Clean Techn Environ Policy

DOI 10.1007/s10098-015-0920-2

ORIGINAL PAPER

Social acceptance of solar energy in Malaysia: users perspective

K. H. Solangi R. Saidur M. R. Luhur
M. M. Aman A. Badarudin S. N. Kazi
T. N. W. Lwin N. A. Rahim M. R. Islam

Received: 3 July 2014 / Accepted: 9 February 2015

Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2015

Abstract The increase in energy demand has caused

considerable attention to be directed toward sustainable
energy resources. The importance of electricity generation
through solar energy has been intensively highlighted
globally, but Malaysia has yet to exert efforts to develop
this energy resource. This study explores the social acceptance and level of human interest in solar energy. In
addition, this work identifies the difficulties in the consumption of solar energy and the expectations for solar
energy development in Malaysia. Survey results show that
80 % of the respondents are highly interested in solar energy. However, the majority of the respondents have

Electronic supplementary material The online version of this

article (doi:10.1007/s10098-015-0920-2) contains supplementary
material, which is available to authorized users.
K. H. Solangi (&)  R. Saidur  A. Badarudin 
S. N. Kazi  M. R. Islam
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering,
University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
e-mail: solangi@quest.edu.pk
M. R. Luhur
Quaid e Awam University of Engineering Science and
Technology, Nawabshah, Sindh, Pakistan
M. M. Aman
Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering,
University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
T. N. W. Lwin
Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Malaya,
50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
N. A. Rahim
UM Power Energy Dedicated Advanced Centre (UMPEDAC),
Level 4, Wisma R&D, University of Malaya,
59990 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

reported that some hindrances, such as expensive solar

panels and lack of correct information about solar energy
utilization, make fuel-generated electricity a preferable
choice. Meanwhile, almost 80 % of the respondents believe that government incentives could best enhance solar
energy usage nationwide. To implement new solar energy
policies successfully in Malaysia, the government should
support the establishment of solar power plants, as well as
provide complete information and funding for independent
research. Furthermore, more than 70 % of respondents
perceive the government to be the main organization that
should lead the development of this energy sector. Therefore, this research provides some useful references for
policy makers to continue promoting the use of solar energy in Malaysia.
Keywords Solar energy  Sustainable energy 
Generation  Electricity  Promotion  Policy

Introduction
Balancing supply and demand relative to energy consumption has become a global issue. Energy is essential for
economic and social development, as well as for improving
the quality of life of human beings. Concerns about the
increase in oil prices and the depletion of fossil fuel resources have recently arisen. Consequently, renewable
energy (RE) sources have gained attention as alternatives
to fossil fuels (Ashnani et al. 2014; Moosavian et al. 2013;
Yee et al. 2009). Most studies have emphasized the application of two renewable resources, namely, solar energy
and wind (Majeed et al. 2010). Among various sustainable
sources used for solar energy technologies, photovoltaic
(PV) technology appears to be relatively attractive for

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K. H. Solangi et al.

electricity generation for its characteristics of noiselessness, non-carbon dioxide emission during operation, scale
flexibility, and simple operation and maintenance (Dincer
2011). The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates
that solar power could provide as much as 11 % of global
electricity production in 2050 (Katinas et al. 2013;
Moosavian et al. 2013).
In 2011, the total PV installed capacity in the world
increased to 68 GW and exceeded 100 GW in 2012 (Zhi
et al. 2014). Among the energy sources, solar energy is
being considered to satisfy energy demand in Malaysia and
the whole world (Gomesh et al. 2013). Malaysia is one of
the developing countries with a GDP of $15,400 per capita,
and its purchasing power parity (PPP basis) based on
steady GDP growth rate was 4.6 in 2009 (IMF 2011;
Fokaides et al. 2014). Parallel to the growth rate, energy
consumption has grown by approximately 5.6 % between
2000 and 2005 (Balo 2011). The energy consumption of
the industrial sector has grown at a rate of 4.3 %, and this
sector used 48 % of the total energy consumed in 2007
(BoroumandJazi et al. 2012; Shafie et al. 2011). Solar energy remains more than other RE sources mainly because
of its plug and play features, which differs from other
resources that require mechanical support, such as motors
or generators (hydro, wind, and wave), or chemical support
(bio fuels) that are mostly circumstance oriented (Shafie
et al. 2011). In addition, solar energy has huge potential in
Malaysia because of the strategic geographical location of
the country.
The public acceptance of solar energy and the level of
willingness to pay for green electricity among the respondents will be investigated to understand the preliminary
acceptance level of a new RE technology in Malaysia.
With considerations of the global critical energy situation
and the future energy scenario in Malaysia, this study reviews existing solar energy utilization systems in Malaysia
and investigates public perspectives on the understanding
and acceptance of solar energy among consumers. Survey
results showed that only 26 % respondents were familiar
with and 42 % were somewhat familiar with RE, whereas
almost 30 % are ignorant of RE. Public awareness of RE
remains weak even among potential users of solar energy
furthermore, survey results cover solar energy importance,
awareness, and correct information regarding solar energy
appliances used in Malaysia. The above coordination has
not been considered so the present work has attempted to
compile public awareness and policy making activities. In
sum, this study bridges the gap between policymakers,
investors, and the public regarding the understanding of the
solar energy market.
The issues of solar energy enhancement and RE use in
Malaysia have been comprehensively studied by many
scholars in the energy sector (Cucchiella et al. 2014;

