Which is more efficient

Solar power vs. Wind power: Which is more efficient?

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More and more homeowners are turning to renewable energy sources in Malaysia to provide power to their homes. The two most common ones are: solar and wind power. But which one is better?

Solar power systems use sunlight to power your home, and still allow you to sell extra energy to your utility company. Wind power produce energy from wind powered turbines.

Both depend on forces of nature, but in general, solar panels provide more consistent energy, especially in Malaysia because of the low wind speed (no more than 2 m/s).

However, there are also other differences between both of them, which play an important role when it comes to deciding which renewable energy option is best for you.

Wind versus Solar

Let’s begin by saying that the main benefit of wind over solar power for your home is that wind turbines generate power 24 hours a day, and they don’t depend on sunlight. On the other hand, solar panels only generate power during sunlight hours.

However, in order to be effective, wind turbines need to be located high above where there are no obstacles that can block the wind.

A wind turbine for residential use should be at least 80 feet tall and the average wind speeds needed is at least 12 miles per hour. This could present a problem.

Thus this type of power is great for rural area with lots of open space where there is minimum obstruction that can block the wind’s path. Wind power systems do very well in plain areas.

In contrast, solar panels can be installed on almost any roof, and on the ground. Another benefit of solar panel systems is that your solar PV system is stationary and requires limited maintenance. Solar is generally a more practical renewable option for residential energy production.

Although the sun is everywhere in Malaysia, there are some places that are more exposed than others. Thus keep in mind that geography can affect the efficiency of solar panel conversions.

In addition, pay attention to the direction in which the solar panels are installed because this can also increase or decrease efficiency. The worst enemy of solar systems is cloud cover.

Main Advantages of Solar Power

For most settings, solar power is usually the best choice. The main advantages of solar power systems are:

  • No moving parts
  • More reliable
  • Solar power systems comes with a 25-year warranty
  • Less monitoring
  • Maintenance is less expensive
  • No noise: it is totally silent in operation
  • Installation is quicker
  • Lightning and high wind damage is less frequent
  • Solar panels require less space and you can install them on almost any roof.
  • Wind turbines require more planning and building approval and their height is in most cases an issue in residential areas.
  • Wind is an intermittent resource
  • Wind power can really have a terrible toll on birds.

Main Advantages of Wind Power

The main advantage of wind power over solar is that the wind can blow at night. Another advantage in the past was that wind power was cheaper but now the cost of solar energy in Malaysia has fallen, and prices have become more competitive than wind energy.

Although both methods offer clean renewable energy, they are not on equal ground.

No matter what renewable energy option you are considering, always compare multiple offers before making final decision. Contact your renewable energy experts HERE to evaluate your situation and provide you with advice.

Remember the energy option you choose should depend on your geographical location and requirements. One thing is certain: it’s critical to select the right system based on your needs.

In conclusion, as Solar power system is becoming more advanced every day, it’s now a better choice over wind power.

Many users save thousands on electricity bills every year, not to mention the appreciation of property value as the majority of buyers are willing to pay more for a house installed with a solar power system.

solar panel roof

Can Solar Energy Save You Money Over the Long-term?

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Solar energy is a renewable source of energy. Not only it is environment-friendly, it can help to cut down on the use of fossil fuels. There are many uses of solar energy such as:

  • Home heating
  • Hot Water systems
  • Swimming pool heating and
  • Indoor and outdoor lighting

Solar energy in Malaysia is very efficient because the sun shines almost all year long.

In Malaysia, not only it is possible to generate your own electricity, in some areas, you can even sell energy back to the electric grid.

Save Money with Solar Panel Systems

Most of the time, solar panels will help you save money on electricity.

This is especially true if you are planning to live in the same house to recoup the installation costs through saving on your energy bill.

But how do you save money?

