Installing solar panels is too expensive for me! How can I own a solar system if it’s too costly for me?

Before one starts to ask questions, let us recap a budget for owning solar panels. Here are two reasons why:

Cost of Equipment

High-quality solar panels require advanced technology and manufacturing to produce the finest raw materials such as high-grade silicon. (Example of panels: Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline)

Installation Fees

Installing solar panels with a professional solar installer helps ensure safety while remaining compliant with government regulations, inspections, and manufacturer warranties.

Is installing solar panels too expensive?

However, investments in installing solar panels have generally been popular now that they are becoming more affordable! All thanks to our government support and investors that leads to the reduction of costs. Not to mention Malaysia’s solar sector is the perfect country for more growth given the favorable conditions that are developing.

The cost of installing solar panels may vary depending on the size of the installation, the quality of the solar panels, and the plan that you desire for the service.

There are also options to have your financial scheme towards solar with banks to earn major green deals. Recently, Affin Bank has become one of the banks that offer to fund renewable energy setups including solar energy in Malaysia! Find out more over here. 

How much can I save after installing solar panels?

a) Lower Electricity Bills 

By installing solar, you can save up to 90% of your monthly electricity bills!

b) Solar Payback Period 

The solar payback period is the amount of time it takes to recoup or ‘break even’ on your original investment in solar and when exactly this expenditure can begin to generate profit. With the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme, it can provide a shorter payback period of 4-7 years for residential projects in the right circumstances!

If you’re still feeling uncertain about the cost of installing solar panels, start by getting a solar cost and savings estimate. Get your free consultation now here at Verdant Solar! 

As a customer, we can’t help but wonder about the benefits of solar panels. It’s tough to grasp the science behind a solar panel mechanism, but fret not, we are here to assist!

1. Are solar panels no light = no function?

It’s one of the common misconceptions that everyone has about installing solar panels in their home. If solar panels were to not function during the night, one might ask what is the primary purpose of having them in the first place?

During the day, solar PV homes are activated by sunlight, also known as the photovoltaic effect, and generate electric current. Therefore, solar PV will still be able to generate electricity that depends on the intensity of the sunlight, especially on a rainy or cloudy day.

2. Wet panels = faster damage?

Solar panels are extremely durable and designed to last more than 25 years. With no moving parts, they also require little to no maintenance.

Damage is hard to do because panels are waterproof! As a matter of fact, rainy days are helpful when it comes to washing off dirt and debris that accumulates on the panels over time, making them even more effective.    

3. Without sunlight = extra charges?

Some might have thought that using solar panels at night will cost extra, adding to their electricity bills. NEM (Net Energy Metering) comes in handy because of its optimum functioning as the cost of obtaining electricity from the grid will be covered by the net metering credit

The NEM scheme occurs when we connect our solar panels to flow back into the main electric grid. This process allows the panels to work all day, exporting any surplus solar electricity back to the main electric grid while providing electricity when your panels are not generating electricity during the night.

Conclusion

As we are all aware, the weather varies so regularly due to the different impacts of the sun’s heat. Solar panels are an excellent method to offset energy expenses and lead to a lower environmental impact that focuses on green energy in Malaysia and around the world.

Install your very own solar panels today and get a free consultation from Verdant Solar! To learn more, reach out to us at our contact page.

You heard it right! Verdant Solar Penang branch is now open! It is our first northern region store in Butterworth, Penang. Nearing the heart of Georgetown, our office lies in the largest urban town in the city of Seberang Perai, giving us more excuses to enjoy those tasty Nasi Kandar in town!

Penang Lang! Visit us at Verdant Solar Penang

Here at Verdant Solar, as a solar service provider, we are inspired to help the community require their very own solar panels. That being said, Verdant Solar Penang is able to provide local support to the Northern people by delivering the WOW factors that the company is known for. Yes! We are covering not just Penang, but Kedah, Perak, and Perlis as well! With just one call away, our customers are able to expect immediate assistance from our team.

Due to the climate temperature in the northern area of Malaysia, the daytime temperature usually reaches around 31 °C, especially during the month of June, falling to 23 °C at night. As a result, Verdant solar panels are the perfect way to convert light into electricity while enjoying an instant reduction in your electricity bills. How “cool” is that?