123

Mekhilef et al. 2014). However, this study is considered

significant for the following reasons: First, this study
briefly reviewed the published literature and government
policy on the use of solar energy to boost its utilization in
Malaysia. Second, this work examines the public perspectives on solar energy, including interest in this issue,
hindrances for potential buyers, and public opinions on
how the government should enhance solar energy development in Malaysia. Third, this research could help the
government, private organizations, policy makers, or future
investors in the solar energy sector by presenting the perceptions of the general public when determining ways to
boost solar energy utilization in Malaysia.

Review on solar energy situation in Malaysia

Malaysias tropical climate, which has abundant sunshine
averaging 1643 kWh/m2 in annual irradiance, favors solar
energy development. Tables 1 and 2 compare the monthly
mean G (global solar irradiation on horizontal surface with
atmosphere) G0 (extraterrestrial solar irradiation on
horizontal surface without atmosphere), in MJ/m2/day, for
all regions (Kuala Terengganu, Bayan Lepas, KLIA, Sepang,
Muadzam Shah, Senai, Ipoh, Kuantan, Pulau Langkawi,
Subang) for the years 20072009. The monthly mean global
solar irradiation between 2007 and 2009 clearly was the
highest for Kuala Terengganu. However, the Kota Bharu and
Subang stations had higher readings in March. Table 1
shows that the solar irradiation data, especially those of the
northern and north-eastern regions of the Peninsular
Malaysia state of Terengganu, show high solar irradiations
that are higher than those of other states. The regions are also
near the beach. Hence, Terengganu has high development
potential for solar energy applications (especially solar
power plants). Table 3 shows the monthly and yearly average sunshine duration at the given stations in Malaysia. The
datasets for this study were obtained from the archives of the
Malaysia Meteorological Department stations (University of
Malaya KL, BOP Research Station, PPP Tun Razak, GRC
Tanah Merah and Kuala Terengganu) in 2009. The highest
monthly average sunshine was at GRC Tanah Merah in May
at 7.5 sunshine hours. The yearly average calculated to be the
highest was also at GRC Tanah Merah at 5.93 sunshine
hours. The maximum solar radiation was approximately
6.027 kWh/m2 per day in Sabah and 5.303 kWh/m2 per day
in Sarawak, which indicate that the potential for applying
solar energy for electrification is extremely high (Borhanazad et al. 2013). Approximately 10,000 household warm
water systems in Malaysia are running through by solar energy (Kettha 2008). The climate is suitable for the use of
solar energy because the country enjoys several sunny days
in the year (Azhari et al. 2008). Current solar energy

Social acceptance of solar energy in Malaysia

Table 1 Monthly mean global
solar radiation and
extraterrestrial solar radiation
for meteorological stations in
MJ/m2/day

Table 2 Monthly mean global

solar radiation (G) and
extraterrestrial solar radiation
(Go) for meteorological stations
in MJ/m2/day

No.

Month

Bayan Lepas

KLIA Sepang

Muadzam Shah

Senai

Ipoh

G0

G0

G0

G0

G0

January

19.28

32.51

14.91

33.53

13.33

33.40

16.37

33.95

18.93

32.80

February

20.23

34.43

13.44

35.11

14.91

35.03

16.19

35.39

19.85

34.63

March

19.14

37.35

16.65

37.58

15.41

37.55

18.45

37.65

19.61

37.42

April

17.85

36.59

17.83

36.28

18.43

36.32

17.75

36.12

17.72

36.51

May

20.23

37.65

19.63

36.89

18.03

36.99

20.38

36.55

19.89

37.45

June

18.90

35.51

16.48

34.59

16.25

34.71

17.52

34.18

18.14

35.25

July

20.36

37.96

19.94

37.08

19.33

37.19

19.74

36.68

18.98

37.72

August

18.83

38.00

16.98

37.49

18.36

37.55

17.78

37.25

17.94

37.86

September

11.65

36.38

14.88

36.39

16.60

36.39

14.27

36.38

11.98

36.39

10

October

13.53

36.31

13.06

36.87

13.42

36.80

14.51

37.09

14.76

36.48

11
12

November
December

18.73
17.07

34.63
33.40

15.69
18.70

35.61
34.56

12.18
15.40

35.49
34.42

17.61
18.55

36.01
35.04

18.04
16.80

34.92
33.74

No.

