Exploring acceptance on benefit of solar farm implementation in Malaysia

Abstract

Implementation of solar farms to generate electricity is still low in Malaysia, where only 1%, or 227.5 MW of the total installed electrical capacity in Malaysia was produced from solar PV installations in 2016. Renewable energies, e.g. solar energy, have been adopted in many countries to generate electricity as a response to global environment issues. The aim of this study is to determine financial opportunities and benefits of solar farm implementation towards the society and the environment. Data were acquired through a literature review and questionnaire survey that was conducted among the respondents that are directly involved in the solar energy. Long-term financial savings constitute the most identified financial opportunities for the implementation of solar farms in generating clean electricity. Implementation of solar farms will encourage more businesses related to solar energy to be established in the country and will lead to new business opportunities. Solar farms are far better than conventional fossil fuel power plants in terms of the environmental effect and also reduce the health effects on the society during the electric generating process.