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Abstract: This paper examines solar photovoltaic (PV) in Malaysia. First, it analyzes the current energy demand in Malaysia and discusses some of the national policies and the installations of solar PV in urban and rural areas in the country. Next, the general Feed-In Tariff (FiT) scheme is explained, indicating its potential as one of the investment options for Malaysians. Finally, the loan financing option for solar PV is presented, providing examples that have been implemented in other countries, as well as explaining the Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS) for companies and the proposed soft loan scheme for individual households in Malaysia. It also analyses the impact of the proposed interest rate to household consumers in Malaysia, in terms of total profit, net present value and internal rate of return. It is found that the FiT scheme could potentially help in increasing renewable energy penetration, particularly for solar PV. To provide upfront capital for solar PV installation, it is shown that the GTFS is a good financial source for companies while for individual home owners, a soft loan facility from banking institutions is a feasible source if the interest rate is 5% or less. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Predicted to be the clean energy of tomorrow, solar energy has been in the forefront of energy development in many developed countries and a potential source of energy to developing countries like Malaysia. This paper presents Malaysia''s solar energy or solar photovoltaic developmental outlook. The study is done by first looking into the country''s energy policies related to solar energy. Key players in the solar energy development such as government institutions are introduced. Early solar energy programmes and a key project called Malaysia Building Integrated Photovoltaic (MBIPV) as well as its successful initiatives will be presented. Measures which have taken by the government of Malaysia including attractive incentives to encourage solar photovoltaic development, the country''s potential in solar energy, foreign investments and future directions as well a feed-in tariff scheme will be presented in length to provide a broad spectrum of solar energy development in Malaysia. The outlook has been positive and the country is active in promoting solar as an alternative energy and is aware of benefits it will bring toward its economic development in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]