Month

Kuantan

Pulau Langkawi

Subang

G0

G0

Kota Bharu

Kuala Terengganu

G0

G0

G0

January

13.62

33.12

18.59

32.08

15.27

33.38

15.39

32.15

18.51

32.56

February

13.72

34.84

19.46

34.14

15.29

35.01

20.06

34.18

21.61

34.46

March

14.97

37.49

20.08

37.24

19.10

37.55

20.38

37.25

22.42

37.36

April

15.99

36.41

17.59

36.69

17.69

36.33

21.81

36.67

23.63

36.57

May

18.73

37.21

19.56

37.94

21.63

37.01

19.51

37.90

19.60

37.61

June

17.89

34.97

17.39

35.86

17.93

34.73

19.46

35.81

18.34

35.46

July

20.55

37.45

17.61

38.30

20.31

37.21

18.42

38.25

19.20

37.91

August

17.64

37.70

17.06

38.18

18.43

37.57

20.63

38.15

20.11

37.97

September

16.13

36.39

12.32

36.35

15.94

36.39

19.59

36.35

20.14

36.37

10

October

14.52

36.65

16.00

36.07

15.70

36.79

17.65

36.10

17.19

36.33

11

November

11.67

35.22

17.34

34.22

19.11

35.47

13.96

34.28

16.16

34.68

12

December

16.09

34.10

16.53

32.92

20.14

34.39

13.87

33.00

12.95

33.46

Table 3 Monthly and yearly average sunshine duration hours of stations for 2009
Stations

Lat

Long

3070 N

101390 E

Ht above
M.S.L (m)

Yearly
avg

Monthly average sunshine duration hours

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

104.0

5.6

5.1

6.3

5.5

6.8

7.2

6.2

5.9

6.2

5.2

5.2

3.4

4.2

BOP Research Station

249 N

101300 N

4.3

2.9

4.4

4.6

6.2

6.3

4.9

4.6

5.2

3.0

4.6

2.9

3.0

PPP Tun Razak

03500 N

102340 E

76.3

5.9

5.6

7.1

5.8

6.7

6.8

7.0

5.5

6.5

5.4

6.4

3.6

4.5

GRC Tanah Merah

2390 N

101470 E

5.4

5.9

5.8

6.0

5.5

6.2

7.5

6.9

6.0

6.6

5.3

6.0

4.1

5.3

Kuala Terengganu

5200 N

103080 E

35.1

5.2

4.3

7.3

5.8

5.3

5.4

6.9

5.2

5.6

5.1

4.9

3.2

4.4

Universiti Malaya, KL

consumption in Malaysia reaches 1 MW and can potentially

achieve 6500 MW (Ashnani et al. 2014).
Malaysia needs more energy sources to meet the demand for energy because of the growing economy. The
country owns the second largest oil reservoir in the Asia
Pacific region with total reserves of 5.6 billion barrels
(Streimikien_e and Balezentis 2014). However, Malaysia

has come to understand that these oil resources may not

meet energy demands (Ashnani et al. 2014). With the
production level of 2005, the country can rely on its oil
reserve for only 15 years, whereas gas reserves are expected to be reliable for 29 years. Based on the 2013
analyses of Asia-Pacific Energy Research Center, the demand in the residential and commercial sectors will exhibit

