Establishing a Sustainable Solar Energy Community in the Malaysian Rural Energy Landscape: A Case Study of Perak Tengah, Malaysia

Abstract

The extensive reliance on conventional electricity from fossil fuels has heightened dependence in Malaysian communities, but escalating costs, CO2 pollution risks, and the depletion of fossil fuel resources signal its unsustainability. This study investigates the potential of solar PVs to shift rural communities away from fossil fuel-dependent electricity, aiming to foster self-sufficiency. The objective is to enable Malaysian rural communities to benefit from solar technology through a communal-sharing concept. A purposive sampling case study in central Perak reveals that solar energy applications offer communities sustainable electricity access. This approach addresses underutilised roof spaces in Malaysian communities, creating a model for sustainable, resilient living with self-sufficient electricity. Results show successful implementation, with a public building supplying solar-generated electricity to two houses and acting as community storage with a power system of 2 kWp for 24 hours. Illuminance levels improved by 50% to 80%. Town planners and engineers' support is crucial for nationwide dissemination, aligning with the 11th and 12th Malaysia Plan goals for sustainable electricity provision. This effort contributes significantly to achieving national development objectives focusing on providing sustainable electricity for the people.