Malaysia is truly blessed with renewable energy (RE) resources. Given its location along Earth’s equator, solar energy is the most obvious choice. Malaysia receives around 4000-5000 Wh/m² of solar irradiation monthly. In addition, monthly average of sunshine ranges from 4 to 8 hours daily, totalling around 2200 hours of sunshine annually. That is 8,800-11,000 kWh amount of energy waiting to be harvested only with collection area as small as 16 A4 papers pieced together.
Looking back, Malaysia had come a long way. Realizing that natural resources like gas and hydrocarbon fuel is depleting, a lot has been done to reduce overreliance towards such resources. In addition to environmental concern, the call to shift becomes much apparent.
In 2018, Malaysia targeted to achieve 20% of RE accounted in national power generation capacity by 2025. This was made clear with so many initiatives aimed to boost solar and other RE among industrial and commercial sector. For instance, Net Energy Metering (NEM) mechanism for those who participated in installing solar panel for their building. The intention is to promote energy savings, given that participants received credit for excess energy generation that will then offset their actual energy consumption bill.
Unfortunately, every good thing comes only upon moderation.
Renewable energy, by definition, is energy collected from renewable resources like solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass et cetera. Hence, it is loosely been considered as green energy due to its zero-emission profile and carbon footprint reduction benefits. However, renewable energy will not be considered as green energy once it no longer brings about environmental benefit. As such, solar energy initiative must first take serious consideration towards environmental account. Failing to do this, it will no longer posit any benefit compared to conventional energy resources
#1 – Wasted land opportunity
The more electric you want, the more solar panel you need.
For commercial building or residential owners, most of the time panels are mounted on the roof. Nonetheless, big companies with huge energy requirement might need large installation area to provide electricity on a consistent basis.
By installing solar panel on the ground, area affected could no longer be used. In addition, solar panel is known to be expensive. Thus, the area is commonly sealed off as to prevent theft or damage. This had adverse effect towards intention to co-develop the land for alternative purposes like agrivoltaics. Difference in company direction, for instance, hampered such idea from being materialized.
One of Malaysian largest solar field is in Kuala Ketil, Kedah and sits on about 260 acres of land, able to provide power to 30,000 households for the next 25 years. That is 260 acres of land that cannot be used anymore for other purposes like agriculture.
#2 – Deforestation
As green as solar is, it is not a hall pass to chop down trees to make space.
Clean energy discussion must not be held in silo from other environmental concerns. There seems to be a trend in deforestation as more solar farm is erected. This will bring negative impacts towards the environment in the long run.
For example, the 110 hectares of Large-Scale Solar (LSS) farm in Gambang, Pahang. That means 110 hectares of forest had been bulldozed for that. To make matters worse, forest naturally absorbs CO₂ and mitigates greenhouse effect. 110 hectares of forest could absorb yearly emissions of around 27,500 cars.
#3 – Pollution
Although solar power produces clean energy, solar panel is ironically made of toxic materials.
Among the compounds found in solar panels is cadmium and lead, extremely toxic metals. There are a number of other toxic and hazardous materials used in the production of solar panels including gallium arsenide, copper-indium-gallium-diselenide, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, hydrogen fluoride, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and acetone.
In the United States, manufactures are required to make sure these substances are recycled rather than disposed of. However, in some countries, these hazardous materials are being irresponsibly disposed of in fields, polluting the air, water, and soil.
This brings us to one big question.
Is there a solution to install large scale solar panel WITHOUT need for land allocation?
The answer: YES
70% of Earth’s surface is covered in water. Hence, floating solar will solve issues concerning limitation of land allocation. This proved beneficial especially for factories with ponds or nearby lake and sea. In addition, floating solar will not affect local aquatic ecosystem. In fact, it helps to reduce water loss due to evaporation and prevents harmful algae bloom that may sickens human and animals.
Lo and behold, SYREFL’s new addition towards providing greener energy efficiency solution, floating solar solution. This solution has passed scrutinized tests to ensure its reliabilities like Hunt Water Absorption Test, Anti-Aging Test, Anti-UV Test and more.
What’s more:
- Its capacity to bear pulling force is much higher than others within floating solar category.
- Can realize either array of double row with same or symmetrical facing, able to take full advantage to increase solar power generation efficiency and installation capacity.
- Minimum of 25 years lifetime.
- Compatible with any solar module or size.
- Highly durable and easy to operate.
In simpler term, this new floating solar addition, would definitely help your company to be more environmentally friendly whereas you would still be able to achieve desired goal in power generation requirement. Perhaps, a bit more. Contact us to know more about floating solar and its many benefits.
