Unlocking Sustainable Energy Solutions Through Solar Power in Malaysia

Country or Region Overview

Country or Region: Malaysia

Capital: Kuala Lumpur (official and commercial), Putrajaya (administrative)

Total Population: Approximately 33 million (as of 2025)

Geographical Location: Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia, consisting of Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (on the island of Borneo). It shares borders with Thailand, Indonesia, and Brunei, and has long coastlines along the South China Sea and Strait of Malacca.

Solar resource map copyright at 2021 Solargis. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution license (CC BY-SA 4.0). This is a solar resource map from Solargis. For a higher resolution map, please visit and download.

Table of Contents

Solar Irradiation Data in Malaysia

Malaysia enjoys abundant year-round sunlight, thanks to its equatorial location. Despite frequent cloud cover in some regions, average solar irradiation remains high enough to support a growing solar market.

Key Solar Irradiation Data:

  • Annual Solar Irradiation: Around 4.2 to 5.0 kWh/m²/day

  • High Irradiation Regions: Kedah, Perlis, Selangor, Sabah, Sarawak

  • Peak Irradiation: 5.5 kWh/m²/day during dry seasons (February–April, June–August)

While humidity and occasional overcast skies influence solar yield, Malaysia remains well-positioned for both utility-scale and distributed solar applications.

If you need to learn more solar power potential in Malaysia, please feel free to contact Solarvance for more details.

Temperature Factors in Malaysia

  • Average Annual Temperature: Generally ranges from 25°C to 33°C

  • Impact on Solar Panels: High temperatures and low wind speeds can cause some efficiency loss, but the consistent sunlight compensates for it

Recommendation: Use heat-tolerant panels and design systems with proper ventilation and spacing for tropical climates.

Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Malaysia

  • National Energy Demand: Malaysia’s energy demand continues to grow, especially in urban and industrial areas like the Klang Valley and Johor

  • Grid Infrastructure: The national grid is well-developed in Peninsular Malaysia, while some rural areas in East Malaysia still face challenges

  • Opportunities from Global Events: Malaysia has pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, prompting increased investment in clean energy infrastructure

Preferred System Type in Malaysia

  • Grid-Connected Systems: Common in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, benefiting from Malaysia’s net energy metering (NEM) scheme

  • Off-Grid Systems: Suitable for remote villages and islands in Sabah and Sarawak

  • Hybrid Systems: Ideal for resorts, plantations, and rural schools, combining solar, batteries, and backup generators

Dust and Sand Factor in Malaysia

  • Dust and Sandstorms: Dust levels are moderate, mostly from urban activity or construction, not from natural dust storms

  • Recommendation: Occasional cleaning and tilted installations help maintain energy yield in dusty or high-pollution areas

Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Malaysia

  • Humidity Levels: Very high, often 80–95%, with frequent rainfall, especially during the monsoon seasons

  • Impact on Solar Panels: Long-term exposure can cause corrosion and insulation degradation without proper protection

  • Recommendation: Use corrosion-resistant panel frames, sealed inverters, and IP-rated enclosures

Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Malaysia

  • Saltwater Corrosion: Coastal areas and island resorts (e.g., Langkawi, Tioman, Borneo coastlines) experience salt-laden winds

  • Recommendation: Use marine-grade racking systems, anodized aluminum, and anti-corrosion coatings

Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Malaysia

  • Net Energy Metering (NEM) 3.0: Allows solar owners to offset energy bills by exporting surplus power to the grid

  • Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA) and Green Income Tax Exemption (GITE): Tax incentives for renewable energy investments

  • Large Scale Solar (LSS) Projects: Government auctions for utility-scale solar development have helped rapidly scale capacity

  • MyRER Plan: Targets 31% renewable electricity mix by 2025 and 40% by 2035

ROI on Solar Systems in Malaysia

  • ROI Period: Residential and commercial solar systems in Malaysia typically achieve payback in 4–6 years

  • Long-Term Savings: Users can save 60–80% on electricity bills, especially under the NEM scheme with high self-consumption

Conclusion on Solar Power in Malaysia

Malaysia’s solar energy journey is entering an exciting chapter. The combination of abundant sunshine, strong government backing, and growing public awareness has made solar more than just a green option — it’s becoming a smart financial decision.

Yet the country’s true potential lies not only on rooftops in Kuala Lumpur or solar farms in Kedah. It also lies in delivering reliable, decentralized energy to remote communities, powering industries with cleaner electricity, and building smarter cities that lean on the sun instead of fossil fuels.

Solarvance is ready to support this evolution. With solutions designed for Malaysia’s tropical climate, coastal challenges, and policy frameworks, we offer a practical pathway for businesses, households, and institutions to embrace solar — efficiently and affordably.

At Solarvance, we believe solar in Indonesia isn’t just a market — it’s a mission. We’re here to design solutions that work across islands, climates, and use cases — making clean, reliable power accessible everywhere.

Let’s work together to build a more sustainable and energy-independent Malaysia — one solar panel at a time.

Choose Solarvance for Your Solar System

Contact us today to explore customized solar solutions for your needs, whether you’re interested in grid-connected, off-grid, or hybrid solar systems. Our team at Solarvance is here to guide you through every step of the process, from system design to installation and maintenance.

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