Clean Techn Environ Policy
DOI 10.1007/s10098-015-0920-2
ORIGINAL PAPER
Social acceptance of solar energy in Malaysia: users’ perspective
K. H. Solangi • R. Saidur • M. R. Luhur •
M. M. Aman • A. Badarudin • S. N. Kazi •
T. N. W. Lwin • N. A. Rahim • M. R. Islam
Received: 3 July 2014 / Accepted: 9 February 2015
Ó Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2015
Abstract The increase in energy demand has caused
considerable attention to be directed toward sustainable
energy resources. The importance of electricity generation
through solar energy has been intensively highlighted
globally, but Malaysia has yet to exert efforts to develop
this energy resource. This study explores the social ac-
ceptance and level of human interest in solar energy. In
addition, this work identifies the difficulties in the con-
sumption of solar energy and the expectations for solar
energy development in Malaysia. Survey results show that
80 % of the respondents are highly interested in solar en-
ergy. However, the majority of the respondents have
Electronic supplementary material The online version of this
article (doi:10.1007/s10098-015-0920-2) contains supplementary
material, which is available to authorized users.
K. H. Solangi (&)  R. Saidur  A. Badarudin 
S. N. Kazi  M. R. Islam
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering,
University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
e-mail: solangi@quest.edu.pk
M. R. Luhur
Quaid e Awam University of Engineering Science and
Technology, Nawabshah, Sindh, Pakistan
M. M. Aman
Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering,
University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
T. N. W. Lwin
Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Malaya,
50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
N. A. Rahim
UM Power Energy Dedicated Advanced Centre (UMPEDAC),
Level 4, Wisma R&D, University of Malaya,
59990 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
reported that some hindrances, such as expensive solar
panels and lack of correct information about solar energy
utilization, make fuel-generated electricity a preferable
choice. Meanwhile, almost 80 % of the respondents be-
lieve that government incentives could best enhance solar
energy usage nationwide. To implement new solar energy
policies successfully in Malaysia, the government should
support the establishment of solar power plants, as well as
provide complete information and funding for independent
research. Furthermore, more than 70 % of respondents
perceive the government to be the main organization that
should lead the development of this energy sector. There-
fore, this research provides some useful references for
policy makers to continue promoting the use of solar en-
ergy in Malaysia.
Keywords Solar energy  Sustainable energy 
Generation  Electricity  Promotion  Policy
Introduction
Balancing supply and demand relative to energy con-
sumption has become a global issue. Energy is essential for
economic and social development, as well as for improving
the quality of life of human beings. Concerns about the
increase in oil prices and the depletion of fossil fuel re-
sources have recently arisen. Consequently, renewable
energy (RE) sources have gained attention as alternatives
to fossil fuels (Ashnani et al. 2014; Moosavian et al. 2013;
Yee et al. 2009). Most studies have emphasized the ap-
plication of two renewable resources, namely, solar energy
and wind (Majeed et al. 2010). Among various sustainable
sources used for solar energy technologies, photovoltaic
(PV) technology appears to be relatively attractive for
123