  • You won’t be using as much electricity from the grid.
  • As you may already know, the cost of electricity is rising, so when you generate your own power, you save money.
  • Due to the fact that you might not be home to use the power during the day, you can store and use it later.
  • As mentioned before, if you generate excess energy, you can sell your energy back to the electric grid. So make sure you ask your retailer how to do it, and make sure you choose a plan that suit your needs and maximise your saving.
  • More market value to your property. When you install a solar panel system in your property, you are adding market value. For example, if you are selling your property, with a solar panel system, buyers will be willing to pay for a higher price, knowing that they can save on energy in many years to come. If you are renting out your property, tenants will be willing to pay for a higher rent because with solar panels, they will save on their electricity bills every month.

Before installing a solar panel system, it is important to consider these factors:

Energy Consumption

To know which type of solar panel system you need, take a look at your electricity bill to find out how much electricity your household consumes on a regular basis.

Running Patterns

It is very important to know exactly when you are using your solar panel system.

For example, if you consume most of your solar energy when your panel is supplying all your power needs, then you are not using power from the grid, and you will not be paying for your electricity during these hours.

On the other hand, if you are using less than what you produce, inform the grid and you can get a credit on your bill according to the applicable feed in tariff.

Feed-in tariff

Feed-in tariffs in Malaysia depend on your retailer, so make sure you ask them before you install any solar power system.

The rates are fairly good, particularly for PV, and they’ve also outlined various bonus amounts that apply if the generator meets certain criteria.

Size of your Solar Power System

The larger the solar power system, the more energy you will generate, and the more money you can save over time.

Since a larger solar power system will also cost more, make sure you know your household’s power needs to decide on the size of your system.

Location

Another aspect you should consider is where you live. Remember in Malaysia, the sun shines all year long, but the climate vary depending on which region you are.

So the same system is likely to yield more solar power depending on the region you live.

Other factors to consider are electricity prices and upfront cost of installation.

Generally, the higher electricity prices are, the more money you will save with solar panels.

And of course it is very important to know the upfront cost of installation, so that you can decide if it is worth it or not.

 

So all in all, is it worth it to install a solar panel system? The answer is a resounding YES.

Not only it will save you a lot of money, it will increase your property value.

Just make sure you consider your consumption habits and patterns, where you live, and don’t forget to ask your retailer for feed in tariffs.

solar panel in apartment

Can You Install a Solar Energy System If You Live in an Apartment?

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Although many Malaysians live in an apartment, but this should not be a problem to access solar energy.

If you live in an apartment building, you may think that having a solar energy system is not an option, because you don´t own the property, or you don’t have access to the roof.

Your main concern could also be that it is not worth your investment because you don’t own the property.

Some landlords might not want to install a solar power system, mainly because the initial cost is high, and they don’t receive the benefits if they rent out the property.

But this is not true at all. In fact, landlords can truly benefit from installing solar systems in their apartment buildings.

An important question you should ask is whether or not your apartment building is suited for solar power.

Consider this:

  • Solar power systems are better in apartments with four stories or less. If the building has more than four stories, you may also install a solar panel system, as long as the installers have a good and secure place to work and there is a way to get the system to the top.
  • Solar power energy can be distributed from a single Photovolataic System among multiple meters.

Now it is possible to install the same PV systems for everyone in the building, thanks to the virtual net metering, which is a lot less expensive.

Benefits

There are several benefits for the landlord to install a solar panel system in the apartment, such as:

  • Allow people to generate their own electricity
  • Export excess electricity to the grid
  • Reduce electric bill

No matter where you install the solar power system, it should always be secure firmly to resist strong winds.

This is especially true in high apartment buildings.

Your solar consultant should verify this, and if you have any doubts it is a good idea to contact a structural engineer.

External walls and roofs are also strong enough and you should not have any problem installing a solar power system.

Note that installation in a high building apartment will be more expensive, and it’s even so if your building has steep roof.

Before installing a solar power system in the building, consider the following:

 

Waterproof

Many building walls and roofs have a waterproof membrane.

It is better if you don’t penetrate the membrane when converting to a solar apartment.

Search for solar panels systems that are designed for flat roofs.

