest potential, as the country is located within the sunbelt with at least ten hours of sun every day. This allows solar power to be used to generate electricity all year long across the country.

The History of Solar Energy in Malaysia

Historically, solar PV installation was first introduced in Malaysia via the pioneering solar PV rural electrification programme in 1982. This is where solar energy in Malaysia started. As part of the scheme, solar PV was installed in 100 homes in several remote villages across the country. 

In 2000, the country’s largest electricity utility company launched the country’s first grid-connected PV system. This was then followed by a 5-year programme called SURIA 1000 between 2006 and 2010. The programme provided subsidies to successful bidders for the installation of solar PV systems in their homes. Most importantly, SURIA 1000 has also opened up opportunities for the public and industry to be directly involved in solar-related initiatives. Since then, many multinational companies have started to set up PV cell and module manufacturing plants in Malaysia. 

In 2011, the renewable-energy feed-in tariff (FiT) mechanism was established under the Renewable Energy Act 2011. The FiT allows the sale of electricity generated from solar PV systems to the utility company at a fixed premium price for a specific time period. The FiT programme came to an end in 2017. It was replaced by net energy metering (NEM), which enables solar users to produce electricity with solar net metering and sell the excess electricity to power grids. Since January 2019, NEM has been improved by introducing the true NEM concept, which enables excess solar energy produced to be exported back to the grid on a “one-on-one” offset basis.

About the policies – Solar Energy in Malaysia

The existing public green policies in Malaysia aim to achieve the national renewable-energy mix target of 20% by 2025. However, despite various incentives and strategies to encourage the growth of the renewable-energy sector, clean energy sources (including solar PV) constitute merely 2% of the total electricity-generation capacity in Malaysia. Specifically, the residential sector contributes merely 9.14 megawatts to the installed capacity of solar PV in Malaysia. Most of the installed PV capacity comes from the commercial (i.e., 25.60 megawatts) and industrial (i.e., 355.76 megawatts) sectors. Thus, increased efforts are required to enhance the adoption of solar PV technologies, particularly among households in Malaysia.

Conclusion

This means all domestic and household individuals need to be fully aware of solar energy in Malaysia and how it could improve the environment. The younger generation will need a better, more comprehensive, and more in-depth education on renewable energy. So, as future decision makers, they will understand the impact of renewable energy, such as solar energy, on climate change and the environment.

So what are you waiting for? We need you to help us make the world a better place, starting with our beloved country, Malaysia!

Looking for the best solar company in Malaysia? 

So you have decided to install solar panels, a growing green technology that uses renewable energy to generate electricity… What an excellent choice! 

With that decision, you must have definitely gone through rigorous Internet searches, numerous brochures, and read-ups to obtain the latest information on solar panel installation. Despite all of the above, I believe you know that the most important thing is to select the best solar company in Malaysia for your home when it comes to installation. 

How To Select The Best Solar Company in Malaysia For Your Home

You may have questions. “Is the quality good enough?” “Is the company trustworthy?” 

With the right consultation, potential customers such as yourselves will be able to make better decisions. Here are some tips on how to select the best solar company in Malaysia for your home.

Choose the right service provider

One of the first things customers will have to do is select a suitable service provider. A good service provider will make sure their customers are satisfied with the products they purchase, a criteria in which Verdant Solar excels in. 

Customer Experience

Providing a WOW-worthy experience for customers is our forte. To see our company’s reputation for yourselves, simply look on our website to see our , existing customer testimonials, and more. A company’s reputation is very important. It makes sure we uphold the quality of our products, which is also why Verdant Solar maintains the most 5-star Google reviews among solar companies in Malaysia!

Quality Services

Another way to find the best solar company in Malaysia is to look at the services they offer. A successful company has to be fast and efficient. Verdant Solar gives the utmost importance to providing fast service for its customers. Customers will receive fast assistance after they sign up. A speedy service is important because customers get to enjoy paying fewer high bills if everything goes smoothly and if the installation is fast. Here at Verdant Solar, we provide a guaranteed 30-day installation, and if we fail, your energy bill is on us! Customers will also get the customer experience team to respond to any and/or all of their inquiries.