In addition, we have a dedicated team in the Verdant Solar Penang office to help guide the headquarters as well as provide face-to-face consultation and reliable services to cater to the customers’ needs. Not only are we keen to ensure customers experience the fastest installation in the market, but you can anticipate and enjoy our to support your wonderful solar journey.

Let’s take a look at our recent customer from Penang, Johny Lim. His TNB bills initially cost around the average of RM300 to RM400 every month, and he currently only pays less than RM70 after installing our solar panels. “The team from Verdant Solar is very responsive, patient, and professional! They can cater to your needs based on your financial budget. The job was done quickly and nicely. I would 10/10 recommend.”, said Johny.

What are you waiting for? Sign up with us today and get your hands on our zero-defect guarantee top-tier products and services as well as our iconic 30-day speed guarantee and 25-years warranty!

We are proud to announce the Verdant x Affin collaboration!

In conjunction with Verdant Solar’s mission, Affin Bank has offered a simple and efficient way for residentials to lower their monthly electricity bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Verdant Solar is privileged to be part of the appointed partner in enjoying this financing collaboration.

According to Affin Islamic Bank Bhd Chief Executive Officer, Nazlee Khalifah, Affin Bank Group has set a target of 5% of its total loan book to be environment, social, and governance (ESG) financing by the year 2025.

The purpose of launching the Verdant x Affin Solar Financing-i is to offer a sustainable financial solution for retail customers as well as home and building owners to purchase and install SPV (Solar Photovoltaic) panels.

Enjoy benefits from Verdant x Affin Solar Energy-i via Verdant Solar:

✅ Up to 10 years financing tenure

✅ Up to RM150,000 financing amount

✅ Up to 100% financial margin + 5% takaful coverage

Solar energy helps to reduce air pollution, improves air quality, and enhances public health in Malaysia and worldwide. The purpose of the scheme is to improve users’ quality of life by reducing their electric bills.

Landed house residents of age between 21 to 60 years old are only eligible for this application.

At Verdant, we thrive to solve global climate change challenges with 100% reliance on renewable energy. To encourage more people to participate in the green movement, Verdant Solar is ready to provide a top-notch experience for our users.

To learn more and get a free consultation, do reach out to us at our contact page!

Verdant’s SOBA Awards

KUALA LUMPUR: Verdant Solar has been named the Best Employer Award winner in the SOBA Awards 2021. The Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA Awards) bestow unparalleled recognition for the exceptional achievements of the nation’s finest SMEs.

Aligning with Verdant’s mission, the best employer award is intended to accredit the local enterprise with the overall best human capital practices, which include impressive physical working conditions and excellent benefits made available to its employees. SOBA winners are testaments to high achievement and serve as a benchmark for others to aspire to.

“I’ve always believed that our core values are our guiding behaviour, and so long as we live out the core values, they eventually become the culture of our company,” said Zeth Lim, CEO and founder of Verdant Solar. “We’ve always wanted to make Verdant Solar a place where people are happy to work here, a place where people can grow and unleash their potential, where people can make a better living and create a better life for the people around them.”

This Verdant SOBA Award – Best Employer Award is based on five aspects that include: Remuneration, Career Progression, Learning and Development, Welfare, and Workplace Environment. Verdant employs a pay structure designed to entice the younger generation to a faster-paced atmosphere, which has proven beneficial based on a yearly turnover rate of less than 10%. Verdant’s current assessment approach fosters a high-growth culture, with 90% of Verdiants expressing satisfaction with the appraisal technique. To add on, Verdiants are eligible for an annual growth fund to foster a learning attitude and assist them in moving up the professional ladder.

We are proud that we are titled “Best Employer in 2021” for this SOBA Award. Verdant Solar will continue to strive by learning and growing together, providing a second home to Verdiants, while consistently delivering world-class solutions.

Light of Hope

In conjunction with Deepavali 2021, each person who signs up for a solar home with Verdant Solar during the Light of Hope campaign will provide five meals to children in need.

Hence, we’ve reached out to a group of refugee children from React School, Subang Jaya where not only we provided them food, back to school kit, but spent some time to have some fun activities together. We want them to enjoy the hope & joy just like the rest of us.

