Did you know that the solar panel Malaysia price for installation is surprisingly reasonable? However, the actual cost of installation can be influenced by various factors. Upfront expenses and the specific type of solar panels chosen can vary depending on the rooftop. Additionally, different solar installers offer a range of pricing options and packages for complete solar panel system installations.
To begin, let’s explore the key factors that can impact your installation expenses.
The journey to harnessing the sun’s power in Malaysia is more affordable and attainable than you might think. With GetSolar expanding into Malaysia, we’re offering Rent-To-Own Solar Subscription plans that come with zero upfront costs. Interested readers can find out more about our price plans here.
Join The Waitlist Today!
Register your interest, and we'll keep you updated on our arrival.
Factors that affect the Solar Panel Installation Price
Size of the System
When determining the size of your solar panel system, it’s essential to consider the available installation area on your roof and your desired electricity generation goals. To maximise your cost savings from your solar panel system, we recommend estimating your average electricity consumption based on your electricity bills from at least the past 3 months. Since solar panels generate electricity during the day, another way to optimise your solar panel Malaysia price savings would also be to tailor your solar system size to meet your daytime energy needs.”
Bonus Tip: Malaysia’s Net Energy Metering (NEM) system lets property owners export surplus solar electricity back to the grid efficiently. Through a “one-on-one” offset, you can maximise solar savings even with low daytime energy consumption. Fully utilising your roof space for solar panels, even if you won’t use all generated electricity, can help you profit and reduce payback time!
Roof Pitch, Type and Material
In Malaysia, most roofs are suitable for solar panels, but the type and material of your roof will influence the mounting approach and panel positioning. Common roofing materials include tiles, metal, and asphalt. For roofs that are less accessible, additional scaffolding may be required, potentially affecting your solar panel installation costs.
Tiled Roofing: When we’re talking about installing solar panels on tiled roofs, we usually start by temporarily removing the tiles. Then, we install a mounting frame, which is later put back in its original spot. Finally, we securely attach your solar panels to this frame. Now, here’s the twist – because we want everything super secure, there’s often some drilling involved, making the installation a bit more complex and potentially affecting costs.
Metal Roofing: Ah, but when you’ve got a standing seam metal roof, you’re in luck! These roofs are like a solar panel’s best friend. No need for drilling here – we simply fasten those trusty mounting clips right onto the seams of your roof. It’s a breeze, keeping the costs lower, and guess what? If you ever need to remove your solar panels, it’s a piece of cake.
Asphalt Roofing: For asphalt roofs, the story is pretty straightforward. We get to work by drilling studs into the roof, then attaching solar panel mounting frames to those studs. Finally, we secure your panels onto the frames. It’s this simplicity that helps keep the overall costs down and makes asphalt roofs a great choice.
Oh, and one more thing, when you’re dealing with steep roofs, brace yourself for a slightly longer installation process. Those angles need extra attention to ensure your panels are super secure. That means more labor and manpower, which can bump up the overall price a bit.
Type of Solar Panel
So, when it comes to the price of solar panels, there are two key determining factors: technology and brand. There are three main types of solar panel technologies – Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, and Thin Film. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. But guess what? Monocrystalline solar panels are currently the favourite among homeowners, especially for residential rooftop setups. Why, you ask? Well, they’re super space-efficient and boast the highest conversion efficiency.
Now, when you’re out shopping for solar panels, you’ll often hear about “Tier 1” solar panel manufacturers. These folks are top-notch in terms of reliability and consistency, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Among these “Tier 1” champs, prices can vary based on where they’re made, how efficient they are, and how long their warranties last.
As for the best players in Malaysia, you’ve got Canadian Solar, Hanwha Q Cells, JA Solar, Jinko, and GCL. They’re the go-to brands for many solar installers here.
Overall Solar Panel Price Estimates
Here’s a rough estimate of the standard system cost for landed property in Malaysia. Remember that installation costs also differ based on the factors mentioned above.
