Development of solar energy and present policies in Malaysia

Solar energy is regarded a clean renewable energy source, with great potential for environment-friendly electricity generation. Properly harvested, it can optimally benefit. Malaysia has a particularly abundant source of renewable energies; for solar, as evidenced by a 4.21kWh/m² to 5.56kWh/m² average daily radiation with a high of 6.8kWh/m² (purportedly in August and November). Present installed capacity totaling 20,493MW, is estimated to reach 23,099MW maximum-demand capacity in 2020, by when 190MWp of cumulative solar energy would have been installed. Incentives should be offered to boost solar energy´s economic feasibility. This paper examines the Malaysian government´s various policies on, and implementation of, solar energy technology. It suggests methods and policies for provision of safe, cost-effective, quality energy, and discusses environmental sustainability and diversification of solar energy resource.