123

K. H. Solangi et al.

the fastest growth from 2010 to 2035 at 1023 Mtoe or 64 %

(Brau et al. 2013). Crude oil and natural gas are the major
energy sources. Approximately 47 % of total energy supply came from crude oil in 2001. However, this supply
decreased substantially to 31 % of the total energy supply
within 10 years (Gutierrez-Arriaga et al. 2013). Natural gas
gradually replaced crude oil as the leading energy source,
accounting for 45 % of the total energy supply in 2011
compared with 40 % in 2001 (Lim and Lam 2014). The
energy supply of coal and coke increased from 6 to 19 % of
the total commercial energy supply over 10 years from
2001. This circumstance is akin to turning the clock back
because a large body of evidence has shown that coal
burning negatively affects the environment (Singh and
Parida 2013).
Solar technology is a new technology and developing at
a linear rate. Solar technology has been popularized since
the application of this alternative energy source on a pocket
calculator (Solangi et al. 2011). Solar panels are being used
along the northsouth highways, telecommunication towers, and even for street lighting (Chua and Oh 2012). The
massive advertisement and popularity of solar technology
have prompted the public to rely on solar technology
(Bamufleh et al. 2013). Solar energy is expected to become
a crucial energy source that will sustainably meet national
electricity demand (Rahman Mohamed and Lee 2006).
This case will be especially apparent in several remote
islands and hilly areas without grid connection access.
Thus, solar energy integration into the existing energy
system in remote island communities and rural areas is of
significant interest to researchers (Hossain et al. 2014). The
solar energy can be use at industry level for example; solar
thermal energy Hot water usage for bathing and washing,
Pre-heated water up to 80 to Boilers, Pasteurization,
condensation and cleaning in Milk Dairies, Drying and
tanning in leather process industries, Degreasing and
phosphating in metal finishing industry, Resin Emulsification in Polymer Industry, Drying in food, wood, livestock
and pharmaceutical industry, and Swimming pool water
heating etc. (Basri et al. 2015). In terms of the sectoral
breakdown, the food and tobacco sector has almost half of
the potential, with the balance well spread among other
sectors. This is particularly important for developing and
least developed countries, where the development and
modernization of the food industry has a critical role to
play in terms of food security (Cucchiella et al. 2014).
Solar thermal systems can help developing countries to
stabilize food prices by reducing their connection to the
volatile prices of oil and other energy commodities
(UNIDO 2014). An analysis of several sources suggests the
current generation and investment costs for technologies
need substantial cost reductions to become competitive. In
some specific markets, taxes on fossil fuels or subsidies for

123

RE make solar thermal competitive already today even in

areas of low solar radiation (Katinas et al. 2013). Although
solar cooling is still in an early demonstration stage, in
countries with stable solar radiation and unstable, expensive electricity, solar cooling may become a viable alternative to electric chillers in the next 10 years.
Electricity demand in Malaysia is expected to reach
18,947 MW by 2020 and 23,092 MW in 2030, with the
latter being a 35 % increase from 14,007 MW in 2008
(Shafie et al. 2011). The tenth Malaysia Plan sets the target
of 985 MW by 2015 for grid-connected generation produced by RE sources (i.e., 5.5 % of total electricity generation in the country). This energy volume is supposed to
be generated from biomass (330 MW), biogas (100 MW),
mini-hydro (290 MW), solar PV (65 MW), and solid waste
(200 MW) sources. The Malaysian state adopted the feedin-tariff (FiT) program in December 2011 for the power
obtained from renewable sources. FiT is financed by way
of a levy charged on electricity subscribers in the economy
(Ashnani et al. 2014). The state also founded a special
agency called the Sustainable Energy Development
Authority as a subsidiary of the Ministry of Energy, Green
Technology, and Water to handle the FiT fund, as well as
to foster and motivate developments in the field of RE. The
government expects that an operational capacity of 3 GQ
may be obtained from new RE by 2020. Thus, one-third of
the energy will be generated from solar PV. Moreover,
biomass will constitute another one-third of the energy.
Malaysias current RE electricity capacity is 50 MW,
which is expected to reach approximately 2000 MW by
2020 (Muhammad-Sukki et al. 2011).
Malaysias Vision 2020 aims for a fully industrialized
Malaysia by 2020. This objective highlights the energy
usage of the country (Oh et al. 2010). Current plans for
addressing environmental issues include preparing of a
national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory (committed to
Articles 4 and 12 of UNFCCC), signing of the Kyoto
Protocol, and reviewing and assessing updates on vulnerability the of animal habitats caused by climate change
(which will gauge the adaptation needs and prepare the
initial National Communication for the COP) (Saidur et al.
2011). Meanwhile, the energy sustainability issue has been
addressed through the implementation of a few measures
(Saidur et al. 2009). The eighth Malaysia Plan specified a
new five-fuel strategy, with RE being targeted as the fifth
fuel with a 5 % (600 MW) contribution to the 2005 electricity mix (Muhammad-Sukki et al. 2011). The nineth
Malaysia Plan (20062010) also targeted a 5 % contribution (Islam et al. 2011). However, the announcement for
the five-fuel policy resulted in only 1 % RE contribution
after a decade (Oh et al. 2010). The Malaysian energy
policy encompasses only supply, usage, and environmental
objectives, with no particular solar energy policy being in