Sometimes there is no way to avoid penetrating the membrane but this should kept to a minimum.

So consult your solar installer if there are any leaks.

 

Fire

Walls between apartments are usually fire proofing.

So it is a good idea to ask your solar panel installer if the solar system would compromise it in any way.

This is something you should also discuss with the fire service company of the building.

 

Permits

Your solar company in Malaysia should make sure if you need any permits to install a solar panel system in the building.

Finally, make sure that the solar company in Malaysia you are choosing has experience installing solar panels on apartment buildings.

Check for reviews, talk to past customers and look for the warranty on solar panels.

Solar energy is not only good for the environment, it’s also amazing in lowering operating costs and increasing return on investment for apartment owners.

The Solar Industry in Malaysia is expanding and solar panels are getting cheaper and cheaper every day. So go green and help save the environment as it has never been easier.

solar farm

Solar Farms in Malaysia

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A solar farm is designed to produce enough electricity for thousands of homes and business. They are just like the solar panels you install on your roof to generate power for your individual needs.

Solar farms in Malaysia usually sell electricity to the grid. However, in order to sell power to the grid first you need approval from SEDA.

Malaysia in recent years has become one of the largest solar PV manufacturers in the world.

It has one of the most resource-efficient solar farms in the world. One of the biggest is in Ayer Keroh with 29,092 solar panels, generating enough energy to power 1,800 houses every day.

The entire solar power industry in Malaysia is currently producing 67% of the 270MW of renewable energy.

The majority of solar farms in Malaysia are owned by independent power producers that benefit from:

  • Excellent Feed in Tariff Scheme: FiT was launched in 2011 to enable companies and house owners to produce clean energy from four sources and sell it to the grid:
    • Solar Photovoltaic
    • Biogas: organic waste, and landfill
    • Biomass: agricultural waste and garbage
    • Small Hydropower
  • Tax breaks
  • Fair regulation
  • Banking loans
  • Competitive labor costs
  • Excellent infrastructure, and
  • Amazing geographical location.

To develop a solar farm you need approximately 2.5 acres of solar panels in an area with high sun exposure to produce a megawatt of electricity. If your solar farm is located in an area with moderate sun exposure you need five acres of panels to produce a megawatt.

A megawatt in one million watts, this is enough to give electricity to 650 residential homes for one day.

How does a Solar Farm work?

To convert the sun’s energy into electricity, you need a PV system with the following components:

  • Solar panels that are installed in your land to convert sun´s power into DC power.
  • Electrical panels is where AC power travel to the electrical cabinet.
  • Utility Meter to measure your electricity supply.
  • Utility Grid, this will ensure that you stay connected to the utility grid.
  • Energy monitoring to monitor your electricity usage.

The cost of a solar farm depends on several factors, including size, installation complexity, the location and orientation of the solar farm, how much sunlight the farms get, the efficiency of the solar panels, and the efficiency of the inverters.

You may always contact us for more details.

 

Benefits of Solar Farms

No Pollution

Using solar energy is the best way to reduce carbon emissions, helping global warming as Solar farms distribute clean energy.

In addition, they use very little water compared to traditional power plants.

Great Return of Investment

You will save in your utility bill, maintenance costs and you will receive an income. Plus the solar feed in tariffs are applicable, making solar farming easier than before.

Habitat for Wildlife and Plants

Solar farms are great at providing a better habitat for wildlife and plants. This is because the land around solar panels is generally grassland.

No noise

Solar farms have no moving parts, so they do not produce any sound, and they can be developed close to any local environment.

 

Disadvantages of Solar Farms

High cost

The initial cost is high. Purchasing the solar system is very expensive, even though the prices of solar panels are lower than few years ago.

Weather

Solar farms efficiency depends on the weather. Yes, solar energy can still be produced during cloudy and rainy days, but the efficiency of the solar system drops.

The Need of Big Space

The more electricity you want, the more solar panels you need, and this means more space.

