KOTA KINABALU: Sabahans can now switch to clean and renewable energy easier with the updated solar energy guidelines and new investment framework.
Unveiled by the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) to support the growth of solar energy in the state, this updated SELCO-PV Sabah 2.0 guideline allows homeowners and businesses to install solar systems to generate electricity mainly for their own use.
Domestic consumers may install solar PV systems up to 5 kW for single-phase connections and up to 10 kW for three-phase connections, while commercial and industrial consumers are permitted to install systems sized up to 85 percent of their Maximum Demand, said the ECoS in a statement.
It said that ECoS requires prior approval for off grid solar PV installations over 5 kWp, and all installations must obtain a SELCO-PV SABAH 2.0 Approval to Install (SATI) from ECoS before work commences.
“This programme supports ECoS’ vision of democratising energy which gives Sabahans greater opportunities to participate in the state’s energy transition,” said ECoS Chief Executive Officer Datuk Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid.
“This is by ensuring that consumers will be able to generate their own clean and affordable energy, while contributing to efforts to reduce carbon emissions and build a more sustainable future for Sabah,” he said at an engagement session with Electrical Contractors with Class PV (ECCPV) and representatives from utility companies, Thursday.
The initiative allows consumers to generate renewable energy locally for self-consumption and fully retain the environmental and financial benefits of their solar systems, including the positive impact of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, he said.
It is with a strict rule that excess electricity cannot be exported to the grid, Abdul Nasser added.
He called on consumers to adopt stronger energy efficiency practices, as global diesel prices continue to rise due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
In order to promote a healthy and transparent solar market in the state, ECoS has also introduced the Sabah Registered PV Investor (SaRPVI) programme which requires companies engaged in solar leasing or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) arrangements, excluding Large Scale Solar (LSS) projects, to register with ECoS.
This ensures that only companies with proven technical capability and financial strength are permitted to operate in Sabah.
Foreign companies are not eligible to register, while Malaysian companies from outside Sabah must ensure that at least 80% of their workforce are local Sabahans throughout their registration period.
To simplify the application process for the Approval to Operate (SATO) for SELCO-PV SABAH 2.0, contractors are encouraged to use ECoS’ digital platform, Energy Information System (EEISy) (http://eeisy.ecos.services), to submit applications, track progress, and manage all related processes digitally.
The public can visit the official ECoS website at www.ecos.gov.my for more information on SELCO-PV Sabah 2.0 and SaRPVI.
