Malaysia Solar Panel Price vs Specifications Guide
Introduction
In recent years, Malaysia has seen a growing popularity of solar energy as homeowners and businesses seek to reduce their electricity bills and environmental impact. Solar panels are becoming increasingly affordable and efficient, making them a viable option for many Malaysians.
When choosing solar panels, it is important to consider a number of factors, including price, specifications, and warranty. It is also important to work with a reputable solar installer to ensure that your system is properly designed and installed.
Balancing Price and Specifications
Solar panels can range in price from RM3.00 to RM5.50 per watt-peak (Wp), depending on the factors listed above. More efficient panels will typically be more expensive, but they will also produce more electricity per square meter.
It is important to strike a balance between price and specifications when choosing solar panels. For example, if you have a limited budget, you may want to consider less efficient panels. However, if you have a lot of rooftop space, you may want to invest in more efficient panels to maximize your electricity production.
Factors Affecting Solar Panel Prices
There are a number of factors that can affect the price of solar panels, including:
- Material quality: Solar panels are typically made of silicon, but there are different grades of silicon available. Higher-grade silicon will typically produce more efficient panels, but it will also be more expensive.
- Efficiency and power output: The efficiency of a solar panel is measured by how much of the sunlight that hits it is converted into electricity. More efficient panels will produce more electricity per square meter.
- Brand reputation: Some solar panel brands are more reputable than others. Reputable brands will typically offer higher-quality panels and better warranties.
- Warranty and lifespan: Solar panels typically come with a 25-year warranty. However, the actual lifespan of a solar panel can be longer or shorter depending on the quality of the panel and the installation.
- Government incentives and rebates: The Malaysian government offers a number of incentives and rebates to encourage the adoption of solar energy. These incentives can help to reduce the cost of installing a solar panel system.
Analyzing Solar Panel Specifications
Technology
P-type and N-type solar panels are the two main types of solar panels available. P-type solar panels are the more traditional type of solar panel, and they are also the less expensive type of solar panel. N-type solar panels are a newer type of solar panel, and they are more expensive than P-type solar panels. However, N-type solar panels also have a number of advantages over P-type solar panels, including:
- Longer performance guarantee: N-type solar panels typically come with a 30-year performance guarantee, while P-type solar panels typically come with a 25-year performance guarantee.
- Higher retention of energy generation: N-type solar panels typically retain more of their energy generation over time than P-type solar panels. This is because N-type solar panels are less susceptible to light-induced degradation (LID).
- Higher efficiency: N-type solar panels are typically more efficient than P-type solar panels. This means that they can produce more electricity using the same area footprint.
Wattage and power output
The wattage of a solar panel is the amount of power it can produce under ideal conditions. The power output of a solar panel is the amount of power it actually produces in real-world conditions.
The power output of a solar panel is affected by a number of factors, including the amount of sunlight that hits the panel, the angle at which the panel is installed, and the temperature of the panel.
Efficiency ratings
The efficiency of a solar panel is the percentage of sunlight that hits it that is converted into electricity. More efficient solar panels will produce more electricity from the same amount of sunlight. Below is the difference between P-type and N-type solar panels in terms of efficiency:
- P-type solar panel: 20-22%
- N-type solar panel: 22-24%
Temperature coefficients
The temperature coefficient of a solar panel is the rate at which its efficiency decreases as the temperature increases. Solar panels typically become less efficient as they heat up.
Frame design
The frame design of a solar panel will affect its durability and weather resistance. Here are some commonly used frame designs in Malaysia:
- Aluminum frame: Aluminum frames are lightweight and durable, and they are also resistant to corrosion.
- Steel frame: Steel frames are stronger than aluminum frames, but they are also heavier and more susceptible to corrosion.
- Polymer frame: Polymer frames are lightweight and durable, and they are also resistant to corrosion.
Durability and weather resistance
The durability and weather resistance of a solar panel will determine how long it lasts and how well it performs in different weather conditions.
Finding the Right Balance
Setting your budget
The first step in finding the right solar panel system for you is to set a budget. How much money are you willing to spend on solar panels?
Determining your energy needs
Once you have set a budget, you need to determine your energy needs. How much electricity does your home or business use on a monthly basis?
You can get this information from your electricity bill. Once you know your energy needs, you can start to calculate the size of the solar panel system you need.
Calculating the return on investment
The return on investment (ROI) of a solar panel system is the amount of money you will save on your electricity bills over the lifespan of the system.
To calculate the ROI of a solar panel system, you need to consider the following factors:
- The cost of the solar panel system
- The estimated energy production of the system
- The price of electricity from your utility company
- The government incentives and rebates that you are eligible for
Consideration of long-term benefits
In addition to saving money on your electricity bills, solar panels also offer a number of other long-term benefits, such as:
- Increased property value
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Increased energy independence
Average cost of solar panels
The average cost of solar panels varies depending on the factors listed above, such as the size of the system, the type of panels used, and the location of the installation.
Solar panel cost for home consumers
The average cost of a solar system for home consumers in Malaysia is RM15,000 to RM50,000.
Solar panel cost for businesses
The cost of a solar panel system for businesses in Malaysia depends on the client’s request, some may even run up to tens of millions, depending on the bill.
It is important to note that these are just averages, and the actual cost of a solar panel system can vary depending on your specific needs.
Conclusion
Solar panels can be a great investment for both home consumers and businesses. However, it is important to do your research and find the right solar installer to ensure that you get the best possible deal and that your system is properly installed.
Looking for a reliable solar panel installer? Get the best quote from AQ Energy here!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A. Are higher-priced solar panels always better?
In general, higher-priced solar panels tend to have better yields. This is because they are made with more efficient materials. If space is a limitation, it might be worth installing it for the long term as higher-priced panels can provide stronger generation under the same area footprint.
B. What government incentives are available for solar panel installation?
The Malaysian government offers a number of incentives and rebates for solar panel installation, including the Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA), the Green Income Tax Exemption (GITE), and the Net Energy Metering (NEM) program.
For more information on government incentives for solar panel installation, please visit the website of the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia.
C. How do I choose the right solar panel size for my home?
The size of the solar panel system you need will depend on your energy needs. To calculate the size of the solar panel system you need, you need to know how much electricity your home uses on a monthly basis.
You can get this information from your electricity bill. Once you know your energy needs, you can start to compare the sizes of different solar panel systems.
D. What are the key factors affecting solar panel lifespan?
The key factors affecting solar panel lifespan are:
- Quality of the solar panels: Solar panels made from high-quality materials will typically last longer than solar panels made from low-quality materials.
- Installation: Solar panels that are properly installed will typically last longer than solar panels that are improperly installed.
- Location: Solar panels installed in areas with high levels of sunlight and extreme weather conditions will typically have a shorter lifespan than solar panels installed in areas with lower levels of sunlight and milder weather conditions.
E. Can I install solar panels on my own to save money?
It is possible to install solar panels on your own, but it is not recommended. Solar panel installation is a complex process, and there is a risk of serious injury or death if the installation is not done properly as most solar panels are installed on high ground.
It is always best to hire a qualified solar installer to ensure that your solar panel system is properly designed and installed.
F. Are there any maintenance costs associated with solar panels?
Solar panels are relatively low-maintenance. However, there are a few things you should do to keep your solar panel system in good condition, such as:
- Cleaning the solar panels regularly
- Checking the solar panels for any signs of damage
- Having the solar panel system inspected by a qualified solar installer every few years
At AQ Energy, we offer a workmanship guarantee with minimal maintenance needed.