The 5 Best Solar Panel Brands in Malaysia

Thinking about harnessing the power of the sun for extra savings? Smart move! 

In sunny tropical Malaysia, solar panels are becoming an increasingly popular way to generate clean energy and even sell excess energy back to Tenaga National Berhad. But with so many PV panels options out there, picking the right brand can be a bit tricky.

Don’t worry, we’ve done the groundwork for you. This guide will walk you through some of the top contenders in the solar panel Malaysia market, helping you make an informed decision for your home or business!

How do Solar Panels Work?

Before we jump into the brands, let’s quickly touch on the basics of how this sun-kissed renewable energy actually works.

1. Harnessing Sunlight

The panels are constructed from numerous smaller units known as photovoltaic (PV) cells. These cells contain semiconductor materials, often silicon, which have unique electrical properties. Solar panels capture energy from sunlight. This light is composed of tiny energy packets called photons.

2. Photon Interaction

When photons from sunlight strike the PV cells, they transfer their energy to electrons within the semiconductor material.

3. Electron Excitation and Movement

If a photon has enough energy, it can energise an electron, freeing it from its atom. This process creates a flow of electrons.

4. Creating an Electrical Current

The PV cell is designed with an internal electrical field that encourages these freed electrons to move in a specific direction. This directed movement of electrons constitutes an electrical current, specifically direct current (DC).

5. Conversion to Usable Power

Most household and commercial appliances operate on alternating current (AC). Therefore, a device called a solar inverter is used to convert the DC electricity produced by the solar panels into AC electricity at the correct voltage and frequency for practical use.

Read More: How To File Income Tax Malaysia Explained

The 5 Best Solar Panel Brands in Malaysia

“Reliable solar power in Malaysia starts with choosing the right brand”

1. Jinko Solar

Background: Jinko Solar has firmly established itself as a major global player in the solar industry, with a strong and growing presence right here in Malaysia. They aim to provide reliable and efficient online payment solutions for businesses of all sizes, from your local shops to big online stores, and even those cool self-service kiosks.

What They Are Known For:

• Offers a wide variety of panels suitable for homes, businesses, and large-scale projects.
• Known for dependable performance and prices that won’t break the bank, striking a good balance between quality and affordability.
• Panels often boast high efficiency, meaning you get more power even if your roof space is a bit limited.
• They invest a lot in making their technology better, so you often see the latest innovations in their products.

What’s Good:

• A broad range of panels to suit different needs and budgets.
• Generally good value for the performance you get.
• High efficiency can be a real plus for smaller roofs.
• Incorporates new technology as it becomes available.

Things to Consider:

• While widely available, specific high-end models might have varied stock levels locally.

2. LONGi Solar

Background: LONGi Solar is another global heavyweight, particularly famous for its focus on monocrystalline silicon technology. These types of panels are generally known for being very efficient and having a smart, uniform look.

What They Are Known For:

• Specialises in high-efficiency monocrystalline panels (Greater power generation and works well in low-light conditions)
• Committed to innovation and top-notch quality, making them a popular choice for those wanting excellent performance and panels that last.
• Often come with strong warranties, giving you extra peace of mind with your investment.
• If you want to squeeze every bit of power from the Malaysian sunshine, LONGi is a serious contender.

What’s Good:

• Excellent efficiency ratings.
• Sleek and modern appearance.
• Robust warranties often provided.
• A good choice for maximising power output.

Things to Consider:

• Higher initial investment compared to some other brands as monocrystalline panels are more expensive.

3. Canadian Solar

Background: Despite the name, Canadian Solar has a big presence worldwide, including a solid footprint in Malaysia. They offer a diverse selection of solar panels aimed at both homes and businesses.

What They Are Known For:

• Known for making robust and reliable panels that often provide good bang for your buck.
• They’ve been in the solar game for a long time and have a reputation for producing dependable gear.
• With their wide range of offerings, you’re quite likely to find a solar wafer that fits your specific needs and how much you’re looking to spend.

What’s Good:

• Generally good value for money.
• A wide range of panels available.
• Solid track record for reliability.
• Easy solar panel installation.

Things to Consider:

• While reliable, their top-tier efficiency might not always match some of the more specialised brands.

4. Trina Solar

Background: Trina Solar is another well-established global brand with a significant share of the solar market in Malaysia. They offer a full suite of solar solutions, from high-performing residential panels to large-scale utility projects.