Social acceptance of solar energy in Malaysia

place (Mariyappan 2000b). Post-2020, solar energy is

predicted to surpass all other REs (Fig. 1) in Malaysia in
terms of cumulative installed capacity (Chen et al. 2007).
By 2050, solar PV alone is expected to contribute more
than a third of the annual total electricity generation.
As an initiative effort of the government, RE was announced as the fifth fuel in the energy supply mix (Rahim
2011). In addition, RE has been targeted to be a significant
contributor to the total electricity supply in the eighth
Malaysia Plan (Masa et al. 2013). RE has exemplified an
energy policy with emphasis on intensifying energy efficiency to meet 5 % of the countrys energy mix in line with
the sustainable development agenda, as discussed in the
nineth Malaysian Plan (20062010) (Gude et al. 2012).The
Malaysian Building Integrated PV (BIPV) project introduced the following three major incentives in 2010:
(i) SURIA 1000 and SURIA for developers; (ii) demonstration, and (iii) showcase. Each of these incentives were
tied up with varying amounts of investment to incentivize
the installation of BIPV technology and to accelerate the
program (Muhammad-Sukki et al. 2012). As of May 2011,
approximately 1652 kWp of solar PV capacity has been
successfully installed and commissioned in four types of
buildings, namely, residential, commercial, industrial, and
school (Gadenne et al. 2011). This five-year project has
also managed to decrease the cost of PV significantly from
MYR31410 per kWp in December 2005 to MYR19120 per
kWp in March 2010, a reduction of approximately 40 % of
the cost (Mansor 2008). Further reduction to MYR15000
per kWp is expected (Muhammad-Sukki et al. 2012).
The RE Policy and Action Plan was cited in the tenth
Malaysia Plan (20112015) to achieve the RE target of
985 MW by 2015, as shown in Fig. 2. This target can be
achieved through the FiT program, which could contribute
5.5 % to Malaysias electricity generation mix (Chua et al.
2011). Counting from 2011, the FIT fixed rate for solar PV

Fig. 1 Cumulative installed capacity of RE (Chua and Oh 2012)

is 1.251.75 RM/kWh, with annual degression of 6 % and

a displaced cost of 0.35 RM/kWh. These values are shown
in Table 4.
To achieve these targets, the efforts of the FiT program
should consider entitling RE-source electricity at a fixed
premium price (1.251.75 RM/kWh with annual degression of 6 %) for a specific duration (Ahmed et al. 2013).
This condition will provide a conducive and secure investment environment through financial loads and will
promote the function of research and development (R&D)
through research institutions and universities (Poh and
Kong 2002).
The government subsidizes approximately 60 % of
current generated electricity energy prices. Malaysia is not
adequately efficient to enhance solar energy use. The major
obstacles identified are as follows: (1) high subsidies for
fossil fuels in contrast to the low incentives for RE-based
projects (UNDP 2007); (2) high capital expenditure with
long payback period and low tariff, causing financial institutions and investors to shy away from RE projects (Ali
et al. 2008); and (3) long negotiations involved in RE
Power Purchase Agreement, which has stringent conditions
(Khor and Lalchand 2014). For example, no customer drive
incentive is made available, unlike in the United States,
where net metering is allowed for citizens who install the
device (Saidur et al. 2010). Subsidies by the government
are insufficient for PV manufacturing and the material cost
(Lau et al. 2009). For instance, 100 % subsidies in production cost are provided by Canadian government,
whereas a 50 % tax credit on material costs is provided for
main residences in France (Solangi et al. 2011).

Methodology
This study is designed as an exploratory investigation because limited knowledge is available regarding the social
acceptance of solar energy in Malaysia. Additional knowledge regarding this issue may effectively boost solar energy
usage. This purpose of this study is three-fold. First, this
work explores public attitude toward the utilization of solar
energy. Second, this study investigates public responses
regarding the difficulties in consuming solar energy. Third,
this research analyzes public perspectives on enhancing
solar energy development in Malaysia. This study employs
both primary and secondary data in the investigation. By
implementing a survey method, the responses from the
ground were considered as the primary data. Information
was collected by distributing the survey questionnaires to
residents of Kuala Lumpur and in surrounding universities,
colleges, schools, offices, shopping malls, factories, and
commercial business. However, in this context it may kindly
be noted that about 37.5 % respondents were from rural

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K. H. Solangi et al.
Fig. 2 Renewable energy
targets in the tenth Malaysia
Plan (Malaysia plan 2010)

Table 4 Proposed Malaysian FiT rates (starting from 2011) (Chua et al. 2011)
RE technologies/resources

FiT duration
(years)

Range of FiT rates

(RM/kW h) minmaxa

Annual
degression (%)a

Displaced electricity
cost (RM/kWh)b

Biomass (palm oil, agro-based)

16

0.240.35

0.5

0.2214

Biogas (palm oil, agro-based, farming)

16

0.280.35

0.5

0.2214

Mini-hydro

21

0.230.24

0.2214

Solar PV

21

1.251.75

0.3504

Solid waste and sewage

21

0.300.46

1.8

0.2214

Wind
Ocean, geothermal

21
21

0.230.35
0.280.46

1.5
1

0.2214
0.2214

Subject to final confirmation upon RE law enactment

Subject to tariff increment

areas but working in Kuala Lumpur. The survey was conducted between December 2011 and January 2012. Level of
understanding of solar energy was not considered in the
distribution of questionnaires to the respondents. The language used in the questionnaires was simple and understandable, with only a few technical terms because the
respondents might be from different backgrounds, with
varying levels of exposure to this field. However, respondents with a basic understanding of RE were preferred.
In the sample design of the survey, two criteria were
considered for participation in the exercise. The first requirement was that the respondents must be citizens of