Solar energy is a renewable source of energy and could likely be the future of global energy source. In fact, many scientists predicted that solar energy will be used more and more, and will contribute to a quarter of the world’s energy in the future.

How Much Electricity Does a Solar Panel Produce

How Much Electricity Does a Solar Panel Produce?

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The amount of electricity a solar panel produces depends on three things:

  • Size of the panel
  • The efficiency of the solar cells inside
  • Amount of Sunlight the panel gets

What is a Solar Panel?

A solar panel is a photovoltaic panel designed to absorb the sun ray to produce electricity or heating. The typical solar panel is about five and a half feet tall and 3 feet wide.

Each solar panel has approximately sixty little squares. These squares are individual solar cells, which are linked together by wires.

Inside each individual solar cell is where the electricity is made; electricity is then carried by the wires to a junction box where the panel is hooked into a larger array. The amount of power a solar panel makes is based on the wattage of the solar panel.

The residential solar panels available in 2018 contain 60 solar cells joined together to produce around 260-300 watts, or they could have 72 cells joined together to produce between 360-400 watts.

The higher the wattage of a solar panel the more electricity it produces because it has access to more solar irradiation.

The amount of electricity solar panels produce also depends on average sunlight over the course of a year. To know this you need to find your place on the globe to see if your area is more cloudy, and therefore less available energy from the sun to convert into electricity.

Malaysia, for example, is a great place to produce solar energy. That is why the solar industry in Malaysia is expanding with several solar power companies and solar farms.

In Malaysia by February 29, 2018 the solar power capacity was at 140MW out of a total of 311.6MW, and the number of applications for solar as a source of power was 348 out of 377 applications under the Fit according to SEDA. This could give you an idea of how big the industry is in Malaysia.

How many solar panels are needed to power an average house?

The average house uses about 900 kWh per month. This is a lot and you can really save a big amount of money by using solar power.

So how do you calculate how many solar panels you need? Let’s take 900 kWh and divide by the amount of kWH one solar panel produces, that is around 30 kWh monthly. You will need 30 panels to produce 250 watts per panel to produce 7,500 kW.

Of course, before you install your solar panels, it’s recommended to consult a solar company. The expert will tell you how your solar power system should be depending on how much devices you use and your lifestyle, for example:

  • Light Bulb uses 60 watts
  • Laptops use 45 watts
  • Desktops between 150-300 watts
  • Window air conditioning range between 500 and 1500 watts
  • Central air conditioning can use 3500 watts.

All those devices add up with variations. Most of your electricity usage probably happens at night, but if you work at home this could change. Your solar installer will talk to you about all of the options.

How to Store Energy

Solar panels only generate power as the sun shines. This mean you will need a way to store the energy. One solution is to use a battery, but the majority of people prefer to stay connected to the grid. This option is easier and cheaper.

If your solar panels are producing more power than you are using, the excess power will go back into the grid. You can pull energy from the grid at night, or anytime you need extra power.

If you use a grid-connected system, you don’t have to worry if you need more power than your solar system provides. Make sure you talk to your solar installer about all the options, and which one is best for you and your home.

types of solar power systems

Types of Solar Power Systems

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Malaysia is the perfect place for the generation of solar power. Malaysia’s location, which is near the equator, receives between 4,000 to 5,000 Wh per square meter per day.

With its unique advantage, the solar industry in Malaysia has grown in the last years, with the creation of solar farms and other solar power companies. Solar farms in Malaysia are considered one of the most resource-efficient in the world.

Some of these solar farms produce enough energy for 1,800 houses every day.

Are you aware that there are different kinds of solar power systems? In fact, the most common types of solar energy systems for homes are grid-connected, grid-connected with energy storage, off-grid, and DC systems.

The most common type among the four is the Grid-connected system, although grid connected with energy storage is becoming very popular despite the high cost of building it.

Let’s discuss more about the different types of solar power systems.

 

1. Grid-Connected System

This type of solar panel system is the most common one. It is connected to your local electric grid and your home. If your array generates more energy than what you use, it sends the excess back to the electric grid.

