SUNDAY STAR, 4 DECEMBER 2016

GOING GREEN

Spotlight on solar New solution

THE response for solar photovotaic (PV)
systems has been overwhelming in the past
few years.
The Energy Commission, together with
Sustainable Energy Development Authority
under the prerogative of the Ministry of
Energy, Green Technology and Water
(KeTTHA), announced the launch of the
net energy metering (NEM) programme
for solar PV systems on Nov 1.
Under this programme, the solar system
installation is primarily for ones own
consumption, with the excess sold to
Tenaga Nasional Berhad at its displacement
cost.
Apart from playing a part to save the
environment, the programme results in the
reduction of electricity cost over the long
run.
On top of that, there are numerous tax
benefits such as the capital allowance and
investment tax allowance that can be
applied. With these fiscal incentives, the
return on investment of solar PV systems
can be optimised in a shorter time.
Icon Energy Solutions Sdn Bhd has been
actively providing one-stop services for all
solar PV system solutions in the market.
Icon was founded in 2012 and has since
undertaken numerous solar projects in the
residential, commercial and industrial
markets.
It has succeeded in becoming the main

Icon Energy Solutions directors Jon Wong (left)

and Bernard Wong.
engineering, procurement, construction
and commissioning (EPCC) company for the
largest building-integrated PV system in
Malaysia and successfully completed
large-scale solar projects for both
commercial and industrial markets.
The company is well versed in creative
solar PV applications such as ground
solar farms, rooftop-integrated retrofit,
double-glass solar PV panels application,
building-integrated PV design and
reinforced concrete roof installations.

n For more information, call 03-7733 9885,

e-mail bernard@iconenergy.com.my or
jon@iconenergy.com.my, or visit
www.iconenergy.com.my.

AS people own an increasing number of

gadgets, they often face the problem of
having insufficient charging stations to
accommodate these devices.
With Universal Serial Bus (USB) becoming
a standard connecting power for portable
devices, there is a solution. Schneider
Electric has produced a 2.1A, single-outlet,
fast-charging USB wall charger and will
release a dual-outlet version soon.
Charging portable devices using the 2.1A
wall charger is relatively fast, making it safer
and more convenient. Since the portal
installed is in-wall and not of a usual socket
outlet, the need for a charger head and plug
adapter is unnecessary.
The fast-charging quality of the 2.1A wall
charger is excellent for charging larger

devices such as tablets. Just plug in the cable

to the USB wall charger and devices are
charged safely.
Gadgets are protected from three main
threats overheating, overvoltage and
overcurrent thus meeting the safety and
electromagnetic compatibility requirements.
The Schneider Electric USB wall chargers
can be easily installed by a local electrician
by incorporating it into the existing series of
switches and sockets in both new and old
buildings.
The Vivace series USB wall chargers come
in white and aluminium silver colours and
are now available in the market.

n For more information, visit

www.sereply.com.

The 2.1A wall charger meets the safety and electromagnetic

compatibility requirements, charging devices safely.

2 Going Green

SUNDAY STAR, 4 DECEMBER 2016

Plant-based diet for sustainability

VEGETARIANISM is one of the
fastest-growing lifestyle choices
as indicated by the growing
population of vegetarians
worldwide.
Some of the popular reasons
for this diet choice are respect
for the environment as well as a
higher awareness and concern
for animal welfare. There are
also individuals who choose to
reduce meat intake simply to
stay healthy.

Plant protein for

longer life
A group of Harvard University
scientists who examined the
health effects of different protein
sources found that replacing just
a small amount of processed meat
with plant protein reduces the
risk of early death.
According to a study published
in the JAMA Internal Medicine
journal last year, ahigh intake
of meat (animal protein) is also
associated with a higher risk
of cardiovascular death.

Considering
environmental impact
Among all complete protein
sources, plant proteins such
as soybeans, peas, some nuts
and seeds are packed with
wide-ranging benefits.
Other than keeping us healthier
for longer, plant proteins are
far more environmentally
sustainable as the entire

Why is protein important for

good health?

Biogrow HPF-5 contains high levels of fibre and plant-based protein.

production line uses less
farmland, water and energy
compared to the meat industry.
Consumers can help conserve
energy, land and water by
consuming more plant-based
protein and cutting down on
intakes of meat and dairy
products.
Biogrow HPF-5 high-protein
and high-fibre powder is a good
alternative for people who are
lactose intolerant, looking to

include more non-animal-based

protein in their diet or practising
vegetarianism for a greener
lifestyle.
Made from natural, food-grade
ingredients, this powder drink
provides more than 61% plant
protein from soybean and peas,
complete with nine essential amino
acids.
It is high in soluble fibre for
improved bowel function and
enriched with calcium, magnesium

and vitamin D3.