123

Malaysia. The second requirement was that the participants

must be at least 18 years old. At the time of conducting the
survey some general questions were asked from the respondents such as: Interest in environmental issues, Information about global warming, Familiar with RE
technologies, which RE is best for Malaysia, Interest in
solar energy etc. Therefore, the respondents replied to the
above questions with relevant information were only selected for the questionnaire survey. In terms of population
design, the respondents from Kuala Lumpur are from all
regions of the country and stayed in this city for various
reasons, such as education, employment, or business. The

Social acceptance of solar energy in Malaysia

survey was conducted through convenience sampling of

participants from Kuala Lumpur. The respondents were
generally not a representative (sample) group for the whole
nation. In this research, some questions in the questionnaire
were compared with relevant literature.
As our new contribution in our study purposely aims to
explore the perspectives and acceptance of the participants
on solar energy without discriminating their religious and
ethnic background, the survey scope was limited to urbanized participants living in Kuala Lumpur.

Table 5 Demographics of respondents (n = 400)

Characteristics of respondents

Frequency

Percentage

Male

196

49.00

Female

204

51.00

Gender

Education level
Finished high school or less

110

27.50

Finished diploma or college

160

40.00

Finished bachelor degree or graduated

130

32.50

Urban

250

62.50

Rural

150

37.50

Residential area

Results and discussions

The development of the energy sector by the government
has been surveyed on the basis of this background. The
general characteristics of the respondents, public attitudes
toward the interest in solar energy utilization, public views
on the difficulties in consuming solar energy, and public
expectation on enhancing solar energy utilization in
Malaysia are analyzed and discussed in this section.
This survey was conducted between December 2011 and
January 2012 using the data collection method from the
convenience sampling of people in Kuala Lumpur. A total
of 600 questionnaires were distributed and 400 responses
were received. In this context, the respondents were selected on the basis of their familiarity with the current
energy production, energy consumption, new financial
schemes, subsidy on fossil fuels, and new energy projects
introduced by the government in its tenth Malaysia plan.
Regardless of ethnicity, income level, education level,
residential areas, and gender, the respondents of this survey
were at least 18 years old. Survey was conducted by personal interaction with the respondents and relevant consistency maintained. The collected data were analyzed
using SPSS 16.
General characteristics of the respondents
The general characteristics of the respondents are as follows: male respondents comprised 49 %, whereas 51 %
were female. In terms of religion, 85 % of the respondents
were Muslim, whereas the rest had other religions. In terms
of age, 35 % were between 18 and 30, 55 % were aged
between 31 and 45, and the rest were between 45 and
55 years old. Table 5 shows the demographics of the total
respondents.
Public attitudes toward their interest in utilization
of solar energy
The conducted survey aimed to explore the public attitudes
toward solar energy utilization. Table 6 shows the levels of

Occupation
Shopkeeper

160

40.00

Office staff

110

27.50

University students

75

18.75

Workers

55

13.75

Table 6 Level of interest in solar energy

Level of public interest in solar energy

Frequency

Agree

318

79.50

23

5.80

Disagree
No opinion
Total

Percentage

59

14.80

400

100.00

public interest in solar energy. The table reveals that almost

80 % of the respondents are overwhelmingly interested,
whereas only less than 5.8 % are not interested. Therefore,
a high potential for solar energy usage is observed, which
reflects the sufficiently high level of public interest in solar
energy issues.
According to the Malaysian government energy policy,
approximately 60 % of the current energy price is subsidized by the government. With this background, the survey
was developed to examine public interest in buying solar
panels and in using solar-generated electricity for their
homes. Two questions were asked on this issue. First is
regarding the attitudes of the respondents toward the possibility of buying solar-generated electricity if it costs as
much as fossil fuel-generated electricity. Second is regarding the possibility of buying solar panels if 50 % of the
total cost is subsidized by the government.
Table 7 shows that almost 57 % of the respondents said
yes, indicating their interest in buying solar-generated
electricity if the cost is as much as the current price of
fossil fuel-generated electricity. Nearly 30 % of the respondents were unsure, whereas the rest said no. These
responses imply the high possibility that the public will
purchase solar-generated electricity in Malaysia.