electricity generation for its characteristics of noiseless-
ness, non-carbon dioxide emission during operation, scale
flexibility, and simple operation and maintenance (Dinçer
2011). The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates
that solar power could provide as much as 11 % of global
electricity production in 2050 (Katinas et al. 2013;
Moosavian et al. 2013).
In 2011, the total PV installed capacity in the world
increased to 68 GW and exceeded 100 GW in 2012 (Zhi
et al. 2014). Among the energy sources, solar energy is
being considered to satisfy energy demand in Malaysia and
the whole world (Gomesh et al. 2013). Malaysia is one of
the developing countries with a GDP of $15,400 per capita,
and its purchasing power parity (PPP basis) based on
steady GDP growth rate was 4.6 in 2009 (IMF 2011;
Fokaides et al. 2014). Parallel to the growth rate, energy
consumption has grown by approximately 5.6 % between
2000 and 2005 (Balo 2011). The energy consumption of
the industrial sector has grown at a rate of 4.3 %, and this
sector used 48 % of the total energy consumed in 2007
(BoroumandJazi et al. 2012; Shafie et al. 2011). Solar en-
ergy remains more than other RE sources mainly because
of its ‘‘plug and play’’ features, which differs from other
resources that require mechanical support, such as motors
or generators (hydro, wind, and wave), or chemical support
(bio fuels) that are mostly circumstance oriented (Shafie
et al. 2011). In addition, solar energy has huge potential in
Malaysia because of the strategic geographical location of
the country.
The public acceptance of solar energy and the level of
willingness to pay for green electricity among the respon-
dents will be investigated to understand the preliminary
acceptance level of a new RE technology in Malaysia.
With considerations of the global critical energy situation
and the future energy scenario in Malaysia, this study re-
views existing solar energy utilization systems in Malaysia
and investigates public perspectives on the understanding
and acceptance of solar energy among consumers. Survey
results showed that only 26 % respondents were familiar
with and 42 % were somewhat familiar with RE, whereas
almost 30 % are ignorant of RE. Public awareness of RE
remains weak even among potential users of solar energy
furthermore, survey results cover solar energy importance,
awareness, and correct information regarding solar energy
appliances used in Malaysia. The above coordination has
not been considered so the present work has attempted to
compile public awareness and policy making activities. In
sum, this study bridges the gap between policymakers,
investors, and the public regarding the understanding of the
solar energy market.
The issues of solar energy enhancement and RE use in
Malaysia have been comprehensively studied by many
scholars in the energy sector (Cucchiella et al. 2014;
123
K. H. Solangi et al.
Mekhilef et al. 2014). However, this study is considered
significant for the following reasons: First, this study
briefly reviewed the published literature and government
policy on the use of solar energy to boost its utilization in
Malaysia. Second, this work examines the public per-
spectives on solar energy, including interest in this issue,
hindrances for potential buyers, and public opinions on
how the government should enhance solar energy devel-
opment in Malaysia. Third, this research could help the
government, private organizations, policy makers, or future
investors in the solar energy sector by presenting the per-
ceptions of the general public when determining ways to
boost solar energy utilization in Malaysia.
Review on solar energy situation in Malaysia
Malaysia’s tropical climate, which has abundant sunshine
averaging 1643 kWh/m2 in annual irradiance, favors solar
energy development. Tables 1 and 2 compare the monthly
mean G (global solar irradiation on horizontal surface with
atmosphere) G0 (extraterrestrial solar irradiation on
horizontal surface without atmosphere), in MJ/m2/day, for
all regions (Kuala Terengganu, Bayan Lepas, KLIA, Sepang,
Muadzam Shah, Senai, Ipoh, Kuantan, Pulau Langkawi,
Subang) for the years 2007–2009. The monthly mean global
solar irradiation between 2007 and 2009 clearly was the
highest for Kuala Terengganu. However, the Kota Bharu and
Subang stations had higher readings in March. Table 1
shows that the solar irradiation data, especially those of the
northern and north-eastern regions of the Peninsular
Malaysia state of Terengganu, show high solar irradiations
that are higher than those of other states. The regions are also
near the beach. Hence, Terengganu has high development
potential for solar energy applications (especially solar
power plants). Table 3 shows the monthly and yearly aver-
age sunshine duration at the given stations in Malaysia. The
datasets for this study were obtained from the archives of the
Malaysia Meteorological Department stations (University of
Malaya KL, BOP Research Station, PPP Tun Razak, GRC
Tanah Merah and Kuala Terengganu) in 2009. The highest
monthly average sunshine was at GRC Tanah Merah in May
at 7.5 sunshine hours. The yearly average calculated to be the
highest was also at GRC Tanah Merah at 5.93 sunshine
hours. The maximum solar radiation was approximately
6.027 kWh/m2 per day in Sabah and 5.303 kWh/m2 per day
in Sarawak, which indicate that the potential for applying
solar energy for electrification is extremely high (Borhana-
zad et al. 2013). Approximately 10,000 household warm
water systems in Malaysia are running through by solar en-
ergy (Kettha 2008). The climate is suitable for the use of
solar energy because the country enjoys several sunny days
in the year (Azhari et al. 2008). Current solar energy
Social acceptance of solar energy in Malaysia

Table 1 Monthly mean global No. Month Bayan Lepas KLIA Sepang Muadzam Shah Senai Ipoh
solar radiation and
extraterrestrial solar radiation G G0 G G0 G G0 G G0 G G0
for meteorological stations in
MJ/m2/day 1 January 19.28 32.51 14.91 33.53 13.33 33.40 16.37 33.95 18.93 32.80
2 February 20.23 34.43 13.44 35.11 14.91 35.03 16.19 35.39 19.85 34.63
3 March 19.14 37.35 16.65 37.58 15.41 37.55 18.45 37.65 19.61 37.42
4 April 17.85 36.59 17.83 36.28 18.43 36.32 17.75 36.12 17.72 36.51
5 May 20.23 37.65 19.63 36.89 18.03 36.99 20.38 36.55 19.89 37.45
6 June 18.90 35.51 16.48 34.59 16.25 34.71 17.52 34.18 18.14 35.25
7 July 20.36 37.96 19.94 37.08 19.33 37.19 19.74 36.68 18.98 37.72
8 August 18.83 38.00 16.98 37.49 18.36 37.55 17.78 37.25 17.94 37.86
9 September 11.65 36.38 14.88 36.39 16.60 36.39 14.27 36.38 11.98 36.39
10 October 13.53 36.31 13.06 36.87 13.42 36.80 14.51 37.09 14.76 36.48
11 November 18.73 34.63 15.69 35.61 12.18 35.49 17.61 36.01 18.04 34.92
12 December 17.07 33.40 18.70 34.56 15.40 34.42 18.55 35.04 16.80 33.74