Professional Consultation

The company you choose must have a sense of professionalism. They should be able to provide a good solution, particularly for site surveys and consultation reports. Those of you considering Verdant Solar will be pleased to know that we offer FREE site surveys and consultation reports. If we’re not already at the top of your list, know this: We at Verdant Solar carry out our survey with drones, solar panel designs, product selection, and more! All this is done so that our customers will get a crystal-clear picture of what they need.

Trustworthy

As future owners of solar panels, the best solar company in Malaysia you choose should also be trustworthy. How would you know if they are trustworthy? Look into their products and the company’s reputation. Start by doing a simple Google search online. From there, you’ll know more. Check to see if the company offers any product or service guarantees. Do not forget to ask if they cover application services because anyone in Malaysia that would like to install solar panels must apply to the government (SEDA) because NEM is a government programme that has a limit to its quota and qualifications. 

Did you know that here at Verdant Solar, we cover your solar applications from head to toe? What makes it even better? It’s all free! Customers will not have to take the time and trouble to fill out forms and apply. Other than that, we have a product warranty up to 25 years. Plus, the service is guaranteed with a zero-defect installation. If any form of defect is found, we fix it for free! So you have nothing to worry about.

Conclusion

These are the criteria that we would suggest future solar homeowners look into when they are looking for the best solar company in Malaysia. We hope we made it onto your potential best solar company in Malaysia. If we’re not there yet or if you still have doubts, why don’t you give us a call for a free consultation? We can’t wait to hear from you soon!

Are solar panels worthwhile? The answer is, indeed, yes! 

Solar panels are becoming more common in Malaysia. People often see it as an investment and a way to reduce their electricity bill. Although their popularity seems to be increasing, there are some who doubt this technology and wondering if solar panels worthwhile.

The purchase of solar panels is a home upgrade that actually pays for itself after a certain amount of time. A better understanding of how solar payback works will help more people decide if solar panels worthwhile. It will also help customers make informed purchasing decisions. 

Are Solar Panels Worthwhile? Let Solar Panel Pays For Itself

The most frequently asked question is: “How much does it cost to install solar panels?” 

The cost of solar panels themselves depends on the number of panels, while the number of solar panels depends on your monthly electricity generation. 

When you have decided to go solar, your electricity bill will be decreased (or completely eliminated) because you are producing your own power rather than purchasing it from Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), which saves you money.

To find out if solar panels worthwhile, all you have to do is compare the lifetime cost of your TNB bill against the lifetime cost of going solar. In order to get more accurate calculations, we will use a 25-year timeframe to measure “lifetime” ownership because that’s the standard length of a solar panel warranty.

Let’s begin the calculations! 

Know your average monthly TNB bill 

You can easily find it on your monthly TNB bill, or you can log on to the myTNB portal to check! Easy peasy! 

To get a more accurate rate on your TNB bill, take the average bill for at least three months. Also, ask yourself if you will consume more electricity in the future so that you can roughly know how much the bill will increase as time goes by. 

Example: an average of RM450 TNB bill

Know your lifetime cost of electricity bill

As we choose to use a 25-year timeframe to measure a solar panel’s lifetime, we multiply the number by 12 (months) and 25 (years) to determine your TNB bill’s lifetime cost.

Example: RM450 x 12 x 25 = RM135,000

Once you have gotten your number, it is the cost of buying power from the TNB over a period of 25 years. In the example above, RM135,000 is the amount that needs to be paid for a TNB bill in 25 years. 

Estimate the lifetime cost of solar panels.

As previously stated, the cost of solar panels is primarily determined by the average monthly TNB bill of a landed house. Other than that, it also depends on the size of your house’s roof. Hence, the cost of solar panels proposed here is purely based on estimation. 