123

K. H. Solangi et al.
Table 7 Interest in buying solar panels and solar-generated electricity for the home (n = 400)
Level of public interest

Yes

No

Unsure

Freq

Freq

Freq

Possibility of buying
solar panels if 50 % of
the total cost is
subsidized by the
government

229

57.25

53

13.25

118

29.50

Possibility of using
solar-generated
electricity if the cost is
as much as fossil fuelgenerated electricity

328

82.00

13

3.25

59

14.75

The result of the second question shows that (see

Table 7) 57 % respondents are agreed to buy solar panels if
government subsidizes 50 % of the total cost of panels.
82 % of the respondents are highly interested in using solar
generated electricity if cost is as much as fossil fuel-generated electricity. Less than 15 % are unsure, whereas the
rest are uninterested. Therefore, a high tendency to achieve
the solar energy target of the government is observed if the
expenses of the potential consumers or the general public
are subsidized to half of the total cost of solar panels.
Public responses on their difficulties in consuming solar
energy
This study explores the difficulties faced by the general
public, as well as the underlying reasons for these

Fig. 3 Public responses on

their difficulties in consuming
solar energy

difficulties, which hinder potential consumers from using

solar energy. In addition, this work investigates the social
acceptance of solar energy in Malaysia. The survey revealed several hindrances that have influenced consumer
considerations in purchasing and installing a solar panel
system. Figure 3 shows that the initial cost is the major
obstacle faced by consumers who use solar energy appliances at home. Four options were given for that question to
the respondents. This aspect is considered as the most
important by 53 % of the respondents. Moreover, 50 % of
the respondents claimed to lack correct information as a
basis to decide, choose, and install solar energy for the
home. The respondents were unwilling to install solar energy technology until more information on solar energy
system/appliances is available. Such information includes
how these appliances work, how the electricity bill is reduced, how low the cost is, and what the experiences of
other users are. Furthermore, 43 % claim that obtaining the
best possible price for solar energy is a major problem.
Other consumer barriers include the need for more information, demand for additional or professional assistance,
lack of time, lack of knowledge and trust in the solar
system provider, concern over product performance, poor
brand image, and lack of information on environmental and
social performances of both product and manufacturer.
This result proves that Malaysia has a huge solar energy
market if the initial cost of installation is overcome, as well
as if the public receives correct information on the purchase of solar energy appliances and on installation process. Thus, accomplishing these suggestions will likely
help boost Malaysias solar energy usage to achieve the

250

Frequencies

200

150
Most Important
Important

100

Least important

No response

50

123

Inial cost Correct info Obtaining

best
possible
price

Good ROI

Tech
Obsolate

Social acceptance of solar energy in Malaysia

Fig. 4 Public opinions on ways
to increase solar energy usage

Frequencies

350
300

Support

Do not support

250

No opinion

No response

200
150
100
50
0
Increases taxes

Finding
trustworthy
contractor

65 MW target for solar-generated energy by 2015, as declared in the tenth Malaysia Plan.
Public expectations on enhancing solar energy
development in Malaysia
Considering public opinion is important to meet the objectives of the solar energy policies implemented by the
government. This study intends to determine public expectations relative to the enhancement of solar energy
usage in Malaysia by considering public opinions and
public attitudes toward the implementation of new solar
energy policies. In addition, this study analyzes the views
of the public on the level of organizational role in solar
energy development.
Figure 4 shows public opinions on the ways to increase
solar energy usage. The result shows that almost 80 % of the
respondents believe that government incentive to build solar
power plants is the best way to enhance solar energy usage
nationwide. Moreover, 69 % of the respondents believe
that increasing taxes on enterprises that release GHGs into
the atmosphere is another good idea, whereas 62 % support
the increase in solar panel installation to meet energy needs.
These results imply that the majority of respondents perceive
that the government is the main body responsible for promoting solar energy usage. Notably, almost 60 % of the respondents believe that increasing taxes on solar-related
products is not a viable idea to help boost solar energy usage.
The result on public attitude toward the implementation
of new solar energy policies is shown in Fig. 5. To enhance
solar energy development in Malaysia, approximately
62 % of the respondents expect more solar power plants to
be installed nationwide, 55 % believe that the public
should obtain full access to information, 51 % recommend
increased funding for independent research, and 48 %
claim the importance of increasing solar panel installation.

Increase solar Increase taxes

panel
on fuels
Installation

Government Increase taxes

incentives to on businesses
build solar
that release
power plants GHG's into the
atmosphere

This survey result implicitly indicates that the government

can boost solar energy usage through various subsidies and
increased taxes on existing businesses that use fossil energy. Furthermore, this result suggests that the government
should increase the provision for making full information
available to the public, funding of research related to solar
energy, and initiation of increased solar energy usage and
installation.
Finally, this study examines public views on the level of
organizational role in solar energy development to understand comprehensively the public expectations on enhancing solar energy development in Malaysia. Figure 6
shows that 75 % of the respondents believe that governmental organizations are the most important institutions in
promoting this issue, 74 % state that research institutions
are almost equally important, and approximately 60 %
believe that the academia is the top priority. Interestingly,
more than 50 % of the respondents believe that communication or mass media crucially influences public awareness and enhances knowledge related to solar energy
development. Almost half of the respondents agree that
commercialization serves an important function in developing solar energy in Malaysia.
Therefore, the survey results clearly reveal the suggestions on the best ways by which the government, solar
energy policy makers, R&D centers, and communication
and commercial sectors can boost the solar energy usage in
the near future. Thus, the present exercise has added new
information to the present knowledge level of the researchers and policy makers.