Table 2 Monthly mean global No. Month Kuantan Pulau Langkawi Subang Kota Bharu Kuala Terengganu
solar radiation (G) and
extraterrestrial solar radiation G G0 G G0 G G0 G G0 G G0
(Go) for meteorological stations
in MJ/m2/day 1 January 13.62 33.12 18.59 32.08 15.27 33.38 15.39 32.15 18.51 32.56
2 February 13.72 34.84 19.46 34.14 15.29 35.01 20.06 34.18 21.61 34.46
3 March 14.97 37.49 20.08 37.24 19.10 37.55 20.38 37.25 22.42 37.36
4 April 15.99 36.41 17.59 36.69 17.69 36.33 21.81 36.67 23.63 36.57
5 May 18.73 37.21 19.56 37.94 21.63 37.01 19.51 37.90 19.60 37.61
6 June 17.89 34.97 17.39 35.86 17.93 34.73 19.46 35.81 18.34 35.46
7 July 20.55 37.45 17.61 38.30 20.31 37.21 18.42 38.25 19.20 37.91
8 August 17.64 37.70 17.06 38.18 18.43 37.57 20.63 38.15 20.11 37.97
9 September 16.13 36.39 12.32 36.35 15.94 36.39 19.59 36.35 20.14 36.37
10 October 14.52 36.65 16.00 36.07 15.70 36.79 17.65 36.10 17.19 36.33
11 November 11.67 35.22 17.34 34.22 19.11 35.47 13.96 34.28 16.16 34.68
12 December 16.09 34.10 16.53 32.92 20.14 34.39 13.87 33.00 12.95 33.46

Table 3 Monthly and yearly average sunshine duration hours of stations for 2009
Stations Lat Long Ht above Yearly Monthly average sunshine duration hours
M.S.L (m) avg
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Universiti Malaya, KL 3°070 N 101°390 E 104.0 5.6 5.1 6.3 5.5 6.8 7.2 6.2 5.9 6.2 5.2 5.2 3.4 4.2
0
BOP Research Station 2°49 N 101°300 N - 4.3 2.9 4.4 4.6 6.2 6.3 4.9 4.6 5.2 3.0 4.6 2.9 3.0
PPP Tun Razak 03°500 N 102°340 E 76.3 5.9 5.6 7.1 5.8 6.7 6.8 7.0 5.5 6.5 5.4 6.4 3.6 4.5
GRC Tanah Merah 2°390 N 101°470 E 5.4 5.9 5.8 6.0 5.5 6.2 7.5 6.9 6.0 6.6 5.3 6.0 4.1 5.3
Kuala Terengganu 5°200 N 103°080 E 35.1 5.2 4.3 7.3 5.8 5.3 5.4 6.9 5.2 5.6 5.1 4.9 3.2 4.4

consumption in Malaysia reaches 1 MW and can potentially
achieve 6500 MW (Ashnani et al. 2014).
Malaysia needs more energy sources to meet the de-
mand for energy because of the growing economy. The
country owns the second largest oil reservoir in the Asia
Pacific region with total reserves of 5.6 billion barrels
(Štreimikien_e and Baležentis 2014). However, Malaysia
has come to understand that these oil resources may not
meet energy demands (Ashnani et al. 2014). With the
production level of 2005, the country can rely on its oil
reserve for only 15 years, whereas gas reserves are ex-
pected to be reliable for 29 years. Based on the 2013
analyses of Asia-Pacific Energy Research Center, the de-
mand in the residential and commercial sectors will exhibit

