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Applying Renewable Energy Technology in Malaysia: Case Study for Building Integrated Photovoltaics

APPLYING RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY IN


MALAYSIA: CASE STUDY FOR BUILDING INTEGRATED
PHOTOVOLTAICS

S. Shaari1,4, A. M. Omar2,4, H. C. M. Haris2,4, Z. M. Zain2,4, H. Zainuddin1,4,


S. I. Sulaiman2,4, K. S. Muhammad2,4, M. Mustaffa1,4, Z. M. Darus1,4, W.F. Abbas3,4,
R. A. H. A. Kadir4, L. Rimon4, P. Mazlan4, A. R. Ghazali4 and R. A. Rahman4

1
Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Malaysia
2
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Malaysia
3
Faculty of Information Technology, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Malaysia
4
Photovoltaic Monitoring Centre, Research Innovations in Sustainable Energy Group, Institute of
Science,Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Malaysia

ABSTRACT: This paper presents a description of the application of renewable energy (REN)
technology, using photovoltaic (PV) technology integrated in buildings in the Malaysian context.
The use of REN technologies is gaining impetus in many developing countries, of which Malaysia
is not exempt. What more with the present uncertainty in prices of fossil-based fuel resources, the
pendulum is swinging in favour of renewable energy resources again. In 2005, the Malaysian
Government (GoM) launched its first concerted effort in using REN technology in its buildings,
vis-a-vis using PV technology, called the Malaysian Building Integrated Photovoltaic (MBIPV)
project. The MBIPV project is jointly sponsored between the GoM and the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) with a target of installing 1.5 MWp BIPV systems installed
between 2006 to 2010. In 2006, the GoM officially launched the SURIA1000 project focused at
residential BIPV systems. The paper describes a summary of the MBIPV project along with its
objectives of implementation. The MBIPV project covers all the DEMO, SHOWCASE and
SURIA1000 grid-connected BIPV installations throughout Malaysia. A list of the MBIPV systems
and selected details of the installations are presented and discussed. Focus is given to aspects of
the integration of the PV materials into the buildings. In addition, a summary of the technical
specifications of each BIPV installation is also presented. The paper concludes with a summary of
certain aspects of the lessons learnt in the implementation of the MBIPV project.
Keywords: renewable energy, photovoltaics, building integrated system

1. INTRODUCTION

The use of renewable energy (REN) technologies is gaining impetus around the globe. With focus on
Malaysia, the use of REN vis-à-vis photovoltaic (PV) technology for on-grid and off-grid applications
is seeing seen tremendous bounds. As of 2005, the estimated total installed capacity of on-grid
PV systems in Malaysia was about 470 kWp while that for off-grid PV systems was estimated
at 3 MWp [1]. In the 9th Malaysia Plan (9MP) alone, the Government of Malaysia (GoM) has
allocated large sums of money for the implementation of solar PV technology applications, especially
for Sabah and Sarawak. With respect to on-grid PV systems, on 25th July 2005, the Minister of
Energy, Water and Communications Malaysia announced a Malaysian Building Integrated Photovoltaic
(MBIPV) project [1-2]. The MBIPV project is a jointly-sponsored project between the GoM and the
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). In this project, several categories of BIPV
systems are planned to be installed throughout the country in various sizes with a total capacity of 1.5
MWp. Almost all of the systems are grid-connected in the urban areas with a project duration of five

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years (2006-2010). The target is to develop a market that will lead towards a long-term BIPV cost
reduction. On 27th November 2006, the Energy Minister of Malaysia launched the MBIPV-SURIA1000
project. This paper presents a description of the application of REN using BIPV in the Malaysian
context.

2. THE MBIPV PROJECT

2.1 BIPV System

Basically, a BIPV system comprises an array of PV modules that form part of the building envelope
itself and is electrically connected to the utility grid via an interactive grid-inverter. As light shines
onto the array, the PV modules convert sunlight into direct current (DC) power. The power is fed
into an inverter that converts into alternating current (AC) power, which is then fed into the grid. For
grid-interactive systems, the system imports energy from the grid when the PV generation is not
enough to meet the loads. In addition, the system exports energy into the grid when the PV generation
exceeds the load requirement. The main components of a grid-connected BIPV system comprises
the following components:
a. PV modules;
b. Balance of System (BOS) components comprising: DC switch gear, an inverter, AC switch
gear and the grid.
Figures 1 shows the block diagram of a grid-connected PV system and Figure 2 shows the
concept of a BIPV system.

