NON-TECHNICAL BARRIERS OF SMALL-SCALE SOLAR RENEWABLE ENERGY (SSSRE) ADOPTION AMONG TNB DOMESTIC CUSTOMERS IN MALAYSIA – A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the major problems of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions in Malaysia. When fossil fuels are burned, they release large amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the air. Greenhouse gases trap heat in our atmosphere, causing global warming (ClientEarth Communications, 11th November 2020). Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) 2014 reported a total of 82,814.45Megawatt hour of renewable energy is generated where 403,655,02tonnes of CO2 avoidance are achieved. Transformation from fossil fuel energy dependence to the generation of renewable energy (RE) alternatives also known as low-fossil fuels that are more environmentally friendly such as the biogas, solar and biomass now become the most top three popular RE type in this country. The cleanest and most popular energy today is solar. Malaysia receives abundant sunshine which is consistent sunlight and very suitable for renewable solar energy in Malaysia. Thus, this country is very suitable for solar photovoltaic installation especially for states with higher solar radiation rate such as in Perak, Kedah, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Pahang, Johor and Kelantan. There are about 3.2 million residential properties in this country which have potential for a ‘Net Energy Metering’ program - solar on the roof of the premises. The government has already set a vision to reach 20% of the renewable energy in the energy mix by 2025. Although there is a significant increase in large scale solar projects, but there are still low participants in terms of small-scale solar installation especially from residential owner sectors. This paper will explore a recent study from other researchers related to the obstacles in terms of non-technical barriers that hinder the adoption of solar renewable energy among the existing residential in Malaysia.