This way you are selling your extra solar power back to the utility company where it can be used by your neighbours or others.

This type of system requires a few panels, wiring boxes and disconnects and an inverter. Also, you have to make an interconnection agreement with the local utility company.

Advantages

  • Initial Cost: Purchasing a solar power system for your home can be very expensive. But grid-tied systems are much cheaper since they use less equipment than the other types of rooftop solar power.
  • Low Maintenance: The operating cost of grid-tied systems is very low. Solar panels have 20 to 25 years of warranty.
  • Reliability: Grid-tied system is simple and can have no downtime (without electricity).
  • Flexibility: You have the chance to design your system with an alternative energy source and a utility source. This way you can change the system to meet your needs in the future.

Disadvantages

  • The setback of this type of solar power system is that when the sun goes down, you are not able to use any of the energy that the solar panels produce. This can also happen if your electric grid is down; your solar panels will be shut off automatically, too, leaving you without energy.

 

2. Grid Connected Solar with Energy Storage

This type of solar power system is also known as hybrid solar. In the last couple of years, this energy system is becoming very popular, even though it’s more expensive.

It is similar to the grid-connected residential system, but comes with an energy storage system usually in the form of battery backup.

The hybrid system consists of a PV array, a charge controller, a battery bank and inverter and in some occasions a tertiary power source like a wind turbine or a gas generator.

Advantages

  • Energy Storage System: If your solar power system produces excess energy, it can be stored in the battery. So even if there is no sunlight, you can still power your home with solar power. If there is a power outage, your home will still have power for hours.
  • Save Money: The battery can provide additional opportunities to save money because your energy storage system can make sure you are using its power instead of the power of the grid.

Disadvantages

  • Cost: The system costs more because you need to change the batteries regularly. Although the cost of batteries has gone down in recent years, they still need to be replaced at some point.
  • High-Level Expertise: This solar power system is more complex so you may require a solar installer with a higher level of expertise to design and install. So make sure you find out from your solar power company if they install this type of system.

 

3. Off-Grid Residential Solar Panel System

The off-grid residential solar panel system is a lot like the hybrid system. It also uses solar panels and an energy storage system.

The off-grid system is installed in very rural, remote areas, where it is expensive to run a power line to a home.

The system is more expensive because it is bigger since it’s not connected to the electric grid. This requires more solar panels and batteries.

Advantages

  • Independence: One of the best things about this type of solar system is that you don’t depend on the utility company. You are not subject to the terms and policies of the utility company.
  • No Blackouts: Another benefit is that when everyone else has no electricity, your home will still have full power. This is very important with people with health conditions that require electronic devices or refrigerated medicines.
  • No Electricity Bills: Because you are producing your own electricity you will never again have to pay a bill to the utility company.

Disadvantages

  • Higher Initial Cost: If you don’t have a connection from the utility company, you will need a backup battery when there is no sun. Adding this source of backup will increase your solar costs.
  • Limited Solar Energy Storage: If the weather is cloudy for a few days and you don’t receive any sun, you may run out of stored electricity.
  • Energy Efficiency is a Must: You need to be very careful about your energy, or you may not have enough power for your home.

Should you go off-grid with solar power? Well, that depends on your main motivation.

If you want to produce your own energy, want an end to blackouts or eliminate your electricity bills, having this type of solar power may be right for you. It’s also highly suitable for those who don’t have any electricity connected to their home.

But if you just want to save some money, it can be more feasible to consider a grid-tied photovoltaic system instead.

4. DC Solar Systems

DC Solar System will power an RV or cabin, but this type of solar system doesn’t typically power a whole house. It differs from grid-connected solar power system because DC solar systems don’t use an inverter to convert DC electricity produced by the solar panels to the AC electricity used in most homes.

Instead, it provides electricity to DC appliances and/or a battery bank. This is the most basic type of solar power system, and it is intended to be used only when the sun shines. The system is very affordable and easy to install.

