So you’ve been eyeing those sleek solar panels on your neighbour’s roof, wondering if you should join the clean energy revolution. Your electricity bills keep climbing, you care about the environment, and honestly, those panels look pretty cool. But where do you even begin? Don’t worry, we’ve guided hundreds of solar newbies through this journey.
Step 1: Figure out if your home is solar-worthy.
Not all roofs were created equal in the eyes of the sun. Before you dive in, consider:
Does your roof get enough sunshine? Malaysia enjoys abundant sunshine (over 2,200 hours annually!), but nearby high-rises or mature trees might be blocking potential solar gold. We can conduct a professional shade analysis to determine this precisely.
Which direction does your roof face? In the northern hemisphere, south-facing roofs are the best, though east and west orientations can still perform admirably. North-facing? We might need to get creative.
How’s your roof’s health? Solar panels last 25-30 years, so if your roof needs replacing in the next five years, consider tackling that first. Nothing’s more frustrating than removing perfectly good solar panels to replace shingles.
Step 2: Understand your energy needs.
Pull out your last 12 months of electricity bills (exciting weekend reading, we know). Your usage patterns will help determine the right system size. Do you crank the AC all summer? Work from home? Charge an electric vehicle? These factors matter.
For the best ROI, size your system to match your daytime electricity usage. This approach maximizes self-consumption and benefits under Malaysia’s Net Energy Metering program.
Step 3: Explore financial incentives (free money alert!)
Here’s where solar gets exciting! Malaysia offers excellent incentives for both homeowners and businesses:
- Net Energy Metering (NEM 3.0): Allows you to “bank” excess energy with TNB
- Income tax exemptions: Homeowners can claim income tax exemptions for certified solar installations
- Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA): For commercial installations
- RPVI and SAVE programs: Periodic rebate programs worth watching for
- Special financing rates: Several Malaysian banks offer green personal and business loans
- These incentives can significantly improve your return on investment, with typical Malaysian residential installations seeing payback periods of 5-7 years (and even faster for businesses).
Step 4: Choose your solar financing option.
There are several ways to go solar:
Cash purchase: Highest long-term returns, but requires upfront investment
Solar loan: Little or nothing down, with monthly payments often less than your current electric bill
Solar lease/PPA: No money down, but you don’t own the system or qualify for tax incentives
Each option has pros and cons based on your financial situation and goals. We can walk you through scenarios tailored to your specific circumstances.
Step 5: Find a reputable installer (Ahem, that’s us!)
Not to toot our own solar horn, but choosing the right installer matters immensely. Look for:
- Proper licenses and certifications
- Substantial warranty protection
- Quality components and workmanship
- Experience in your area
- Stellar reviews and references
- Be wary of door-knockers promising too-good-to-be-true deals or using high-pressure tactics. Quality solar is an investment that should be approached thoughtfully.
Step 6: The Installation Day
Once you’ve selected an installer, expect:
- A detailed site assessment and system design
- Permit acquisition (we as installer should handle all SEDA, TNB, and local authority paperwork)
- The installation itself (typically 2-3 days for homes, longer for commercial properties)
- Final inspection and utility connection
- System activation—the magical moment when you start producing your own clean energy!
- Many people delay going solar because the process seems overwhelming. But here’s the truth: with the right partner, going solar is surprisingly straightforward.
That’s why we’re here. Your roof has potential, let’s help it shine!
