Author Topic: Solar Power (Read 807 times)

HIDDEN · « **on:** August 18, 2007, 01:15:56 AM »

hi,

There's a Malaysian solar energy programme which is aimed at promoting solar applications for residential use. And it's also aimed towards new builds. The Pusat Tenaga Malaysia (PTM) project is one of several under the Malaysian Building Integrated Photovoltaic (MBIPV) and supported by the United Nations Programme-Global Environment Facility.

The project is called Suria 1000 Programme. Apart from all the long titles, the programme seems to be based on discounts given to home-owners to install solar panel systems. The current installation costs in Malaysia are around RM30,000 per kW, and the minimum installation is 3kW.

When I first read about this I was interested but rapidly went-off the idea when I realised that I would have to "bid" for a system on the basis of being selected if I "bid" a lower discount than other applicants.

Also, if you get 50% off then you're still paying RM45,000 which translates into waiting 40 or 50 years to break even on saved electricity bills. Might as well put the cash into really good thermal insulation.

However, if you're interested the details are at www.ptm.org.my/bipv/suria.htm or email to mbipv@ptm.org.my

There's also articles in the Star Newspaper. In the Environment Section, "Sun-powered Homes" 28 November 2006, and "Catch some Light" 26 June 2007.

regards, Scott

HIDDEN · « **Reply #1 on:** August 18, 2007, 12:05:21 PM »

I think if one is an extreme 'green' conservationist, the cost is worth it, but us ordinary folks that's just too costly. After reading your post I chatted with my hubby as he was in electrical/electronics fields, he said the cost is in the technology of converting sun energy to store in DC and to use it convert from DC to AC , expensive technology is the solar cells and end efficiency is not that great.... if you need 3KW is an equivalent to 50 car batteries for storing the converted energy and losing about 50% in the conversion. A cheaper way to get miles of copper tubings and a good insulated tank if it's just for hot water heating

I'm all mixed up with this conversion business

HIDDEN · « **Reply #2 on:** September 30, 2007, 04:30:14 PM »

Interesting article, so much solar energy at the right angle and so less effort to limit oil and gas consumption. Looking around me, exept for solar systems to heat up water no signs at all of solar energy panels. Malaysia has miles to go before they catch up with the west. In Holland you can buy a 600Wp DIY package for € 3000. The best part is if you don't need the surplus, the meter runs backwards!
I wonder what the gouvernment will say when you clad your roof with solar panels and try to sell the surplus to Tenaga.
Last week I tried to find a simple thing like a solar pump for my pond (pump +solar panel), could not find it in Malaysia, so has to bring it from Holland for only €70.
Regards, Danny from a very sunny Kuantan

HIDDEN · « **Reply #3 on:** September 30, 2007, 07:57:52 PM »

hi, DannyB,

Many thanks for the post. Yep, solar power in Malaysia is still in the "try-out" stage.

By the way, what's Kuantan like these days? It's on my list of places to visit on the east coast.

regards, Scott

News:

Solar Power