123

the fastest growth from 2010 to 2035 at 1023 Mtoe or 64 %
(Brau et al. 2013). Crude oil and natural gas are the major
energy sources. Approximately 47 % of total energy sup-
ply came from crude oil in 2001. However, this supply
decreased substantially to 31 % of the total energy supply
within 10 years (Gutiérrez-Arriaga et al. 2013). Natural gas
gradually replaced crude oil as the leading energy source,
accounting for 45 % of the total energy supply in 2011
compared with 40 % in 2001 (Lim and Lam 2014). The
energy supply of coal and coke increased from 6 to 19 % of
the total commercial energy supply over 10 years from
2001. This circumstance is akin to turning the clock back
because a large body of evidence has shown that coal
burning negatively affects the environment (Singh and
Parida 2013).
Solar technology is a new technology and developing at
a linear rate. Solar technology has been popularized since
the application of this alternative energy source on a pocket
calculator (Solangi et al. 2011). Solar panels are being used
along the north–south highways, telecommunication tow-
ers, and even for street lighting (Chua and Oh 2012). The
massive advertisement and popularity of solar technology
have prompted the public to rely on solar technology
(Bamufleh et al. 2013). Solar energy is expected to become
a crucial energy source that will sustainably meet national
electricity demand (Rahman Mohamed and Lee 2006).
This case will be especially apparent in several remote
islands and hilly areas without grid connection access.
Thus, solar energy integration into the existing energy
system in remote island communities and rural areas is of
significant interest to researchers (Hossain et al. 2014). The
solar energy can be use at industry level for example; solar
thermal energy Hot water usage for bathing and washing,
Pre-heated water up to 80° to Boilers, Pasteurization,
condensation and cleaning in Milk Dairies, Drying and
tanning in leather process industries, Degreasing and
phosphating in metal finishing industry, Resin Emulsifica-
tion in Polymer Industry, Drying in food, wood, livestock
and pharmaceutical industry, and Swimming pool water
heating etc. (Basri et al. 2015). In terms of the sectoral
breakdown, the food and tobacco sector has almost half of
the potential, with the balance well spread among other
sectors. This is particularly important for developing and
least developed countries, where the development and
modernization of the food industry has a critical role to
play in terms of food security (Cucchiella et al. 2014).
Solar thermal systems can help developing countries to
stabilize food prices by reducing their connection to the
volatile prices of oil and other energy commodities
(UNIDO 2014). An analysis of several sources suggests the
current generation and investment costs for technologies
need substantial cost reductions to become competitive. In
some specific markets, taxes on fossil fuels or subsidies for
123
K. H. Solangi et al.
RE make solar thermal competitive already today even in
areas of low solar radiation (Katinas et al. 2013). Although
solar cooling is still in an early demonstration stage, in
countries with stable solar radiation and unstable, expen-
sive electricity, solar cooling may become a viable alter-
native to electric chillers in the next 10 years.
Electricity demand in Malaysia is expected to reach
18,947 MW by 2020 and 23,092 MW in 2030, with the
latter being a 35 % increase from 14,007 MW in 2008
(Shafie et al. 2011). The tenth Malaysia Plan sets the target
of 985 MW by 2015 for grid-connected generation pro-
duced by RE sources (i.e., 5.5 % of total electricity gen-
eration in the country). This energy volume is supposed to
be generated from biomass (330 MW), biogas (100 MW),
mini-hydro (290 MW), solar PV (65 MW), and solid waste
(200 MW) sources. The Malaysian state adopted the feed-
in-tariff (FiT) program in December 2011 for the power
obtained from renewable sources. FiT is financed by way
of a levy charged on electricity subscribers in the economy
(Ashnani et al. 2014). The state also founded a special
agency called the Sustainable Energy Development
Authority as a subsidiary of the Ministry of Energy, Green
Technology, and Water to handle the FiT fund, as well as
to foster and motivate developments in the field of RE. The
government expects that an operational capacity of 3 GQ
may be obtained from new RE by 2020. Thus, one-third of
the energy will be generated from solar PV. Moreover,
biomass will constitute another one-third of the energy.
Malaysia’s current RE electricity capacity is 50 MW,
which is expected to reach approximately 2000 MW by
2020 (Muhammad-Sukki et al. 2011).
Malaysia’s Vision 2020 aims for a fully industrialized
Malaysia by 2020. This objective highlights the energy
usage of the country (Oh et al. 2010). Current plans for
addressing environmental issues include preparing of a
national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory (committed to
Articles 4 and 12 of UNFCCC), signing of the Kyoto
Protocol, and reviewing and assessing updates on vul-
nerability the of animal habitats caused by climate change
(which will gauge the adaptation needs and prepare the
initial National Communication for the COP) (Saidur et al.
2011). Meanwhile, the energy sustainability issue has been
addressed through the implementation of a few measures