We believe that by reaching out to the communities, more children would receive love and warmth, and grow up happily to be leaders of the future. The next generation deserve more from us.

What is NEM 3.0?

Ever heard of NEM 3.0? If you have not, it’s time you did.

NEM 3.0 is a programme presented by the government to encourage users to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. What are PV systems? Simple. Solar PV is also known as solar panels that generate electricity from the sun.

The Net Energy Metering was introduced in 2016. It was a motivation by the government to increase the usage of solar power. After a positive response, NEM 2.0 was introduced in 2019. NEM 2.0 allows excess solar power to flow back into the grid on a “one-on-one” offset basis. That’s where its popularity picked up. Excess power could be sold back to TNB. This widely satisfied customers.

3 Aspects About NEM 3.0

Not long after, NEM 3.0 was introduced and will be available from 2021 to 2023. What’s new about NEM 3.0? Actually, there are three. To encourage a further increase in solar power usage, the government has set a total quota of up to 500 MW. This will be divided into three sectors. Namely;

NEM Rakyat (homeowners)

NEM NOVA (industrial)

NEM GoMEn (government ministries and entities)

As Verdant Solar only focuses on residential solar homeowners, NEM Rakyat is our priority, and it focuses on the people, which is basically everyone.

What is NEM Rakyat? Here’s what you need to know.

This programme has an allocated quota of 100 MW.

Now, by installing a solar PV system, the public (Rakyat) can save money by reducing electricity!

How solar panels work to reduce my electricity bill?

The PV system works as a storehouse for all excess solar energy generated by it. None of the energy or money will go to waste. According to NEM 3.0, once it generates the electricity and is used, the excess can be offset on a one-to-one basis. Awesome right? People can save up to 90% every month in the long run. Who wouldn’t want that deal? While saving money, we also get to practise an eco-friendly lifestyle!

It is important that we take note on what is allocated for us. Solar power is extremely important, especially in today’s world. Here’s why;

1. Solar power is pollution free and causes no greenhouse gases to be emitted after installation.
2. Reduce dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels.
3. Reduce carbon dioxide.
4. Renewable clean power that is available every day of the year, even cloudy days produce some power.
5. Return on investment unlike paying for utility bills.
6. Virtually no maintenance as solar panels last over 25 years.

Even if there are significant high initial costs for material, installation and long ROI, with the reduction in cost of solar over the last 10 years, solar is becoming more cost feasible every day.

Think about it, we wont be paying so much in the long run! Customers will be able to save up a lot instead of paying those bills every month. Moreover, we can all play our part in conserving the environment by using green energy.

How do we start?

It is not that complicated actually.

Step 1: We just need to know or estimate our electricity consumption pattern. Collect your monthly bills and notice the pattern.

Step 2: Engage with the RPVSP (Registered PV Service Provider). You will get more information from them.

Step 3: This is the last step! It is basically a site survey to discuss and confirm the system size. Not to worry. This step is done by the solar company. In this case, it could be Verdant Solar.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Solar PV for home reduces electricity bills up to 90%, increases property value, is a great return on investment, and has a 25-year performance warranty! How awesome is that? It is time we really looked into NEM Rakyat and changed the way we use electricity. What better way to do it than to use renewable energy which is given freely by the Sun.

Verdant Culture in COVID-19

As we all know, COVID-19 has brought about many challenges for us. Especially for small and large businesses, Verdant Solar experienced no difference. Like most companies, we too struggled and faced many obstacles amid the pandemic that shook the world. The worst challenge was, of course, working from home. As the pandemic got worse, employees were gradually feeling the strain and suffocation that come with minimal movement.

While employees were having a hard time adapting to the new changes, employers were also struggling to sustain the business. It was a daily challenge to keep the company going. This trying situation needed a new way of doing things and also leaned back on its work culture.

How does Verdant culture help?

We decided to hold on to the core values that created Verdant culture in the first place, namely the value of building a positive team and family spirit. It was both crucial and necessary because we need to make sure that we take proper care of our employees rather than adding to the hardships that they are already going through.