DC AC
Grid
switchgear switchgear

Figure 1: Block diagram of a basic grid-connected PV system

Figure 2: Concept of a BIPV system. Legend: 1 – PV array; 2 – Junction box; 3 – String cable;
4 – Inverter; 5 – Energy meters.
(Source: [3] IEA-PVPS, 2005)
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Applying Renewable Energy Technology in Malaysia: Case Study for Building Integrated Photovoltaics

2.2 The MBIPV Project

The long term goal of the MBIPV project is to catalyse the local BIPV market to enable long-term
cost reduction of the technology and adoption of supportive regulatory frameworks. This is done via
an integrated implementation of the project’s main components namely [4]:
• Component 1 – Information services, awareness and capacity building programme.
• Component 2 – Market enhancement and infrastructure development programme.
• Component 3 – Policies and financing mechanisms programme.
• Component 4 – Industry development programme.
Under the MBIPV project, the system installations are categorised as [4]:
a. Demonstration Projects
b. National “SURIA1000” Projects
c. Showcase Projects

2.2.1 Demonstration Projects

The demonstration projects are:


a. A stimulus to the local building industry (private and government sectors).
b. A total of 200 kWp capacity will be offered for BIPV demonstration projects.
c. Up to 28% financial support to supply and install BIPV systems from MBIPV project.
d. Applicable to any suitable properties including but not limited to commercial, residential, public
buildings, schools and hospitals.
e. Applicable to any site in Malaysia.
f. Can be on-grid and/or off-grid BIPV applications.
g. Assistance from MBIPV project for TNB interconnection on net-metering basis.
h. Support of MBIPV project for selected promotion and marketing activities.

2.2.2 National SURIA1000 Projects

The SURIA1000 projects are:


a. A catalyst to the BIPV market by targeting general public to install BIPV at their premises
(homes/buildings) and property development projects.
b. A total of 1,200 kWp capacity will be offered for the MBIPV SURIA 1000 programme.
c. This programme operates on a bidding process in which the call for bidding will be open twice a
year starting from 1st December 2006 and will repeated every six (6) months (every June and
December) ending in 2010.
d. The programme is applicable to all existing and new premises, but limited to on-grid BIPV
applications only.
e. Minimum BIPV capacity for bidding is 3 kWp per application.
f. From 3 to 10 kWp for residential houses.
g. From 3 to 30 kWp for commercial building.

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h. The financial support (bidding incentive) for supply and installation of BIPV systems from
MBIPV project can be expected up to 75% of rebates for the complete system. The incentives
decrease in subsequent years by 5% shown in Table 1.

Table 1: Bidding system

Call for bidding Target BIPV capacity for Maximum bidding Applicability
bidding (kWp) incentive (%)
1st Dec 06 to 30th Mar 07 40 75 Residential only
1st Jun 07 to 1st Oct 07 60 70 Residential only
3 rd Dec 07 to 1st Apr 08 90 60 Residential and commercial
2 nd Jun 08 to 1st Oct 08 120 55 Residential and commercial
1st Dec 08 to 1st Apr 09 140 50 Residential and commercial
1st Jun 09 to 1st Oct 09 160 45 Residential and commercial
1st Dec 09 to 1st Apr 10 180 40 Residential and commercial

2.2.3 Showcase Projects

The showcase projects are:


a. To create BIPV success stories and quality examples for public/industry references.
b. A total of 100 kWp capacity will be offered for BIPV showcases projects.
c. 100% technical and financial incentives (limited to BIPV systems) and promotional support.
d. Applicable to any suitable properties including to commercial, residential, public buildings, schools
and hospitals.
e. Assistance from MBIPV project for TNB interconnection on net-metering basis.
f. Applicable to any site in Malaysia.

2.3 List of MBIPV Installations

At the time of writing, there is a cumulative total of 213.61 kWp of BIPV systems installed and
commissioned. A summary of the PV modules installed is listed in Table 2 [5].
Most of the MBIPV systems listed are installed using two techniques: a) Retrofit; and b)
Integrated. The main issues are for functionality in terms of temperature control and rain-proofing,
with no-compromise on architectural form and aesthetics.