These nutrients are important
for the development of healthy
cells, muscles and bones in the
body. Biogrow HPF-5 high-protein
and high-fibre powder is suitable
for all ages.
This article is brought to you by
Legosan (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.

n For more information, call

03-7628 8888.

Protein is the major building

block of muscle and other body
tissues and is used to produce
hormones, enzymes and
haemoglobin (the oxygencarrying pigment of red blood
cells).
An adequate intake of protein
is necessary for the growth and
repair of body cells, normal
functioning of muscles,
transmission of nerve impulses
and immunity.

Going Green 3

SUNDAY STAR, 4 DECEMBER 2016

Renewable power
for homes
AMLED Illumination (M) Sdn Bhd, the
recipient of the SME100 Fast Moving
Companies Awards 2016 Malaysia, is a solar
photovoltaic (PV) service provider. It has
worked on more than 25MW of solar PV
systems ranging from high-rise building
rooftop systems to solar farms.
In the Malaysian context, the company is a
mature solar PV organisation as it has been
involved in the industry since the
introduction of feed-in tariffs in the country.
Its consortium is an active contender of
the Large Scale Solar (LSS) programme
recently launched by the Energy
Commission.
With the expected tariff increase, solar
PV is a great way to arrest the rising cost of
electricity. Amled Illumination promotes
solar PV electricity generation for
self-consumption.
The payback period for each home-user
is about seven years or less. Solar PV allows
the democratisation of electricity energy
consumption as you get to choose your own
supplier.
Commercial solar PV projects attract a
high internal rate of return of approximately
30% and a payback period of four or five
years. The whole system sits on the owners
premise and guarantees yearly payback as
well as daily energy generation.
The assembly technology and market
condition have resulted in the continuous
cost reduction in solar PV systems. Solar PV
energy is now cheaper than electricity

generated by fossil fuels. As such, we should

all play a part to bring forth a better planet
for the future generations by opting for
solar energy.
Besides the grid systems described
above, Amled Illumination also builds
small off-grid battery-backed systems for
rubber estates, fruit orchards and
eco-resorts. Architecturally, it uses solar
PV to build car porches and solar canopies.
Amled Illuminations industry network
consists of Korean, Chinese and European
suppliers. In Malaysia, the company works
alongside major electrical contractors and
has performed work for Tenaga Nasional
Berhad and other Bursa-listed
organisations.
Geographically, it covers the whole of
peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.
One of Amled Illuminations signature
projects is a lithium-ion battery and hybrid
solar PV system in Cambodia.
The management team is made up of
financial as well as engineering experts.
Amled Illumination prides itself in
providing a wholesome solution for your
green energy needs. While the engineers
work on details of the system, the financial
team will assist you in analysing the
financial returns of investments and
securing finances for your solar PV system.

n For more information, call 03-7773 1503,

visit www.solarpanel.com.my or e-mail

amledpj@gmail.com.

Cost-efficient energy
THE popularity of solar photovoltaics (PV)
is set to increase over the next 10 years
as prices become more competitive with
grid electricity across the world.
The Sustainable Energy Development
Authority Malaysia (SEDA Malaysia) is
expected to release a policy soon that
allows net energy metering (NEM) for
solar power generating systems.
With the said provisions in the
guidelines, a person can instal solar PV
units to generate power at home, offices
and even factories to reduce monthly
electricity costs.
In addition, businesses owners may
enjoydouble taxdeduction on capital
expenditures that will increase their
return.

Net metering
Net metering is a billing mechanism that
credits solar energy system owners for the
electricity they add to the grid.
For example, if a residential customer
has a PV system on his homes rooftop, it
may generate more electricity than the
usage of the home during daytime.
If the home is net-metered, the electricity
metre will run backwards to provide a
credit against the electricity consumed at
night or other periods. Customers are only
billed for their net energy usage.

Solarvest
Solarvest is a trademark and brainchild
of Atlantic Blue Sdn Bhd that has been
focusing on solar PV projects for residential,
commercial and industrial clients, including
but not limited to feed-in tariffs, NEM,
self-consumption, off-grid projects,
and operation and maintenance (O&M)
services.
The company, which currently has a local
market share of 10% since operation in

Solarvest, a trademark and brainchild of

Atlantic Blue Sdn Bhd, instals solar PV systems
for residential, commercial and industrial
buildings.
2011, has installed more than 30MW solar
PV system for residential, commercial and
industrial buildings.
We strive to leverage our technical
experience and industry know-how to
develop the most cost- and energy-efficient
PV solar plants in the industry, says
managing director Lim Chin Siu.
Our world-class project management
teams ensure we complete the project in the
fastest possible time without compromising
on quality.
On how Solarvest has been able to excel in
such a short time, Lim says, One of our
advantages is our after-sale service package
and strong bond with the supplier. In
addition, we have a capable and competent
engineering team that responds swiftly to
any hiccup that may occur after installation.
This prompts our customers to refer their
friends and family to us. Solarvest Energy
Sdn Bhd is now providing free site surveys
for interested parties.

n For more information, visit

www.solarvest.my or call 1700 814 611.

