Solar sales agents promise the moon, but is it really a sound investment? Let's look at the facts of owning a solar system in Malaysia.
The Pros
- Likely Savings: For bills above about RM300, our estimates show savings; payback is roughly 8.8 years at RM300.
- Hedge Against Tariff Changes: TNB's fuel surcharge (AFA) now changes every month. Every kWh of solar you use is a kWh you do not buy.
The Cons (and How to Mitigate)
1. Roof Leaks
Risk: Poor drilling causes leaks. Solution: Use non-penetrative mounting (Klip-Lok) for metal roofs, or ensure proper flashing for tiles. Choose an installer whose workmanship warranty covers roof leaks.
2. Maintenance
Risk: Dust can reduce output noticeably, depending on site. Solution: Requires periodic cleaning (frequency depends on site; Trexon cleaning and inspection packages start from RM500/year). Factor this into your ROI. Panels also degrade over time — read our guide on panel lifespan and degradation to understand how N-Type panels outperform older PERC cells over a 25-year lifespan.
3. Inverter Failure
Risk: Inverters are the weak link, lasting 10-12 years. Solution: Inverters carry a 10-year warranty; budget for a replacement after that.
Verdict
For landed properties with bills over RM 350, the math usually works in your favour. For bills around RM 200, payback stretches to about 11.4 years on our RP4 estimate, making it less attractive financially. If you are weighing solar against other financial instruments, our comparison of solar vs fixed deposit returns over 25 years shows how solar compares with FD rates when TNB tariffs are factored in.
Calculate your exact savings using your TNB bill amount, or see current solar panel prices to understand the full investment required before deciding.