Malaysia has started the implementation of solar energy harvesting in 1998. Located at equatorial region, Malaysia has a large potential for solar energy. This paper examines the current energy consumption and demand in Malaysia. The potential of solar energy harvesting in Malaysia is described together with the suitable photovoltaic construction. It also explains the plans conducted by Malaysia involving solar energy that covers investments and also projects involved such as Malaysia Building Integrated Photovoltaic (MBIPV). Finally, this paper analyses the potential of having a gridconnected PV system in a residential area. The positive and negative findings in terms of cost and suitability of the system are explained.

This paper presents the design and implementation of a mobile embedded system using an Arduino microprocessor to monitor and record key operational indicators of a distribution transformer, such as transformer oil level, temperature and vibration of a distribution transformer in a substation. If there is any abnormality or an emergency situation, the system sends SMS (Short Message Service) messages to designated mobile telephones containing information about the abnormality of the mentioned parameters. Providing early warning of the abnormality of the distribution transformer can be accomplished by shutting down the entire unit with the aid on-line monitoring system integrates with Global Service Mobile (GSM) Modem. Furthermore, the design generally consist stand-alone single chip microcontroller, modem and sensor packages located on distribution transformer site. In general, the design is developed for the user to easily recognize the distribution transformer that is suffered by any high vibration and rise in temperatures and located in remote or suburban area which is rarely and hard to reach for manual monitoring. The ultimate objective is to monitor the transformer oil level and temperature of 24 hours, 7 days a week continuously besides the current and voltage parameter which included in basis monitoring system.