‘Locally assembled’ string solar inverters set to boost nation’s solar take-up.

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 APRIL 2017 – Malaysia’s solar industry received another boost today with the launch of the nation’s first solar string inverter range that is assembled locally.

The ‘locally assembled’ certification, awarded by the Sustainable Energy Development Authority Malaysia (SEDA), enables solar system owners to enjoy an extra RM0.05 per kilowatt of energy generated from their installations under the Feed-In-Tariff program.

The inverters are assembled in Rawang, Selangor and have been used in several solar projects in Malaysia including a 1MW system in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia – currently the only megawatt-sized installation in the Kuala Lumpur city centre.

The inverter range was officially launched by Y Bhg Dato’ Abdul Razak b Abdul Majid, Chairman of the Energy Commission, representing Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili, Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water. Also present at the event were SEDA Chairman Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai and Chief Operating Officer Ir Akmal Rahimi Abu Samah. The launch took place at Solar ASEAN 2017, which is co-located with EcoBuild Southeast Asia 2017.

The inverters are assembled and distributed by BSL Eco Energy, a subsidiary of public listed company BSL Corporation Berhad, and developed in partnership with GoodWe Co, a China-based renewable energy enterprise with global distribution channels.

“In Malaysia we have been powering our economic development with oil and natural gas, and these resources are depleting whether we like it or not,” said Dato’ Abdul Razak in his officiation speech.

“That’s why the Government is very keen, and very committed to initiatives such as these that cultivate the habit of prudent consumption,” added Dato’ Abdul Razak.

“This certification can provide a significant boost to the attractiveness of solar investments in Malaysia, and at the same time enrich the knowledge and skills of the local solar industry,” said BSL Eco Energy Managing Director Mr Lim Chi Haur in his opening address, adding that a 1MW installation in Kedah could potentially generate additional revenue of approximately RM1.5 million over 21 years.

Mr Lim also announced that BSL Eco Energy’s inverters would be used in a 100MW solar farm in Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam. This is poised to be the largest solar farm in Vietnam, and the third largest in South East Asia to date. A Memorandum of Agreement was signed between BSL Eco Energy and Vietnamese company Green Energy Eco Seido Co Ltd for the first 40MW of the installation during the event to mark their partnership for this venture.

“The farm will sit on around 300 hectares of land and generate enough energy to power approximately 50,000 homes,” said Lim. He added that Malaysians could be proud that a Malaysian green technology product will be used and recognised internationally.

Green Energy Eco Seido General Director Nguyen Tuan Anh expressed his confidence that the 100MW farm would have a positive effect on Vietnam’s national energy security and local economy.

“There are plans to grow dragonfruit plants under the solar panels’ shade. So not only will the solar system contribute to Vietnam’s electricity supply, it can also stimulate the local economy through agricultural industry and job creation,” he said.

In another exciting announcement, BSL Eco Energy revealed their appointment as main contractors to install net metering solar systems for Desa Pengkalan – a 77 unit residential development in Ipoh. The project is developed by Today Frontier Sdn Bhd and is the first project in Malaysia of its kind under the new solar Net Metering scheme. A Memorandum of Agreement was signed between BSL Eco Energy and Today Frontier Sdn Bhd during the event to mark the announcement.

“We believe this will pave the way for other Malaysian housing developers to contribute towards a greener and cleaner future for everyone,” said Today Frontier Director Mr Azlan Ali.

The launch event featured the lighting of a unique ‘solar house’, followed by a tour of the exhibition.

About BSL Eco Energy

BSL Eco Energy is a subsidiary of public listed company, BSL Corporation. Our standing in the solar photovoltaic industry is further strengthened through a partnership with Matahari Kencana Sdn Bhd and a master distributorship with award-winning renewable energy enterprise, GoodWe Co.

In recent years, BSL Eco Energy successfully built some of Malaysia’s most innovative solar installations, including the nation’s first megawatt-sized installation within the KL City Centre and a 1MW installation in Kedah. This year, BSL Eco Energy aims to secure over 120MW across South East Asia. For more information please visit our website at www.bsleco.com

About the inverter range

An inverter is an integral component of any solar photovoltaic installation. When solar panels receive sunlight, they generate DC electricity. The inverter converts DC electricity to AC electricity, enabling the energy to be either self-consumed, or channelled to the grid.

GoodWe is BSL Eco Energy’s technology partner and provided their expertise in the assembly of GoodWe inverters locally. The inverters feature cutting edge technology, high conversion efficiency and low energy loss. GoodWe inverters have been awarded Double A Rating from Photon International – the world’s leading solar power magazine.

Three GoodWe inverter models are currently assembled in BSL Eco Energy’s manufacturing facility in Rawang, Selangor. These are the GW4600-DS, GW12K-DT and GW25K-DT models.

Media contact

If you require any further information please contact JESSICA LIM on 011 26601355 or email jessica@ceiba-capital.com

The launch featured the lighting of a unique ‘solar house’ which demonstrated the role of solar inverters in a solar installation.

Guest of Honour Y Bhg Dato’ Abdul Razak Abdul Majid outlined the various initiatives taken by the Government towards prudent energy consumption.

Signing of Memorandum of Agreement between BSL Eco Energy (represented by Director Mr Andy Woo and Managing Director Mr Lim Chi Haur) and Today Frontier Sdn Bhd (represented by directors Mr Azlan Azmi and Mr Wong Sze Chien). During the event, BSL Eco Energy revealed their appointment as main contractors to install net metering solar systems for Desa Pengkalan – a 77 unit residential development in Ipoh. This is the first project in Malaysia of its kind under the new solar Net Metering scheme.

Signing of Memorandum of Agreement between BSL Eco Energy (represented by Director Mr Andy Woo and Managing Director Mr Lim Chi Haur) and Green Energy Eco Seido Co Ltd (represented by General Director Nguyen Tuan Anh). It was announced during the event that BSL Eco Energy’s inverters would be used in a 100MW solar farm in Binh Thuan Province, Vietnam. This is poised to be the largest solar farm in Vietnam, and the third largest in South East Asia to date.

A group photo to commemorate the signing of two groundbreaking Memorandums of Agreement

(L-R) SEDA Chief Operating Officer Ir Akmal Rahimi Abu Samah, BSL Eco Energy Managing Director Mr Lim Chi Haur, Energy Commission Chairman Dato Abdul Razak Abdul Majid and SEDA Chairman Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai.

Ir Akmal Rahimi Abu Samah outlined various incentives provided by SEDA towards increasing take-up of renewable energy in Malaysia.

(L-R) SEDA Chief Operating Officer Ir Akmal Rahimi Abu Samah, SEDA Chairman Datuk Dr Yee Moh Chai,  the ‘solar house’, Energy Commission Chairman Dato Abdul Razak Abdul Majid and BSL Eco Energy Managing Director Mr Lim Chi Haur admiring the ‘solar house’.