Property developers are exploring the possibility of integrating solar panels in their future residential projects with the current evolution in the renewable energy space.
For a start, Sime Darby Property Bhd (SDP) is currently working with the government to find a suitable mechanism and solution to undertake a rooftop solar pilot project in their upcoming Elmina City development in Shah Alam expected to be launched in the fourth quarter this year.
It is looking at leasing or renting rooftops from homeowners for a fixed rate and working with partners to put up solar panels. It will harness the energy produced.
The project is undertaken within the ambit of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) framework, said SDP group managing director Datuk Azmir Merican.
“Once we understand the visibility and the technical works involved, we can then determine the financial structure terms. For now it is too early to tell.”
Azmir had, in a previous statement, said the group had considered leasing 1,000 landed housing units as a pilot to lead the way into green township research and carbon emissions reduction.
The initiative could be extended to 10,000 future Sime Darby Property houses to be developed in the next five years.
This is not just about energy generation but about creating an ecosystem where previously-unutilised SDP rooftops are used to meet the rising demand for green energy.”
At the NETR launch on Thursday, Economic Minister Rafizi Ramli said the government will consider allowing more large-scale integrated urban housing developments to include solar rooftops in their pricing packages, enabling developers to explore energy storage solutions.
Rafizi also said SDP’s pilot project will not involve government funding.
Meanwhile, Progressture Power Sdn Bhd (Progressture Solar) co-founder and chief operating officer Ng Yew Weng said integrating solar panel into township rooftops is a sustainable practice. The energy can be stored and developers may not need to have a high reserve for conventional electric power.
Government and stakeholders need to discuss further to come up with a definite idea, concept and mechanism since the idea is still new, he said.
Progressture Solar is a clean energy provider with a strong focus on industrial decarbonisation.
Ng also said the company is helping businesses to make a transition to sustainable energy to comply with environmental, social and governance (ESG) needs.
“Tax incentives and today’s cheaper solar panels make it a compelling proposition for businesses to make that transition into clear energy.”
