First published on The Edge.
Reducing carbon emissions from electricity consumption by using solar power systems is only the first step in a carbon neutral future. For companies to truly reach their net zero goals and make a more meaningful impact on the environment, much more can and should be done.
To enable companies to ride along this journey, Sunview Group is building a sustainable ecosystem that encompasses various technologies and parts of the value chain to provide a more holistic solution. This will help the efforts to propel Malaysia towards reaching its renewable energy (RE) capacity target of 70% by 2050, and accomplish the goals highlighted in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).
For starters, integrated RE solutions provider Sunview offers engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) services for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. This will complement the government’s intention to scale up installation of solar systems in government buildings, set up solar farms, hybrid hydro floating solar and utility scale energy storage systems.
HP Ong, CEO of Sunview, says: “With a residential rooftop solar market size of 22.7GW in Malaysia, Sunview is crafting an attractive residential solar package to cater for future demand from the residential markets. In line with the government’s lifting of the export ban on RE, we are in talks with corporate entities and off-takers from Singapore to capture the opportunities, once the guidelines are furnished.
“RE is no longer a trend but it is a need in our journey towards a cleaner and greener future. The NETR initiatives reflect the Malaysian government’s determination to contribute to the global drive towards a green economy.
“By achieving ambitious sustainability goals, Malaysia can forge stronger international ties and strategic partnerships, where multinational companies are putting an increasing focus on sustainable electricity generation and consumption when deciding on major capital investments.”
Apart from providing solar EPCC services, Sunview has set up an in-house environmental, social and governance (ESG) team so that the group can transform into an energy consulting arm and establish a sustainability team that can help companies meet their sustainability goals through tailor-made solutions.
In addition, Sunview hopes to include Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) in its sustainability solutions and implement battery energy storage systems (BESS), which will increase the efficiency of its solar PV products.
These actions will help Sunview’s clients reduce emissions more significantly.
“We are able to integrate our advisory service with tangible actions through our expertise in RE system installations, such as energy efficiency assessments, rooftop solar, BESS, bioenergy and electric vehicle (EV)-related, which reduces the hassle our customers face when transitioning to RE,” says Ong.
Meanwhile, RECs and carbon credits can be used by companies as a tangible proof of their commitment to cleaner energy practices and become an essential part of the energy transition process.
“Our engagements don’t end with installations. It extends to after-sales services. We’re committed to performing regular operation and maintenance checks. To make this process even more effective, we’re looking to invest in advanced artificial intelligence for advanced monitoring,” says Ong.
INTEGRATING THE SUPPLY CHAIN
Earlier this year, Sunview acquired 20% of Winstar Aluminium Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, which produces the aluminium mounting structure for solar power systems. This strategic acquisition is meant to reduce Sunview’s reliance on overseas suppliers and have shorter delivery lead times, which increases work efficiency.
“On top of obtaining resources for our internal supply, we plan to open it for other solar players, so it may facilitate the development of the entire RE industry,” says Ong.
“Sunview will have better cost control and higher customisation for our customers over the aluminium mounting structure, and this may translate into higher cost savings and customer satisfaction in the long run.”
The company initially began its journey in the solar industry as a subcontractor and, subsequently, transformed into a full turnkey EPCC contractor with the support of the Asia Green Tech Fund in December 2020.
Sunview is also now an RE asset owner. It has 20 rooftop solar renewable assets, aggregating more than 8MWp of RE capacity. Its long-term vision encompasses ownership of other assets in BESS, REC and bioenergy.
Sunview has set its sights beyond solar to include BESS, EV-related and bioenergy services in its portfolio. It is at the final pilot testing stage with its existing customers on a BESS technology.
Ong says: “The outcome is expected to provide stable RE supply for commercial and industry players. The BESS technology comes at an opportune time, where the recent lifting of the RE export ban to foreign countries such as Singapore requires BESS, on top of the RE electricity supply.
“Sunview’s integrated value chain enables us to offer competitively priced end-to-end solar energy solutions, which is in line with the NETR’s target. Sunview provides accessible yet affordable solutions that contribute to the broader mission of RE adoption.”
He reaffirms the company’s commitment to help Malaysia achieve its RE installation target, and it will participate in government-driven programmes such as the corporate green power programme and assisting more Malaysian companies to transition to RE.
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