(Saidur et al. 2009). The eighth Malaysia Plan specified a
new five-fuel strategy, with RE being targeted as the fifth
fuel with a 5 % (600 MW) contribution to the 2005 elec-
tricity mix (Muhammad-Sukki et al. 2011). The nineth
Malaysia Plan (2006–2010) also targeted a 5 % contribu-
tion (Islam et al. 2011). However, the announcement for
the five-fuel policy resulted in only 1 % RE contribution
after a decade (Oh et al. 2010). The Malaysian energy
policy encompasses only supply, usage, and environmental
objectives, with no particular solar energy policy being in
Social acceptance of solar energy in Malaysia
place (Mariyappan 2000b). Post-2020, solar energy is
predicted to surpass all other REs (Fig. 1) in Malaysia in
terms of cumulative installed capacity (Chen et al. 2007).
By 2050, solar PV alone is expected to contribute more
than a third of the annual total electricity generation.
As an initiative effort of the government, RE was an-
nounced as the fifth fuel in the energy supply mix (Rahim
2011). In addition, RE has been targeted to be a significant
contributor to the total electricity supply in the eighth
Malaysia Plan (Máša et al. 2013). RE has exemplified an
energy policy with emphasis on intensifying energy effi-
ciency to meet 5 % of the country’s energy mix in line with
the sustainable development agenda, as discussed in the
nineth Malaysian Plan (2006–2010) (Gude et al. 2012).The
Malaysian Building Integrated PV (BIPV) project intro-
duced the following three major incentives in 2010:
(i) SURIA 1000 and SURIA for developers; (ii) demon-
stration, and (iii) showcase. Each of these incentives were
tied up with varying amounts of investment to incentivize
the installation of BIPV technology and to accelerate the
program (Muhammad-Sukki et al. 2012). As of May 2011,
approximately 1652 kWp of solar PV capacity has been
successfully installed and commissioned in four types of
buildings, namely, residential, commercial, industrial, and
school (Gadenne et al. 2011). This five-year project has
also managed to decrease the cost of PV significantly from
MYR31410 per kWp in December 2005 to MYR19120 per
kWp in March 2010, a reduction of approximately 40 % of
the cost (Mansor 2008). Further reduction to MYR15000
per kWp is expected (Muhammad-Sukki et al. 2012).
The RE Policy and Action Plan was cited in the tenth
Malaysia Plan (2011–2015) to achieve the RE target of
985 MW by 2015, as shown in Fig. 2. This target can be
achieved through the FiT program, which could contribute
5.5 % to Malaysia’s electricity generation mix (Chua et al.
2011). Counting from 2011, the FIT fixed rate for solar PV
Fig. 1 Cumulative installed capacity of RE (Chua and Oh 2012)
is 1.25–1.75 RM/kWh, with annual degression of 6 % and
a displaced cost of 0.35 RM/kWh. These values are shown
in Table 4.
To achieve these targets, the efforts of the FiT program
should consider entitling RE-source electricity at a fixed
premium price (1.25–1.75 RM/kWh with annual degres-
sion of 6 %) for a specific duration (Ahmed et al. 2013).
This condition will provide a conducive and secure in-
vestment environment through financial loads and will
promote the function of research and development (R&D)
through research institutions and universities (Poh and
Kong 2002).
The government subsidizes approximately 60 % of
current generated electricity energy prices. Malaysia is not
adequately efficient to enhance solar energy use. The major
obstacles identified are as follows: (1) high subsidies for
fossil fuels in contrast to the low incentives for RE-based
projects (UNDP 2007); (2) high capital expenditure with
long payback period and low tariff, causing financial in-
stitutions and investors to shy away from RE projects (Ali
et al. 2008); and (3) long negotiations involved in RE
Power Purchase Agreement, which has stringent conditions
(Khor and Lalchand 2014). For example, no customer drive
incentive is made available, unlike in the United States,
where net metering is allowed for citizens who install the
device (Saidur et al. 2010). Subsidies by the government
are insufficient for PV manufacturing and the material cost
(Lau et al. 2009). For instance, 100 % subsidies in pro-
duction cost are provided by Canadian government,
whereas a 50 % tax credit on material costs is provided for
main residences in France (Solangi et al. 2011).
Methodology
This study is designed as an exploratory investigation be-
cause limited knowledge is available regarding the social
acceptance of solar energy in Malaysia. Additional knowl-
edge regarding this issue may effectively boost solar energy
usage. This purpose of this study is three-fold. First, this
work explores public attitude toward the utilization of solar
energy. Second, this study investigates public responses
regarding the difficulties in consuming solar energy. Third,
this research analyzes public perspectives on enhancing
solar energy development in Malaysia. This study employs
both primary and secondary data in the investigation. By
implementing a survey method, the responses from the
ground were considered as the primary data. Information
was collected by distributing the survey questionnaires to
residents of Kuala Lumpur and in surrounding universities,
colleges, schools, offices, shopping malls, factories, and
commercial business. However, in this context it may kindly
be noted that about 37.5 % respondents were from rural
123
 K. H. Solangi et al.