Wondering about the cost of a solar panel installation in Malaysia? Well, it’s a bit like trying to pick the perfect outfit – it really depends on your unique situation! Let’s break it down for you:
Terrace Houses: Picture around 8 solar panels and a 4 kWp system covering roughly 16sqm. You’re looking at a cost of approximately RM15,600, which should cover your average monthly energy needs of about 540 kWh.
Semi-detached Houses: If you’ve got a semi-detached house, you can go for roughly 16 solar panels or an 8 kWp system to cover an average monthly consumption of 1,080 kWh. That’ll set you back around RM28,000, with an installation area of 32sqm.
Bungalows: Now, for bungalows, think big! We’re talking about 32 solar panels, a 16 kWp system, and an installation area of 64sqm. It’s a bit more of an investment at around RM41,600, but it’s worth it for the extra panels and larger area.
Remember, these are just estimated figures, and your actual cost might vary based on specifics like your roof’s condition and your location. But hey, investing in solar is not just about saving money – it’s about saving the planet and enjoying those sunny energy savings!
| House Type | Average Number of Solar Panels | Solar Panel System Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrace Houses | 8 | 4 kWp | RM15,600 |
| Semi-detached Houses | 16 | 8 kWp | RM28,000 |
| Bungalows | 32 | 16 kWp | RM41,600 |
Other Solar Panel System Price Considerations in Malaysia
Maintenance Fees
Those shiny panels typically come with warranties lasting 25 to 30 years, while the trusty solar inverters usually have warranties spanning 5 to 10 years. These warranties ensure that if any of the equipment turns out to be physically defective, it’s a 1-for-1 replacement.
Now, some solar installers sweeten the deal with packages that include waived maintenance fees for a specific time frame. However, don’t count on free lifetime maintenance since these solar PV systems are built to last for at least 25 years. So, if your panels need a swap within the warranty period, you might still need to chip in for an occasional check or maintenance.
Speaking of maintenance costs, in Malaysia, they typically range from RM200 to RM800 per visit, with an average around RM320. For this amount, your solar panel pros will roll up their sleeves and give your panels a good clean, plus run tests on those inverters and breakers. While some folks schedule maintenance every 3 to 5 years, it’s a smart move to plan it annually to keep your solar panel system in tip-top shape.
Bonus Tip: Almost all modern solar panel systems come with a handy-dandy online monitoring platform or mobile app. It’s like having a fitness tracker for your solar panels. You and your installer can keep a close eye on how your system is performing and its efficiency.
Waterproofing or Reroofing
Let’s talk about a potential hiccup when it comes to your shiny new solar PV system – the risk of water intrusion.
When you’re installing solar panels on the most common asphalt roofing, things are usually A-OK. The roof spaces are sealed up with flashings to make sure water doesn’t sneak in. And if you’ve got a trusty metal roof, the installation is generally non-intrusive in the water department.
But here’s a friendly heads-up: If your roof is getting on in years or hasn’t been pampered with proper maintenance, it might be a good idea to think about waterproofing it before the panel installation begins. This especially holds true for those more involved tiled roof installations. After all, those solar panels are here to stay for the next 25 years!
Waterproofing isn’t something that’s needed right off the bat, and it does add a little something to the budget. But consider it an investment in peace of mind. It’ll help ensure you don’t end up dealing with unwanted drips and drops post-installation. And that’s definitely worth it in the long run!
GetSolar: Who Are We?
Our Socials
Facebook / Instagram / LinkedIn
At GetSolar (formerly Solar AI) we’re a passionate team based in Singapore committed to the mission of decarbonising our energy grid. Our innovative rent-to-own solar model is designed to bring solar energy within reach for homeowners, removing upfront costs and simplifying the process with a straightforward monthly payment plan. This approach effectively overcomes the challenges associated with embracing solar energy.
As of now, our services are exclusively available within Singapore’s borders. However, we invite you to connect with us on our social media platforms. The future holds exciting possibilities, and who knows, we may expand our reach beyond Singapore one day. When that time comes, you’ll be among the first to know!
This article was first published on 11 July 2021 and last updated on 12 September 2023 to include additional details.