Key Selling Points:

• Known for their strong manufacturing and dedication to keeping quality high.
• Their panels often offer a good combination of efficiency and durability, making them a dependable choice for generating power over the long haul.
• They also tend to have a good network for getting their products and support to you in Malaysia.

What’s Good:

• Good balance of efficiency and durability.
• Reliable for long-term energy production.
• Decent distribution and support network in Malaysia.

Things to Consider:

• While quality-focused, their pricing might be slightly above some of the more budget-oriented options.

5. JA Solar

Background: JA Solar has grown into a major player in the solar panel industry globally and is well-represented in the Malaysian market. They offer a broad selection of high-performance panels, including both monocrystalline and polycrystalline types.

Key Selling Points:

• Known for their focus on making their technology better and ensuring their products are reliable.
• Their panels often boast impressive efficiency ratings and come with strong performance warranties.
• They’re a brand that’s always trying to improve their solar tech, making them a strong contender if you’re after more advanced solutions.

What’s Good:

• Often have high efficiency ratings.
• Strong performance warranties.
• A good choice for those looking at the cutting edge of solar technology.

Things to Consider:

• Their focus on innovation might sometimes translate to a slightly higher price point for some models.

Quick Comparison of the 5 Best Solar Panel Brands in Malaysia

What to Lookout for When Choosing Solar Panels in Malaysia

Before you open another tab and Google the “best solar Panel Malaysia”, here’s a rundown of the important things to consider to guarantee you get the best system for your needs and of course your wallet:

• Efficiency is Key: This tells you how well a panel converts sunlight into usable electricity. Higher efficiency means you can generate more power from the same amount of space. Look for panels with a good efficiency rating, especially if your roof area is limited. Panel efficiency is usually expressed as a percentage.
• Power Output (Wattage): Panels are rated by their power output in watts (W). This indicates the amount of electricity a single panel can produce under ideal conditions. Your total power needs will determine the total wattage of the system you require.
• Warranty Matters: Solar panels are a long-term investment, so a good warranty matters. Pay attention to both product warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship and performance warranty, guaranteeing a certain percentage of power output over a period, often 25 years.
• Durability and Reliability: Malaysian weather can be quite erratic, with high temperatures in the afternoon and thunderstorms in the evening. Look for panels that are built to withstand these conditions. Certifications from reputable organisations such as SEDA Malaysia can indicate the panel’s ability to handle environmental stresses.
• Temperature Coefficient: Solar panel performance can decrease as the temperature rises. The temperature coefficient show how much the power output drops per degree Celsius increase above the standard test condition temperature. A lower negative percentage here is better, meaning the panel loses less power in hot weather.
• Cost vs. Value: While price is always a factor, the cheapest option isn’t always the best in the long run. Consider the overall value, taking into account efficiency, lifespan, warranty, and the reputation of the brand. A slightly more expensive, high-quality panel might save you more money over its lifetime.
• Brand Reputation and Longevity: Choose brands with a proven track record in the solar industry. A well-established company is more likely to be around to honour warranties and provide support in the future. Research online reviews and see what other users in Malaysia are saying.
• Local Availability and Support: Opting for brands with a strong presence in Malaysia can make installation, maintenance, and after-sales support much smoother. Check if the brand has local distributors or service partners.
• Certifications and Standards: Always make sure the solar panels you are considering meet relevant international and local standards such as SIRIM QAS (Quality Assurance Services). These certifications provide assurance of the panel’s safety and performance.

Conclusion on The Best Solar Panel Brands Malaysia

Solar panels represent a fantastic opportunity for both individuals and businesses in Malaysia to embrace sustainable energy and achieve long-term cost savings. By harnessing the power of the sun, you’re not only contributing to a greener future but also potentially reducing your electricity bills and even earning credits through programs like Net Energy Metering.

And speaking of smart financial decisions, for businesses in Malaysia considering this sustainable investment, there’s a significant advantage to keep in mind: the Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA). 

This incentive allows companies installing solar panels to claim a tax allowance of 100% on the qualifying capital expenditure (QCE). This can substantially reduce your tax liability in the year of investment, including:

• Offsetting up to 70% of your taxable income in that first year
• Any unutilized allowance carried forward for up to three years!