Is Solar Worth It in Malaysia?

Malaysia, located near the equator, is blessed with abundant sunshine year-round, making it an ideal country for solar energy. However, many people remain skeptical, holding onto misconceptions based on our unique tropical climate. Are these “myths” true? Let’s debunk them one by one.

Myth 1: “Malaysia has a long rainy season and many cloudy days, so solar panels won’t generate much power.”

Truth: False. Panels work on “light,” not “heat,” and still generate power on cloudy days.

This is the biggest misconception. Photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electricity from photons (light), not from heat (temperature).

1. Generation on Cloudy Days: Even on an overcast or rainy day, as long as there is visible light penetrating the clouds, panels will still produce electricity. The efficiency is reduced, but it does not drop to zero.

2. Annual Average: While Malaysia has its monsoon seasons, our average annual solar irradiance (sunlight hours) is still significantly higher than in many European or North American countries. A solar system’s output is calculated based on the annual total, and a few rainy periods do not negate the overall high yield.

3. Heat vs. Efficiency: In fact, excessive heat (e.g., above 35°C) can slightly reduce a panel’s efficiency. The cooler temperatures during Malaysia’s rainy days can actually help panels operate closer to their optimal temperature.

Myth 2: “Solar panels have a short lifespan and need frequent replacement, making it a bad investment.”

Truth: False. Quality solar panels come with a 25-30 year performance warranty.

Solar panels are incredibly durable.

• Performance Warranty: Standard Tier-1 solar panels offer a 25-year (or even 30-year) linear performance warranty. This guarantees that the panel will still produce at 80-85% of its original efficiency in its 25th year.

• Product Warranty: The warranty covering manufacturing defects in the panel itself is typically 10-15 years.

• The Inverter: The component that may need replacing mid-life is the inverter (the “brain” of the system), which typically has a lifespan of 10-15 years. But this is just one component, not the entire system.

Myth 3: “Maintenance is expensive and I’ll have to climb on the roof to clean them constantly.”

Truth: False. Solar systems are very low-maintenance, and Malaysia’s rain is a natural cleaner.

Solar panels have no moving parts, making them extremely reliable.

• Rain Cleans Panels: In Malaysia, the frequent rainfall automatically washes away most of the dust and grime from the panel surface.

• Professional Maintenance: Unless there is stubborn birds’ dropping or significant grime buildup after a long haze period, a professional cleaning and inspection is generally only recommended once or twice per year, which is not costly.

Myth 4: “Installing solar panels will damage my roof and cause leaks.”

Truth: This depends entirely on the professionalism of the installer, not the technology itself.

This is a valid concern, especially in a rainy country.

• Professional Mounting: A professional solar installer uses standardized mounting systems specifically designed for common Malaysian roof types (e.g., tile or metal deck).

• Waterproofing: They apply rigorous waterproofing and sealing techniques at all penetration points to ensure no leaks.

• Avoiding Risk: Choosing a reputable, licensed (e.g., SEDA-certified) installer is the best way to prevent roof damage. The risk is in the workmanship, not the solar panel.

Myth 5: “Solar is too expensive in Malaysia, and the ROI (Return on Investment) is too long.”

Truth: False. With the NEM scheme, the payback period has been drastically reduced.

• Cost Reduction: The price of solar panels has dropped by over 80% in the last decade.

• NEM (Net Energy Metering): This is the game-changer. In Malaysia, the NEM program allows you to export your excess solar energy back to the TNB grid for a 1-to-1 credit on your electricity bill.

• Fast Payback: This “bill offset” model has shortened the ROI for a typical solar system to just 5-7 years. After the NEM contract period (e.g., 10 years), the electricity generated is pure profit.

Conclusion: Don’t let outdated myths hold you back. For a sun-rich country like Malaysia with a favorable NEM policy, solar energy is no longer a “future trend”—it is one of the smartest home investments you can make today.