However, once the sun goes down, the power stops. It is perfect for remote locations that require low voltage. You can use this type of solar power system for certain things like:

  • Water Pumping applications
  • Venting Fans
  • Certain Electronics.

Advantages

  • High System Efficiency: Because there is only one conversion, DC Solar System is more efficient.
  • Simple Installation: A DC system can use only one inverter, which means simpler installation.
  • Easy to coordinate: Because DC system only has one inverter, it is easy to coordinate advanced functionalities that are required in some locations.
  • More energy to the battery: As the energy flow is not limited by the inverter capacity, the system is able to route more energy to the battery.

Disadvantages

  • High cost: You will need to spend a considerable amount to buy a DC solar system.
  • Solid sunlight required: DC system will only work when the sunshine is solid. You can use DC system when there is no sun, but the battery will need to be fully charged by the sun.

These are the four different types of solar panel systems that are available for homes.

To know which type to use for your house, review your requirements with a professional solar installer who will be more than happy to explain to you and offer you the available options.

 

solar panel with high rise building behind

Solar Energy Can Improve Nation’s Well-Being

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With the recent allocation of RM260.8 billion in the 2017 Budget for operating and development expenditure, the government has such implementation to protect the people’s wellbeing and the environment, which is in line with the Islamic point of view on the concept of self protection (hifdz al-nafs) and protection of environment (hifdz al-bi’ah).

This programme aims to enhance the resources of the lower-income group located in northern Peninsular Malaysia which allows them to reduce power usage and generate income by selling surplus electricity.

In line with the services offered by Solarvest, which aims to produce cleaner and affordable alternatives available, the company ensures customers the installation of solar PV system will save power consumption while enjoying effective energy conversions. Solarvest also conducts a unique mounting method that reduces roof leaks.

solar panel with sunset view

Solar Power is Now the Cheapest Form of Energy in Almost 60 Countries

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Solar power has been verified as the cheapest source of new energy in lower-income countries, allowing corporations and governments to prioritize it compared to coal and gas for renewable sources.

According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) in 2016, the average price of solar energy in almost 60 countries dropped to US$1.65 million per megawatt while placed first is the wind at US$1.66 million per megawatt. The cost of solar power depends on the availability of sunshine, energy contracts that are in place and government subsidies, since it is still not the cheapest source around the world.

The service has been expanding due to its dropping costs of equipment, growing investment and business corporations like Solarvest that provides top-notch installation proves on the solar PV system. Solarvest, the leader in the Malaysian solar power business offers full-service on small scale to large-scale projects.

willmill wind power

BMI Research: Malaysia in World’s Top Three for Renewable Energy Investment

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Malaysia is among the top three global investment destinations for renewable energy, according to BMI Research. This can be attributed to several factors, including a favourable economic and politically stable business climate, in addition to a “buoyant macroeconomic outlook” as well as potential growth in the renewable energies industries, especially wind and solar power.

With that in mind, the country’s renewable energy sector has been growing rapidly, building a solid platform on which its renewable energy players can thrive.

Equipped with a passion for renewable energy sources, Solarvest is unwavering in its commitment to championing a unique business that is environmentally friendly. To this end, the company has the distinction of being among the pioneering batch of grid-tiered solar power installation experts, earning certifications from SEDA, ISPQ and GCPV.

 

solar panel at residential rooftop

Malaysia, Well Positioned to Attract More Solar Investments

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Malaysia has progressed significantly in the solar PV industry over the past decade which has, in turn, resulted in the promising growth of new businesses and jobs. In 2016 alone, the country attracted seven solar manufacturing projects and 83 renewable energy projects in the solar industry worth RM1.77 billion and RM0.65 billion respectively.

To reinforce a comprehensive solar ecosystem, the solar PV industry requires adequate support by a strong supply chain. This is where hi-tech and established solar players can play an integral role.

As a leading name in the industry, Solarvest has the knowledge, experience and expertise to take on this challenge confidently.