Survey-based policies
1.

Only a few open spaces (e.g., rooftops) have been used

for harnessing solar power (e.g., PV panel or solar

123

K. H. Solangi et al.
Fig. 5 Public attitude toward
the implementation of new solar
energy projects

300

Most important

Important

Unimportan

No response

Frequencies

250
200
150
100
50
0
Support of solar
power plants

Fig. 6 Public views on the

level of organizational role in
solar energy development

Full information

Funding of
Increase installation
independent research
of solar panels

Top Priority

350

Some Priority
300

No Priority
No response

Frequencies

250
200
150
100
50
0
Governmental

2.

water heater) despite the abundant solar energy potential of Peninsular Malaysia. The non-participation
of individuals and institutions can be attributed to the
lack of incentives. This obstacle is the most serious
relative to the expansion of the Malaysian RE market.
In addition, this challenge is considered as a major
hurdle for the government to overcome if public participation is to be encouraged.
The government should consider overcoming consumer barriers. The respondents revealed that other
consumer barriers include the need for more information; demand for additional/professional assistance;
lack of time, knowledge, and trust in the provider;
concern over product performance; poor brand image;
and lack of information on the environmental and
social performances of both products and manufacturers. Awareness programs on the benefits of solar
energy can be implemented through such media as
magazines, television, and regional campaigns.

123

Academic

3.

Research

Communicational
(Mass Media)

Commercial

Effective financial support is essential. Such support

could include tax credits and better financing terms.
Other governments provide such support through
subsidy (investment subsidies, product subsidies, and
consumer subsidies) and pricing policies. Stimulation
of consumption encourages demand and expands the
market. Pricing policy could include price setting.
When vendors meet set prices, approval time is reduce,
which consequently speeds up contract signing and
project commencement. Prices can be reviewed as
solar energy technologies advance and as installed
capacity increases. With 82 % of survey respondents
indicating a willingness to buy solar panels if the
government subsidizes half the cost, subsidies have
high potential for converting consumers into RE users.
A metering arrangement that credits owners of solar
power systems fairly for the energy generated and
supplied to the grid could also encourage the use of
solar electricity. FiT scheme has the potential to

Social acceptance of solar energy in Malaysia

4.

increase solar PV penetration and the Green Technology Financing Scheme is potentially a good source
of funds for companies while for home owners, a soft
loan facility with an interest rate of 5 % is a possible
source of funds for financing solar energy program.
Development of an R&D infrastructure could be
emphasized and encouraged through partnerships between the government and private businesses.

Conclusions
Balancing energy needs has become a crucial issue in the
Malaysian energy sector. RE has been announced as the fifth
fuel in the energy supply mix. Therefore, finding possible
ways to boost solar energy utilization among the general
public is important. This study examines the social acceptance
of solar energy in Malaysia. The country has a tropical climate
with abundant sunshine averaging 1643 kWh/m2 in annual
irradiance. These conditions favor solar energy development.
This study highlights the social acceptance of solar energy by
exploring public interest in solar energy, public responses on
the difficulties in consuming solar energy, and public expectations on enhancing solar energy usage in Malaysia.
Several crucial findings and key conclusions are stated
below:
1.
2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

The majority of the respondents are highly interested

in solar energy in Malaysia.
Approximately 60 % of the respondents are willing to
choose solar energy if the cost related to solar energy
usage is only as much as the current price of fossil
fuel-generated electricity.
More than 80 % of the general public is willing to buy
solar panels if 50 % of the total cost is subsidized by
the government.
Among the respondents who consume solar energy, the
majority stated that the initial cost is the highest
hindrance. Some respondents stated that the lack of
correct information hinder them from choosing solar
energy.
The majority of the respondents believe that building
solar power plants with substantial government capital
would be the best way to develop solar energy. These
respondents also believe that obtaining full access to
information is important.
The majority of respondents claim that governmental
organizations should take the lead in boosting solar
energy usage. Other respondents have reported the
importance of research and academic institutions, mass
media, and commercial organizations.
Existing successful solar energy policies in developing
and developed countries show that governments are the

prime movers. Therefore, the Malaysian government

should take on a fundamental role in implementing
solar energy policies.
Acknowledgments The authors would like to acknowledge the
University of Malaya for funding the project. The research has been
carried out under the Project No. UM.K/636/1/HIR (MOHE)/ENG46
and UMRG Fund RP012D-13AET.

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