Consider the preceding example: the maximum cost of solar panels for a monthly RM450 TNB bill is approximately RM45,000. Still, your roof size and how much you are planning to save for your TNB bill play a huge role in deciding how many panels to get. 

Estimate return on investment (ROI) for your solar panels installation

Here comes the big payoff. It answers the question, “Are solar panels worthwhile?” 

To determine if solar panels worthwhile as an investment, you must first calculate the return on investment of a solar panel installation. How?

Take the lifetime cost of your electricity bill and subtract the lifetime cost of solar panels. Again, we take the example above to do the math.

Example: RM135,000 – RM45,000 = RM90,000

In this scenario, going solar would save you an estimated RM90,000 over a 25-year period! By installing them, you can easily reach a break-even point (payback) after 5-8 years. After you break even, you can enjoy cheaper TNB bills or even free electricity (depending on your monthly consumption). Read here to know more about solar panels’ payback period. 

Fortunately, the government implemented NEM 3.0 for homeowners. People can save up to 90% every month in the long run. Who wouldn’t want that deal? While saving money, we also get to practice an eco-friendly lifestyle!

Conclusion

After reading all the calculations and explanation, are solar panels worthwhile now?

From the math that we have done above, it is proven that solar panels are worth installing! However, to get the actual number and price, you are highly advised to contact our professional solution consultant. Don’t be shy, contact us now!

Congratulations! You own a landed house with a wide roof. So, you’d like to start thinking about saving on electricity bills via solar energy. You’re now searching for solar providers to install a solar PV system.

But you might be wondering, “How long does it take to install a solar system?”

No worries. We’re here to share what you can expect with the solar installation, from start to finish.

How does the solar installation process work?

The solar installation process involves a few key steps to ensure you are eligible for the solar PV system. The period between the pre-installation process and solar installation is typically between 60 and 90 days. However, do you know that Verdant only takes 30 DAYS to complete the installation right after NEM Quota approval? Or else… we’ll pay for your electricity bill!

So, here are the few steps of solar installation.

1 Site-Survey and Solar PV System Consultation (1 working day)

First, our solar solution consultant will schedule a time to meet with you at your home. This is to discuss the benefits of installing the solar system and understand your goal of going solar. Then, we’ll show you the optimal options for your home, including pricing and financing options, through a proposal. A contract will be given to you to sign if you’ve decided to install a solar PV system.

2 Solar PV System Design & Project Confirmation (2-4 working days)

After signing the contract, our solar solution consultant will visit your home to fine-tune the details of your solar system design. This is to ensure your solar system is perfectly fitted to your home. Next, we will start ordering the materials needed for the installation.

3 NEM Quota Application and Approval (10 – 14 working days)

Once your system design is confirmed, your dedicated Customer Experience will request all the necessary permits for your solar installation. This process is to secure your solar energy quota from SEDA and this process takes about 10 days.

4 Preparation & Procurement of Materials (7-14 days)

Once your SEDA application is approved, our experienced project engineers will order the materials needed for the installation. Once the materials are ready, your dedicated Customer Experience will call to schedule the installation. This process will take about 7 to 14 days and our Customer Experience team will keep you informed throughout the process.

5 Solar PV System Installation (1-2 working days)

Once your permits are approved, our Customer Experience will call to schedule your installation. The installation process takes about less than 8 hours a day and is installed by a team of highly skilled installers. The process can be postponed due to harsh weather conditions like a rainy day.

6 Inspections & Commissioning (±14 working days)

Yay! Now your solar PV system is ready. TNB will send executives to check on the TNB meter compatibility and technical readings of the electricity supply. Your TNB meter could be replaced with a new smart meter (if necessary) for you to track and adjust your energy usage. When everything is set, you can start to enjoy saving on your electricity bill by turning on the solar system!

Final thoughts

In general, solar PV system installation could take up to 60 to 90 days depending on the material readiness and duration of the application process. However, it only takes 30 DAYS for Verdant Solar to install your solar system! (with T&C apply)

Sounds interesting? Contact us to get a FREE site-survey report here.