4 Going Green
MALAYSIANS have always
complained about the countrys
scorching hot weather and it
seems to get worse with each
passing year.
The climate change is indeed
real and, little do we know, the
same fate has befallen the whole
world, thanks in no small part to
recurrent natural gas, coal and
fossil fuel usage.
They have spelt doom for the
ecosystem as well; greenhouse gas
emissions and carbon pollution
have been escalating since the
onset of the Industrial Revolution,
showing no signs of abating with
this years average temperature
being the highest recorded in
history.
According to the National
Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA), this year
is the warmest year so far in 136
years of modern record-keeping.
Then, there is the issue of rising
electricity bill costs. If any of you
often incur astronomical utility
bills for your properties, the
reason is that natural gas and
coal prices are steadily magnifying,
and along with declined gas
production have culminated in
the Government increasing the
electricity tariffs, burning holes
in our pockets as we fork out
diabolical sums of cash to cover
the shortage of raw materials.
Future electricity tariffs in
Malaysia are expected to reflect
the changing fuel costs which,
while are shrouded by clouds
of doubt, shows no promise.
This is bad news, especially
for massive industries that
depend on electricity around the
clock. However, fear not. We, Solar
Sunyield, have a proposition that
might just ease your worries and
budget cuts.

SUNDAY STAR, 4 DECEMBER 2016

Solar energy Best

things in life are free
Solar Sunyields solar photovoltaic (PV) system is a
prime example of nature and technology coexisting
in harmony.
Enter Solar Sunyields solar
photovoltaic (PV) system in
tandem with the brand new
net energy metering (NEM)
programme. Solar energy
spearheads renewable energy
in Malaysia as it is a better
alternative than the conventional
electricity generation in the long
run. How so? Let us shed some
light on the subject.
A typical solar PV system
harnesses the suns energy using
PV cells and converts it into
electricity with the added perks
of being supremely durable,
requiring minimal maintenance
and having mininum interruption
of service.
Recently announced,
Sustainable Energy Development
Authority Malaysia (SEDA
Malaysia) and Tenaga Nasional
Berhad (TNB)s new NEM
programme would offset your

monthly bills tremendously by

generating some or all of the
electricity to be used anytime,
without a battery.
Plus, NEM credits solar PV
system owners for the electricity
they add to the grid during
periods where the systems output
exceeds the properties electricity
use.
Solar PV installation costs are
quite affordable depending on
capacity and energy requirements
but, ultimately, they are not an
expense. They are, in fact, one of
the best ways to invest with a
predicted return of investment
(ROI) of approximately 17% to
22%. Additionally, registered
companies could enjoy a 100%
investment tax allowance.
Still unconvinced? Look at your
utility bill and notice how much
you are paying for electricity each
month. What if you could be

paying less than you are now for

electricity and use just as much or
even more electricity each day?
What if, in a few years, instead
of paying your utility company
for electricity, you can obtain
your electricity for free? Would
you make the switch? Of course
you would.
The best part is, you will be
doing your part in saving the
Mother Earth in the process,
which is what we should be
doing.
This is why thousands of
homeowners, business owners
and renowned companies have
recently opted for solar energy in
Malaysia.
Whatever the naysayers say,
investment in solar panels is an
investment for the future as it is
becoming increasingly clear the
future of energy generation will
overwhelmingly consist of solar

energy paired with an integrated

storage system.
The latest merger of Elon
Musks Tesla and Solar City has
upped the ante and we at Solar
Sunyield are doing our part as
well, helping people go green and
protect the environment while
substantially reducing their
electricity bills for the past three
years.
If you are interested and
want to know more, feel free
to contact us. So, what are you
waiting for? Keep calm and go
solar. By Khogulan Mohan
Kumar, writer/engineer at Solar
Sunyield

n For more information, call

Alden Hew at 016-598 2233 or
Robin Hew at 012-520 5663, e-mail
solarsunyieldsales@gmail.com,
visit the Solar Sunyield Facebook
page or www.solarsunyield.com.