2.3.1 Retrofit Type

The retrofit type involves the PV modules being placed on top of the existing roof material. A
common mounting technique of this type is that the PV modules are placed at least 10 cm elevated
above the roof to provide ventilation of the modules. In addition, the base structure that holds the
frame of the modules comes in various types. The most established type is that of aluminium railings
with screw-on S-brackets. The lower part of the S-bracket is bolted onto the main beam under the
roof while the top part of the bracket bolts onto the main rail above the roof. Any possible rain-paths
are then sealed with silicon and are often overlayed with stainless steel flaps on top of it.

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Applying Renewable Energy Technology in Malaysia: Case Study for Building Integrated Photovoltaics

Table 2: Summary of PV modules installed in MBIPV project


No Site name PV capacity Type of Inverter Inverter
(kWp) PV cell capacity (kW) type
1. CETDEM, Petaling Jaya 0.90 Mono 0.7 SMA SB700
2. Tasik Kesuma Semenyih 5.25 Mono 6.0 Solarmax 6000E
3. Bukit Sebukor, Melaka 4.20 Mono 4.2 Solarmax 4200C
4. Private Bungalow, Taman Desa, Cheras 4.20 Mono 4.0 Fronius IG40
5. Setia Eco Park Fronius
i. Bungalow Z1A 5.775 Mono 5.775 IG60
ii. Bungalow Z1B 5.28 Mono 5.28 IG60
iii. Bungalow Z1C 4.2 Mono 4.2 IG40
iv. Bungalow Z1D 5.445 Mono 5.445 IG60
v. Bungalow Z1E 5.445 Mono 5.445 IG60
vi. Bungalow Z2 5.445 Mono 5.445 IG60
6. Precint 16, Putrajaya Fronius
i. Bungalow Z1 5.25 Mono 6.0 IG60
ii. Bungalow Z2 5.40 Mono 4.0 IG40
iii. Bungalow Z3 5.40 Mono 4.0 IG40
iv. Bungalow Z4 4.32 Mono 4.0 IG40
7. PTM ZEO Fronius
i. Pack A1 45.36 Poly 50 IG500
ii. Pack A2 1.92 Poly 1.5 IG15
iii. Pack B 6.08 Thin 6.0 IG60
iv. Pack C1 5.824 film 6.0 IG60
v. Pack C2 5.824 Mono 6.0 IG60
vi. Pack D 27.00 Mono 30.0 IG300
8. Putrajaya Perdana HQ 11.88 Poly 3.0 x 4 nos Fronius IG30
9. Taman Kolam Air, JB 3.78 Poly 4.0 Fronius IG40
10. COOLTEK, Ayer Keroh 4.80 Poly 5.0 SMA SMC5000A
11. Private House, Bangsar 3.06 Poly 3.0 SMA SB3000
12. Private Bungalow, Bangsar 4.80 Poly 5.0 SMA SMC5000A
13. Show Unit House, Sungai Buloh 3.06 Poly NA NA
14. Private Bungalow, Puchong 4.80 Poly NA NA
15. SMK (P) Sri Aman 4.40 Poly 4.2 Solarmax 4200C
16. Country Height Damansara 4.00 Thin film 4.0 Fronius IG40
17. Private House, Taman United, Kuala Lumpur 3.15 Thin film 4.0 Fronius IG40
18. Monash University, Sunway
i. Pack 1 5.12 Thin film 4.2 Solarmax 4200C
ii. Pack 2 2.24 2.0 Solarmax 2000C
Total 213.61
Source: ([5] PVMC, 2008)

Another common mounting technique is by use of pre-fabricated aluminium tiles that are custom-
designed with protruding arms. These dummy tiles are painted to look like concrete tiles and match
the colour of the existing roof. The rails are then mounted and bolted onto the protruding arms.
Yet another method, albeit unpopular is by drilling holes directly through the roof tiles and using
stainless steel bars to bolt the rails above the roof and the beam underneath the roof. The cracks are
the sealed with silicon. This method has been tried a few times but became unpopular due to
inevitable breakage of the tiles and non-leak-proof.