Fig. 2 Renewable energy

targets in the tenth Malaysia
Plan (Malaysia plan 2010)

Table 4 Proposed Malaysian FiT rates (starting from 2011) (Chua et al. 2011)
RE technologies/resources FiT duration Range of FiT rates Annual Displaced electricity
(years) (RM/kW h) min–maxa degression (%)a cost (RM/kWh)b

Biomass (palm oil, agro-based) 16 0.24–0.35 0.5 0.2214

Biogas (palm oil, agro-based, farming) 16 0.28–0.35 0.5 0.2214
Mini-hydro 21 0.23–0.24 0 0.2214
Solar PV 21 1.25–1.75 6 0.3504
Solid waste and sewage 21 0.30–0.46 1.8 0.2214
Wind 21 0.23–0.35 1.5 0.2214
Ocean, geothermal 21 0.28–0.46 1 0.2214
a
Subject to final confirmation upon RE law enactment
b
Subject to tariff increment

areas but working in Kuala Lumpur. The survey was con-
ducted between December 2011 and January 2012. Level of
understanding of solar energy was not considered in the
distribution of questionnaires to the respondents. The lan-
guage used in the questionnaires was simple and under-
standable, with only a few technical terms because the
respondents might be from different backgrounds, with
varying levels of exposure to this field. However, respon-
dents with a basic understanding of RE were preferred.
In the sample design of the survey, two criteria were
considered for participation in the exercise. The first re-
quirement was that the respondents must be citizens of
Malaysia. The second requirement was that the participants
must be at least 18 years old. At the time of conducting the
survey some general questions were asked from the re-
spondents such as: Interest in environmental issues, Infor-
mation about global warming, Familiar with RE
technologies, which RE is best for Malaysia, Interest in
solar energy etc. Therefore, the respondents replied to the
above questions with relevant information were only se-
lected for the questionnaire survey. In terms of population
design, the respondents from Kuala Lumpur are from all
regions of the country and stayed in this city for various
reasons, such as education, employment, or business. The

123
Social acceptance of solar energy in Malaysia

survey was conducted through convenience sampling of Table 5 Demographics of respondents (n = 400)
participants from Kuala Lumpur. The respondents were Characteristics of respondents Frequency Percentage
generally not a representative (sample) group for the whole
nation. In this research, some questions in the questionnaire Gender
were compared with relevant literature. Male 196 49.00
As our new contribution in our study purposely aims to Female 204 51.00
explore the perspectives and acceptance of the participants Education level
on solar energy without discriminating their religious and Finished high school or less 110 27.50
ethnic background, the survey scope was limited to ur- Finished diploma or college 160 40.00
banized participants living in Kuala Lumpur. Finished bachelor degree or graduated 130 32.50
Residential area
Urban 250 62.50
Results and discussions Rural 150 37.50
Occupation
The development of the energy sector by the government Shopkeeper 160 40.00
has been surveyed on the basis of this background. The Office staff 110 27.50
general characteristics of the respondents, public attitudes University students 75 18.75
toward the interest in solar energy utilization, public views Workers 55 13.75
on the difficulties in consuming solar energy, and public
expectation on enhancing solar energy utilization in
Malaysia are analyzed and discussed in this section. Table 6 Level of interest in solar energy
This survey was conducted between December 2011 and
January 2012 using the data collection method from the Level of public interest in solar energy Frequency Percentage
convenience sampling of people in Kuala Lumpur. A total Agree 318 79.50
of 600 questionnaires were distributed and 400 responses Disagree 23 5.80
were received. In this context, the respondents were se- No opinion 59 14.80
lected on the basis of their familiarity with the current Total 400 100.00
energy production, energy consumption, new financial
schemes, subsidy on fossil fuels, and new energy projects
introduced by the government in its tenth Malaysia plan. public interest in solar energy. The table reveals that almost
Regardless of ethnicity, income level, education level, 80 % of the respondents are overwhelmingly interested,
residential areas, and gender, the respondents of this survey whereas only less than 5.8 % are not interested. Therefore,
were at least 18 years old. Survey was conducted by per- a high potential for solar energy usage is observed, which
sonal interaction with the respondents and relevant con- reflects the sufficiently high level of public interest in solar
sistency maintained. The collected data were analyzed energy issues.
using SPSS 16. According to the Malaysian government energy policy,
approximately 60 % of the current energy price is subsi-
General characteristics of the respondents dized by the government. With this background, the survey
was developed to examine public interest in buying solar
The general characteristics of the respondents are as fol- panels and in using solar-generated electricity for their
lows: male respondents comprised 49 %, whereas 51 % homes. Two questions were asked on this issue. First is
were female. In terms of religion, 85 % of the respondents regarding the attitudes of the respondents toward the pos-
were Muslim, whereas the rest had other religions. In terms sibility of buying solar-generated electricity if it costs as
of age, 35 % were between 18 and 30, 55 % were aged much as fossil fuel-generated electricity. Second is re-
between 31 and 45, and the rest were between 45 and garding the possibility of buying solar panels if 50 % of the
55 years old. Table 5 shows the demographics of the total total cost is subsidized by the government.
respondents. Table 7 shows that almost 57 % of the respondents said
‘‘yes,’’ indicating their interest in buying solar-generated
Public attitudes toward their interest in utilization electricity if the cost is as much as the current price of
of solar energy fossil fuel-generated electricity. Nearly 30 % of the re-
spondents were unsure, whereas the rest said ‘‘no.’’ These
The conducted survey aimed to explore the public attitudes responses imply the high possibility that the public will
toward solar energy utilization. Table 6 shows the levels of purchase solar-generated electricity in Malaysia.

