Solar Panel for a Greener Future

Malaysia is taking significant strides to balance its rapid development with protecting the environment.

The government has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy, with a strong emphasis on renewable sources like solar power.

Central to this effort is the National Renewable Energy Policy and Action Plan, which aims to generate 20% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2025.

Given Malaysia’s abundant sunlight, the nation is uniquely positioned to expand its solar energy capabilities, making solar power a driving force behind this green transition.

These initiatives are not just about combating climate change; they also open the door to new opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
 

What is a solar panel?

A solar panel is a device designed to convert sunlight into electricity.

It relies on solar cells, usually crafted from silicon, a material uniquely suited to capturing and transforming the sun's energy into usable power.

How does the solar panel system work?

Solar panel systems harness sunlight and generate electricity using the photovoltaic (PV) effect. When sunlight strikes the solar cells, it excites electrons, producing an electrical current.

This current is then sent to a solar inverter, which transforms it into usable electricity for homes or businesses.

Solar PV systems have become an increasingly popular choice for residential, commercial, and industrial use, offering a seamless way to harness clean, renewable energy from the sun.
 

Types of Solar Panels

In Malaysia, solar panels typically fall into three main categories: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film.
 

Monocrystalline Solar Panel

Monocrystalline solar panels are an excellent choice for high-efficiency performance, with efficiency rates typically ranging from 18% to 22%.

This makes them ideal for homes or businesses with limited roof space, as they generate more power using less surface area.

Beyond saving space, their superior efficiency can significantly reduce your monthly electricity bill over time, making them a wise long-term investment.

These panels are also highly reliable in hot climates, such as Malaysia, maintaining strong performance even in higher temperatures.

However, their higher upfront cost may not suit every budget. Additionally, the manufacturing process results in more material waste, as the silicon wafers are cut from a single crystal.

Despite these drawbacks, their durability and energy-saving potential often outweigh the initial expense for many users.
 

Polycrystalline Solar Panel

Polycrystalline solar panels are an affordable and reliable choice for harnessing solar energy without straining your budget.

Typically, 20 to 30% cheaper than monocrystalline panels, they owe their lower cost to a simpler manufacturing process. Despite this, they still offer a respectable efficiency range of 15 to 18%.

However, their slightly reduced efficiency stems from their construction—silicon crystals are melted together, which makes them less effective at converting sunlight into energy.

As a result, you may need more panels to achieve the same energy output, which could pose challenges if space is limited.

Overall, polycrystalline panels strike a solid balance between cost and performance, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious energy solutions.
 

Thin-film Solar Panel

Thin-film solar panels offer several compelling advantages.

Their lightweight and flexible design makes them ideal for curved or unconventional surfaces, providing versatility that traditional panels can’t match.

They’re also more cost-effective to produce compared to monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels, making them an excellent choice for larger solar panel installation on a tight budget.

Another benefit is their strong performance in low-light conditions, such as shaded areas or cloudy weather, which makes them well-suited for regions with less intense sunlight.

However, thin-film panels do come with some drawbacks.

They are less efficient, typically achieving only 10 to 12% efficiency, meaning you’ll need more space to generate the same amount of energy as other panel types.

Their lifespan is also shorter—about 15 to 20 years—and their efficiency tends to decline over time.
Additionally, they may require more regular maintenance, especially in dusty or debris-prone environments, to maintain optimal performance.

While thin-film solar panels may not be the perfect fit for every situation, their affordability, flexibility, and low-light capabilities make them a valuable option for specific needs.
 

Solar Panel Lifespan

When considering solar energy, the lifespan of solar panels is a key factor to evaluate. Here’s a breakdown of how the main types compare:

• Monocrystalline panels have an impressive lifespan of 25 to 30 years. With an annual efficiency loss of just 0.5%, they can still operate at approximately 80% of their original capacity even after 25 years.
• Polycrystalline panels share a similar lifespan of around 25 years but degrade slightly faster. They typically reach 80% efficiency between 20 and 25 years.
• Thin-film panels, while more affordable, have a shorter lifespan of 15 to 20 years and experience a quicker decline in efficiency compared to the other types.
   

Importance of Solar Panel Maintenance

Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring your solar panels operate efficiently and have a long lifespan.

Regular cleaning and inspections are crucial, as dust and debris can reduce their performance over time.

In Malaysia, frequent rainfall helps wash away dirt, but it's still wise to periodically inspect your panels for cracks or signs of wear and tear.

Fortunately, many modern solar systems now come with remote monitoring tools, allowing you to track your system’s performance in real-time.

These tools can alert you to issues like shading, malfunctions, or dips in efficiency, so you can address problems promptly and keep your system running at its best.
 

Solar Panel Efforts by Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad
 

Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad is making significant strides toward sustainability by installing solar panels at its manufacturing facilities.

This initiative not only reduces the company’s carbon footprint but also aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and supports Malaysia’s commitment to renewable energy adoption.

By transitioning to solar energy systems, Ajinomoto is not only cutting operational costs but also showcasing how renewable energy can drive industrial progress.

This effort highlights a growing trend among Malaysian companies to prioritise sustainability—delivering benefits for both the environment and the economy.