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2.3.2 Integrated Type

This approach uses the PV array itself as the roof, instead of using traditional roofing materials. In
this case, the mounting structure becomes crucial as it needs to support the static and dynamic
weights of the array as well as rain-proof. The popular technique is by installing stainless steel rails
that form the main frame and serve as a beam to the roof. These actually replace the traditional
beams supporting the roof. Based on the dimensions of the modules, grooves for rain-water to run
are custom-made and placed underneath adjacent PV modules. The modules are then either hook-
latched or bolted onto the frame. The hook-latch mechanism uses the existing dimension of the
modules themselves. So far, there have been no untoward incidents where the modules are flown
off by strong winds.
Again the edges of the metal frame are overlayed with stainless steel or aluminium plates and
sealed with silicon.
In both techniques, the time spent for two trained workers to install a PV array of about 3 kWp on
a double-story residential house normally takes a full half-day, and may extend but not exceed a full day.

3. GRID-INVERTERS IN THE MBIPV PROJECT

In the MBIPV project, the DC power from PV array is fed directly into the grid at 240 V for single-
phase connection; and 415 V for three-phase connection, both at a frequency of 50 Hz. In addition,
string and central inverters have been commonly used. To date, three brands of grid-inverters have
been used and they are [5]:
a. Fronius – Austria
b. SolarMax (Sputnik) – Switzerland
c. Sunny Boy (SB SMA) – Germany
In summary, until June 2008 a total of 33 units of grid-inverters have been installed and
commissioned in the MBIPV project. Figure 2 shows the distribution of the three brands of grid-
inverter installed in the MBIPV project.

Grid Inverter Installed in MBIPV until June


2008
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Fronius SolarM ax SM A

Unit

Figure 2: Grid inverters installed until June 2008

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Applying Renewable Energy Technology in Malaysia: Case Study for Building Integrated Photovoltaics

The locations of those inverters are listed in Tables 3 and 4. The inverters listed in Table 4 are
equipped with dataloggers as they all fall under the Showcase Category that requires detailed monitoring
[5].

Table 3: Summary of inverters installed under Demonstration and SURIA1000 Projects

No Site PV Capacity (kWp) Inverter brand Inverter efficiency (%)


1 CETDEM, Petaling Jaya 0.90 SMA SB700 93.6
2 Country Height Damansara 4.00 Fronius IG40 94.5
3 Tasik Kesuma Semenyih 5.25 Solarmax 6000E 97.0
4 Private House, Bangsar 3.06 SMA SB3000 96.6
5 Private Bungalow, Bangsar 4.80 SMA SMC5000A 96.8
6 Taman Desa, Cheras 4.20 Fronius IG40 94.5
7 Putrajaya Perdana HQ Office 11.88 Fronius IG30 (4 nos) 94.5
8 Bukit Sebukor, Melaka 4.20 Solarmax 4200C 97.0
9 Cooltek, Ayer Keroh 4.80 SMA SMC5000A 96.8
10 Taman United, K Lumpur 3.15 Fronius IG40 94.5
11 Taman Kolam Air, Johor Bahru 3.78 Fronius IG40 94.5

Table 4: Summary of inverters installed under Showcase project

No Site PV Capacity (kWp) Inverter Brand Inverter Eff (%)

1 Pusat Tenaga Malaysia 92.01 Fronius


a. Pack A1 45.36 IG500 94.5
b. Pack A2 1.92 IG15 94.5
c. Pack B 6.08 IG60 94.5
d. Pack C1 5.824 IG60 94.5
e. Pack C2 5.824 IG60 94.5
f. Pack D 27.00 IG300 94.5
2 Monash University 7.36 Solarmax
a. Pack 1 5.12 4200C 97.0
b. Pack 2 2.24 2000C 97.0
3 Setia Eco Park 31.59 Fronius
a. Z1A 5.775 IG60 94.5
b. Z1B 5.28 IG60 94.5
c. Z1C 4.20 IG40 94.5
d. Z1D 5.445 IG60 94.5
e. Z1E 5.445 IG60 94.5
d. Z2 5.445 IG60 94.5
4 Sek Men (P) Sri Aman 4.40 Solarmax 4200C 97.0
5 Putrajaya Precinct 16 20.37 Fronius
a. Bungalow 1 5.25 IG60 94.5
b. Bungalow 2 5.40 IG40 94.5
c. Bungalow 3 5.40 IG40 94.5
d. Bungalow 4 4.32 IG40 94.5

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At the time of writing, several more MBIPV installations are being installed, tested and being
commissioned. The technologies used are varied somewhat and the Service Providers (SP) are
relatively new in this area. These SP’s are trained using the Institute of Sustainable Power (ISP)
curricula.