To reduce the stress that employees and employers undergo, we at Verdant Solar increase flexibility and make it performance-based. For example, we meet up on Mondays as a weekly check-up on our progress. This meeting gives a sense of inclusiveness to fellow Verdiants. Plus, it maintains a constant level of engagement among Verdiants and shows them that they are being guided by their colleagues and team members and that they are not alone.

We even have games that everyone can participate in. Moreover, we have a virtual office called Gather Town, where we can gather anytime. It is a meeting place where we can talk to each other about anything. This helps with the loneliness that comes with working from home and makes Verdiants feel less suffocated.

Verdant culture with building positive team and family spirit is so important during this period. It is able to bring Verdiants together and strengthen the bond among us. This value helps us physically and mentally. It is like having a support system that is ready to help us.

Why is Verdant culture important?

It is important that they know that, and that is what our company tries very hard to achieve. We find ways to keep our employees motivated with the Verdant culture. At the end of the day, our Verdiants are the ones who propel us forward.

Once the stress and worry are taken away from them, employees begin to trust in the culture and are united to pull through this hardship together. There is a sense of security, and this makes them productive despite the situation during the MCO.

Working from home for months is not an easy task. It is important for us to acknowledge that the number of suicide cases during the pandemic has increased tremendously. 468 suicide cases in the first five months in the 2021.That is why we at Verdant Solar value our employees’ mental and physical health. As mentioned before, the well-being of Verdiants is our utmost priority.

Verdant Solar a second home for employees

Hence, we continuously innovate to ensure our team continues to grow while staying bonded amid crises. In our effort to make Verdant Solar a second home for us, career progression and well-being are two things we equally care about. We strive to be a family.

“What about the hidden maintenance cost? 

Sure expensive!”
Well now, think again.

PV Solar Panels are not costly at all if you hear us out. For what’s worth, your prudent investment ensures a better, greener future for your next generation.

Unlike standard machinery equipment which requires frequent maintenance and repairs, a PV system is almost maintenance free – if designed and installed properly. Our team has extensive experience in optimizing solar energy facility’s performance via an O&M service agreement. Contracting O&M service with us guarantees your warranty maintenance requirements for equipment, like inverters are fulfilled according to the manufacturer’s requirements.

The Costs

Primarily, the standard maintenance includes cleaning of panels and checking of mounting structures. This is our sincere service to ensure your panels are always at the top-notch condition where optimal utilization can take place.

Maintenance cost per visit depends on the system size. For example, popular residential solar PV system sizes between 4kWp to 15kWp will cost around RM400 to RM650 per maintenance every 2-3 years depending on the air quality around the area.

INCLUSIVE OF THESE BENEFITS

During the scheduled maintenance visit, the following will be checked:

1. PV Modules
• Cleaning of panels;
• Visual inspection on modules to ensure they are free from cracking or damage;
• Assist in determining whether damaged module is covered under manufacturer warranty;
• Ensure modules are securely fastened to the panel mount;
• Inspect conduits, connectors and the modules for any signs of damage.
2. Electrical Switchboard, Inverter and Cable
• Solar PV system electrical and physical integrity checks. This includes the checking of wiring for good electrical contacts, inverter operation and electrical performance;
• Visual check on the AC/DC switchboard and its internal electrical components;
• Check that all cable terminals are properly tightened.
3. Solar Array Structure
• Carefully examine module panel mount for any signs of damage or corrosion;
• Checking to be made on the mounting bolts to ensure that they are secure, tightened, and free from damage and corrosion;
• Check that all equipment attached to the array structure is secured and free from any signs of corrosion, damage or abuse;
• Ensure that the array structure has been correctly bonded to the site building lightning protection system. Inspect cable for signs of chafing causing damage to insulation;
• Ensure that all cables are tightly secured. Repair and replace as necessary. Earth loop testing according to the local regulation.
4. System Analysis and Report
• Download PV system performance data;
• Analyse data and generate system performance reports.

Be prudent in your planning on solar power installation and maintenance, that is the hallmark of Verdant Solar service.

Do reach out to us now should you have more questions: +603-5888 8896. Maintenance costs, installation costs and everything you want to find out about solar power, we are more than happy to share our information with you!