Abstract
Malaysia is a recently emerging economy with a mission of becoming a progressive and high-income nation, vision 2020. Over the past three decades, Malaysia has experienced rapid economic growth, accompanied by rapid urbanization. Until recently, oil and natural gas has dominated the country’s energy demand and supply but now there is some concern with regard to future energy security. In addition, however, as the world is starting to shift to alternative and non CO2 emitting energy resources, Malaysia, which has abundant renewable energy resources, is also committed to the use of green energy as a driver to accelerate the national economy and promote sustainable development.
This study explores the viability of large scale introduction of solar PV systems for both grid-connected and stand-alone hybrid systems in Malaysia. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, the study has investigated the phenomenon of solar PV deployment from the view of the stakeholders and end users. In addition, triangulation has been used for validation of the results by obtaining information from policymakers in government, government-affiliated organisations, Non-Government Organisation (NGOs) and solar PV service providers.
This study has revealed that solar PV has the ability to continue develop in Malaysia, as it has shown promise in terms of a positive development, improving local and global environment in terms of application of systems used which minimises and reduces the negative impact of human activities on the environment, also enhancing energy security for future generations.
Overall, from this study it can be concluded that based on the current status of global solar PV market that is growing rapidly be able to provide a great opportunity for the large-scale introduction of both grid connected and stand-alone hybrid solar PV systems in Malaysia.
It is hoped that this thesis will not only contribute to the understanding of the barriers that might limit the possibility of solar PV to continue develop in Malaysia, but it will also assist decision makers in government and industry to expand the use of solar PV systems in that country.