123
 K. H. Solangi et al.

Table 7 Interest in buying solar panels and solar-generated elec- difficulties, which hinder potential consumers from using
tricity for the home (n = 400) solar energy. In addition, this work investigates the social
Level of public interest Yes No Unsure acceptance of solar energy in Malaysia. The survey re-
vealed several hindrances that have influenced consumer
Freq % Freq % Freq %
considerations in purchasing and installing a solar panel
Possibility of buying 229 57.25 53 13.25 118 29.50 system. Figure 3 shows that the initial cost is the major
solar panels if 50 % of obstacle faced by consumers who use solar energy appli-
the total cost is
subsidized by the
ances at home. Four options were given for that question to
government the respondents. This aspect is considered as the most
Possibility of using 328 82.00 13 3.25 59 14.75 important by 53 % of the respondents. Moreover, 50 % of
solar-generated the respondents claimed to lack correct information as a
electricity if the cost is basis to decide, choose, and install solar energy for the
as much as fossil fuel-
home. The respondents were unwilling to install solar en-
generated electricity
ergy technology until more information on solar energy
system/appliances is available. Such information includes
The result of the second question shows that (see how these appliances work, how the electricity bill is re-
Table 7) 57 % respondents are agreed to buy solar panels if duced, how low the cost is, and what the experiences of
government subsidizes 50 % of the total cost of panels. other users are. Furthermore, 43 % claim that obtaining the
82 % of the respondents are highly interested in using solar best possible price for solar energy is a major problem.
generated electricity if cost is as much as fossil fuel-gen- Other consumer barriers include the need for more infor-
erated electricity. Less than 15 % are unsure, whereas the mation, demand for additional or professional assistance,
rest are uninterested. Therefore, a high tendency to achieve lack of time, lack of knowledge and trust in the solar
the solar energy target of the government is observed if the system provider, concern over product performance, poor
expenses of the potential consumers or the general public brand image, and lack of information on environmental and
are subsidized to half of the total cost of solar panels. social performances of both product and manufacturer.
This result proves that Malaysia has a huge solar energy
Public responses on their difficulties in consuming solar market if the initial cost of installation is overcome, as well
energy as if the public receives correct information on the pur-
chase of solar energy appliances and on installation pro-
This study explores the difficulties faced by the general cess. Thus, accomplishing these suggestions will likely
public, as well as the underlying reasons for these help boost Malaysia’s solar energy usage to achieve the

Fig. 3 Public responses on 250

their difficulties in consuming
solar energy

200
Frequencies

150
Most Important

100 Important
Least important
No response
50

0
Inial cost Correct info Obtaining Good ROI Tech
best Obsolate
possible
price

123
Social acceptance of solar energy in Malaysia
Fig. 4 Public opinions on ways 350
to increase solar energy usage
300
250
Frequencies
200
150
100
50
0
Increases taxes
trustworthy
contractor
65 MW target for solar-generated energy by 2015, as de-
clared in the tenth Malaysia Plan.
Public expectations on enhancing solar energy
development in Malaysia
Considering public opinion is important to meet the ob-
jectives of the solar energy policies implemented by the
government. This study intends to determine public ex-
pectations relative to the enhancement of solar energy
usage in Malaysia by considering public opinions and
public attitudes toward the implementation of new solar
energy policies. In addition, this study analyzes the views
of the public on the level of organizational role in solar
energy development.
Figure 4 shows public opinions on the ways to increase
solar energy usage. The result shows that almost 80 % of the
respondents believe that government incentive to build solar
power plants ‘‘is the best way to enhance solar energy usage
nationwide’’. Moreover, 69 % of the respondents believe
that increasing taxes on enterprises that release GHGs into
the atmosphere is another good idea, whereas 62 % support
the increase in solar panel installation to meet energy needs.
These results imply that the majority of respondents perceive
that the government is the main body responsible for pro-
moting solar energy usage. Notably, almost 60 % of the re-
spondents believe that ‘‘increasing taxes’’ on solar-related
products is not a viable idea to help boost solar energy usage.
The result on public attitude toward the implementation
of new solar energy policies is shown in Fig. 5. To enhance
solar energy development in Malaysia, approximately
62 % of the respondents expect more solar power plants to
be installed nationwide, 55 % believe that the public
should obtain full access to information, 51 % recommend
increased funding for independent research, and 48 %
claim the importance of increasing solar panel installation.
Support Do not support
No opinion No response
Finding Increase solar Increase taxes Government Increase taxes
panel on fuels incentives to on businesses
Installation build solar that release
power plants GHG's into the
atmosphere
This survey result implicitly indicates that the government
can boost solar energy usage through various subsidies and
increased taxes on existing businesses that use fossil en-
ergy. Furthermore, this result suggests that the government
should increase the provision for making full information
available to the public, funding of research related to solar
energy, and initiation of increased solar energy usage and
installation.
Finally, this study examines public views on the level of
organizational role in solar energy development to under-
stand comprehensively the public expectations on en-
hancing solar energy development in Malaysia. Figure 6
shows that 75 % of the respondents believe that govern-
mental organizations are the most important institutions in
promoting this issue, 74 % state that research institutions
are almost equally important, and approximately 60 %
believe that the academia is the top priority. Interestingly,
more than 50 % of the respondents believe that commu-
nication or mass media crucially influences public aware-
ness and enhances knowledge related to solar energy
development. Almost half of the respondents agree that
commercialization serves an important function in devel-
oping solar energy in Malaysia.
Therefore, the survey results clearly reveal the sugges-
tions on the best ways by which the government, solar
energy policy makers, R&D centers, and communication
and commercial sectors can boost the solar energy usage in
the near future. Thus, the present exercise has added new
information to the present knowledge level of the re-
searchers and policy makers.
Survey-based policies
1. Only a few open spaces (e.g., rooftops) have been used
for harnessing solar power (e.g., PV panel or solar
123
 K. H. Solangi et al.