4. LESSONS LEARNT

All the MBIPV installations are being monitored by the Photovoltaic Monitoring Centre (PVMC) at
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) under the Global and Analytical Monitoring Schemes. For
details see http://pvmc.uitm.edu.my [6]. Results of the performances are displayed and updated
monthly.

5. LESSONS LEARNT

A meaningful and conclusive conclusion can be made only after a full year’s data. Presently, the
data is not yet complete as the first complete monitoring only started in January 2008. Nevertheless,
there have been some lessons learnt. At the time of writing, it is found that [5]:
1. The specific energy yield for the thin-film modules is higher than those using crystalline modules.
2. Shading on the PV array reduces the energy generated considerably. However, the relationship
between the amount of shading and generation has not been looked into at the moment.
3. There are residual issues to be looked into with regards to the use of meteorological (MET) data
since many of the sites do not have the appropriate sensors. Thus in many instances, MET data
used came from stations that are far from the installations.
4. For sites that do come with sensors, some of the SP’s did not install them correctly. These give
direct impact on the data collected.
5. The techniques used in either retrofitting or integrated so far have functioned well. However,
only time will tell how they fare.
6. There has been a mix of systems design: a) Optimum; b: Under-designed; and c) Over-designed.
7. Some of the inverters did not perform as claimed by the manufacturers.
8. There had been many instances where the system was down due to faulty inverters and/or
lightning surges.

6. CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this paper has presented and described the MBIPV project. It has listed the system
installations and described the types of integrated used. In addition, the lessons learnt have been
presented.
The MBIPV project is a noble effort by the GoM to do its part on the environment. This not only
gives satisfaction in knowing that we are doing the right thing, but also deepens our knowledge and
increases the prestige of the nation. Indeed, now Malaysia has qualified as a participating member
in the International Energy Agency – Photovoltaic Power Systems (IEA-PVPS) division, along the
ranks of all the developed nations of the world.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The authors wish to express gratitude and appreciation to:


• The Vice-Chancellor, UiTM.
• The advisors of PVMC: Prof Dr Azni Zain-Ahmed; Hj Alias Taib; and Che Izam Abu Noh,
UiTM and all their respective staff.
• The Deans, Heads of Depts and Programmes, and Faculties of: Applied Sciences; Electrical
Engineering; and Information Technology & Computer Science, UiTM.
• The Head and staff of the Transport Unit, UiTM.
• Pusat Tenaga Malaysia and the MBIPV project team.
• All members of the PVMC-UiTM team; and families of each and every member of the PVMC-
UiTM team.

REFERENCES

[1] Shaari, S., Ahmad, A., Sopian, K. and Hamidun, F. H. (2004). Photovoltaics: the basics, systems, design and
applications. In Proceedings of workshop UKM-ISESCO-UNESCO, UKM, Bangi.
[2] Shaari, S., Haris, A. H., Sopian, K. and Ruoss, D. (2005). Malaysian photovoltaic system applications.
Bangi: Solar Energy Research Institute, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
[3] International Energy Agency – Photovoltaic Power System (2005). Annual report. http://www.iea-pvps.org/
[4] Haris, A. H., Shaari, S. and Sopian, K. (2005). Building integrated photovoltaics in Malaysia: systems,
applications and the way forward. In Proceedings of National Sustainable Energy in Buildings. Shah
Alam: Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
[5] Photovoltaic Monitoring Centre (2008). Milestone report: Malaysian building integrated photovoltaic
project. Shah Alam: PVMC, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
[6] Photovoltaic Monitoring Centre (2008). http://pvmc.uitm.edu.my. Shah Alam: PVMC, Universiti Teknologi
MARA, Malaysia.

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