A Guide to Commercial Solar Panels in Malaysia

by Ng Yew Weng

Table of Contents:

• What is commercial solar?

• Why opt for commercial solar systems?

• What is the price of commercial solar panels in Malaysia?

• What else is good to know?

-How big are solar panels?

-How much power does one commercial solar panel produce?

-How much land is needed for commercial solar projects?

-How to convert commercial solar panels into electricity?

-How long does it take to install commercial solar panels?

• Conclusion: Are commercial solar panels worth it?

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Everything You Need to Know About Commercial Solar Panels in Malaysia

Are you considering solar power for your company? Unlike residential solar, commercial solar is solar power meant for business use. If you want to skip ahead and get a quote for your commercial solar installation, click here. Otherwise, keep reading to learn more.

At Progressture Solar, we have successfully managed over 800 completed and ongoing clean energy projects, resulting in the generation of 131,400 MWh of clean energy and the prevention of 99,600 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. Based on our extensive experience within the energy sector, here is all you need to know about commercial solar systems in Malaysia.

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What is Commercial Solar?

Commercial solar refers to solar energy used to generate electricity for companies in the commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors. This encompasses large multinational corporations (MNCs), small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), factories, warehouses, shopping malls, parking lots, schools, and more.

Unlike residential solar systems, commercial solar systems might require a larger scale and more complex design and installation to meet the unique energy demands of businesses. While rooftop installations are typical, solar panels can also be mounted on carports if a company’s premises have ample space.

Our completed commercial solar project in Kedah.

Why Opt for Commercial Solar Systems?

Commercial solar panels in Malaysia have the potential to harness the region’s abundant sunshine and generate clean, cost-effective energy for businesses. By opting for commercial solar systems, companies gain a range of benefits:

Significant Cost Savings

Immediately save as much as 40% on energy bills.

Environmental Impact

Generate clean energy, reduce your carbon footprint, and ease sustainability reporting.

Hedge Against Electricity Tariff Hikes

Mitigate the risk of rising electricity rates.

Maximise Government Incentives

Reduce the company’s taxable income by up to 38% while leveraging Net Energy Metering (NEM) to export excess energy back to the grid.

Low Maintenance, High Returns

Enjoy minimal upkeep and high internal rates of return (IRR) with Progressture Solar’s all-risk insurance and up to 30 years warranty.

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What Is the Price of Commercial Solar Panels in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, commercial solar panels cost about RM1,800 to RM2,200 per kWp installed, with this range varying according to the system size. In most instances, as the solar photovoltaic (PV) system size increases, the price per kWp decreases. For example:

Solar PV System Size	Rooftop Area (sqm)	Price per kWp	Estimated Cost
500 kWp	4,450	RM2,100	RM1.05 million
1 MWp (1,000 kWp)	8,900	RM1,800	RM1.8 million

You can find out more about the cost of solar panel installation here. Actual pricing will vary based on the solar PV system size and specific project requirements. For an accurate quote tailored to your business needs, consult a commercial solar company like Progressture Solar; our experts will conduct a detailed assessment to provide a precise cost estimate.

While the upfront cost of commercial solar panel installation may seem substantial, numerous solar financing options are available in Malaysia to make it a viable investment. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) offer a zero-capital expenditure route to harnessing solar energy. Moreover, the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation [1] outlines a few tax incentives that aim to help companies in their efforts to go solar.

What Else Is Good to Know?

How Big Are Solar Panels?

Trina Solar’s [2] NEG19RC.20 model, designed for commercial and industrial use, has 132 cells per panel and measures approximately 2.3m by 1.1m, weighing around 33kg.

Nowadays, commercial and residential solar PV systems in Malaysia tend to use the same types of solar panels. However, commercial installations often require more solar panels to meet the higher energy demands of businesses.

How Much Power Does One Commercial Solar Panel Produce?

The power output of a commercial solar panel depends on the manufacturer, panel technology, and efficiency. For example, Trina Solar’s NEG19RC.20 model offers a maximum power output of 620 watts (W).

However, actual power generation still varies based on solar panel size, the orientation of the solar panels during rooftop installation, and local solar irradiance.

How Much Land Is Needed for Commercial Solar Projects?

Rooftop installations for commercial solar projects usually require no additional land as they utilise existing building structures. A reputable solar panel installer in Malaysia, such as Progressture Solar, can assess the company’s roof space, current electrical size, and usage to recommend a suitable solar PV system size.

Additionally, businesses with large parking areas can consider carport solar systems that combine shade for vehicles with electricity generation, allowing for increased clean energy output.

How To Convert Commercial Solar Panels into Electricity?

Commercial solar panels harness sunlight to generate electricity through photovoltaic (PV) cells. According to a 2023 review [3], PV cells consist of a semiconductor material – mainly silicon – that absorbs photons from sunlight and releases electrons. This process, known as the photovoltaic effect, generates electricity and subsequently powers many commercial applications.

How Long Does It Take to Install Commercial Solar Panels?

The duration of a commercial solar panel installation fluctuates depending on the solar PV system size and project complexity.

For systems below 90 kWp, the installation process typically takes 21 days. However, the entire project timeline, from initial assessment to system commissioning, spans up to 6 months, including design, engineering, permitting, construction, commissioning, and final inspections.

Smaller systems require less time for installation, while larger installations demand more extensive planning and execution. As Malaysia’s leading solar panel installer, Progressture Solar is committed to efficient project management. Our comprehensive services provide peace of mind throughout the installation process and enable businesses to reap the benefits of solar energy quickly.

Conclusion: Are Commercial Solar Panels Worth It?

Commercial solar panels offer businesses a sustainable and cost-effective pathway to energy independence. By harnessing the sun’s energy, companies can significantly reduce electricity bills, lower carbon emissions, and improve their bottom line. Investing in commercial solar is truly worth it.

As a leading solar panel installer in Malaysia, Progressture Solar specialises in delivering high-quality solar PV systems and exceptional service. Get a quote today to start saving with solar power.

Why You Can Trust Progressture Solar

Progressture Solar is committed to helping businesses achieve net zero by offering tailored solutions for specific needs. As a leading clean energy provider and net-zero partner, our in-house team of experts and professionals reviews our content for accuracy. We also use updated data, facts, and expert advice in all our content. 

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References 

1 Malaysia Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC). “Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA) & Green Income Tax Exemption (GITE).” 2024.

2 Trina Solar. "Vertex N 620W+ Bifacial NEG19RC.20." 2024

3 Ebru Kondolot Solak and Erdal Irmak. “Advances in organic photovoltaic cells: a comprehensive review of materials, technologies, and performance.” RSC Advances (2023): 12244-12269.

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