Fig. 5 Public attitude toward 300 Most important Important

the implementation of new solar
energy projects Unimportan No response
250

200

Frequencies
150

100

50

0
Support of solar Full information Funding of Increase installation
power plants independent research of solar panels

Fig. 6 Public views on the 350 Top Priority

level of organizational role in
solar energy development Some Priority
300
No Priority
250 No response
Frequencies

200

150

100

50

0
Governmental Academic Research Communicational Commercial
(Mass Media)

water heater) despite the abundant solar energy po-
tential of Peninsular Malaysia. The non-participation
of individuals and institutions can be attributed to the
lack of incentives. This obstacle is the most serious
relative to the expansion of the Malaysian RE market.
In addition, this challenge is considered as a major
hurdle for the government to overcome if public par-
ticipation is to be encouraged.
2. The government should consider overcoming con-
sumer barriers. The respondents revealed that other
consumer barriers include the need for more informa-
tion; demand for additional/professional assistance;
lack of time, knowledge, and trust in the provider;
concern over product performance; poor brand image;
and lack of information on the environmental and
social performances of both products and manufactur-
ers. Awareness programs on the benefits of solar
energy can be implemented through such media as
magazines, television, and regional campaigns.
3. Effective financial support is essential. Such support
could include tax credits and better financing terms.
Other governments provide such support through
subsidy (investment subsidies, product subsidies, and
consumer subsidies) and pricing policies. Stimulation
of consumption encourages demand and expands the
market. Pricing policy could include price setting.
When vendors meet set prices, approval time is reduce,
which consequently speeds up contract signing and
project commencement. Prices can be reviewed as
solar energy technologies advance and as installed
capacity increases. With 82 % of survey respondents
indicating a willingness to buy solar panels if the
government subsidizes half the cost, subsidies have
high potential for converting consumers into RE users.
A metering arrangement that credits owners of solar
power systems fairly for the energy generated and
supplied to the grid could also encourage the use of
solar electricity. FiT scheme has the potential to

123
Social acceptance of solar energy in Malaysia
increase solar PV penetration and the Green Tech-
nology Financing Scheme is potentially a good source
of funds for companies while for home owners, a soft
loan facility with an interest rate of 5 % is a possible
source of funds for financing solar energy program.
4. Development of an R&D infrastructure could be
emphasized and encouraged through partnerships be-
tween the government and private businesses.
Conclusions
Balancing energy needs has become a crucial issue in the
Malaysian energy sector. RE has been announced as the fifth
fuel in the energy supply mix. Therefore, finding possible
ways to boost solar energy utilization among the general
public is important. This study examines the social acceptance
of solar energy in Malaysia. The country has a tropical climate
with abundant sunshine averaging 1643 kWh/m2 in annual
irradiance. These conditions favor solar energy development.
This study highlights the social acceptance of solar energy by
exploring public interest in solar energy, public responses on
the difficulties in consuming solar energy, and public expec-
tations on enhancing solar energy usage in Malaysia.
Several crucial findings and key conclusions are stated
below:
1. The majority of the respondents are highly interested
in solar energy in Malaysia.
2. Approximately 60 % of the respondents are willing to
choose solar energy if the cost related to solar energy
usage is only as much as the current price of fossil
fuel-generated electricity.
3. More than 80 % of the general public is willing to buy
solar panels if 50 % of the total cost is subsidized by
the government.
4. Among the respondents who consume solar energy, the
majority stated that the initial cost is the highest
hindrance. Some respondents stated that the lack of
correct information hinder them from choosing solar
energy.
5. The majority of the respondents believe that building
solar power plants with substantial government capital
would be the best way to develop solar energy. These
respondents also believe that obtaining full access to
information is important.
6. The majority of respondents claim that governmental
organizations should take the lead in boosting solar
energy usage. Other respondents have reported the
importance of research and academic institutions, mass
media, and commercial organizations.
7. Existing successful solar energy policies in developing
and developed countries show that governments are the
prime movers. Therefore, the Malaysian government
should take on a fundamental role in implementing
solar energy policies.
Acknowledgments The authors would like to acknowledge the
University of Malaya for funding the project. The research has been
carried out under the Project No. UM.K/636/1/HIR (MOHE)/ENG46
and UMRG Fund RP012D-13AET.
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