If you ask someone to picture “solar malaysia” they might visualize sunlight shining down on neat rows of panels on a brand-new roof. But what kind of roofs are the best? Who receives the gold medal for being the best spot to dance in Malaysia, where the weather is typically hot and occasionally rainy?
Let’s start at home. In a literal sense, the average house on land, whether it’s a suburban terrace or a country bungalow, ticks most of the criteria. The roofs on these houses are big and let in a lot of light from the south. A roof that isn’t in the shade, has a slope of 15 to 30 degrees, and is easy to place panels on is the finest one. There might be less production if there is a tall tree or a loud condo next door, but for most neighborhoods in Malaysia, the sun is the main event.
In Chinatown, Little India, or any city core, you can discover commercial shophouses owned by small business owners on the next level up. These flat rooftops are like sheets of paper that have not been written on. A big surface with few barriers and power needs that match the hours of operations during the day. The best of all worlds for a restaurant or grocery shop is when the sun shines on their fridges during peak hours. The light lowers their TNB costs while keeping the ais kacang chilled.
But who really knows how to sunbathe? Stores, factories, and warehouses. Imagine acres of flat, wide roofs that get light every day. Factories in industrial regions like Shah Alam or Penang Science Park, where the rooftops aren’t covered, can contain enough solar panels to power hundreds of households. They utilize the most energy while the sun is shining, which makes the return even better.
Many times, schools and colleges have roofs that aren’t being used that could help with a power boost. Some people have started to show kids and parents that clean electricity isn’t just something you read about in books; it’s actually lighting schools and cafeterias.
In Malaysia, the best roofs are always big and strong and don’t let any light in. The more, the better. Panels that are in the appropriate place make hay when the sun shines, which is virtually every day in much of Malaysia. So put on some sunglasses and head up around lunchtime to see for yourself before you call the installer. Your roof is definitely good for solar if you can feel the heat on your head.