What do Malaysians Really Think About Solar?

What is Solar?

Solar power converts sunlight into electrical energy, making it the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available. Solar technologies can harness this energy for a variety of uses, including generating electricity, providing lighting for a comfortable interior environment and heating water for domestic, commercial, or industrial use.

But despite its benefits, do Malaysians truly embrace solar power? Is it the future of our energy, or just a passing trend? To better understand the public perception, we, a group of INTI students —conducted street interviews as part of an employer project with Sunview. Our focus was on two key topics, “The Role of Education in Promoting Sustainable Practices” and “Malaysian Thoughts on Energy Efficiency (EE) and Its Benefits.”

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Do Malaysians Understand Solar Energy?

We were divided into two groups and conducted interviews in a mall: engaging with people from diverse backgrounds — including students, office workers, business owners and even foreigners. Our goal was to assess public understanding, opinions and concerns about solar energy.

We received a lot of different responses; Many were aware of solar energy but did not fully understand how it works. Some had already installed solar panels in their homes, while others were worried about the high initial costs of solar energy and the lack of clarity on its long-term benefits. The knowledge gap suggests a need for greater public education on solar energy and its advantages.

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The Role of Education in Promoting Sustainable Practices

When discussing sustainability education, most respondents agreed that education is important in encouraging eco-friendly habits. Among the responses:

85.7% of the respondents prefer to use social media to promote sustainable practices, as they believe social media can promote sustainable practices faster, better and more conveniently.
82% of the interviewees (particularly the younger ones), were supportive of this, and emphasised the importance of integrating sustainability education into primary school, and even early childhood — believing that teaching young children about environmental responsibility would make sustainable practices second nature.
85.7% preferred social media as a tool to promote sustainability, considering it the fastest, most accessible way to reach a large audience.

However, 27% of the interviewees opposed incorporating sustainability into early childhood education. While they saw sustainability as important, they felt young children might struggle to grasp such concepts and suggested that sustainability should be introduced at the middle school or college level instead.

Many agree that education and exposure are essential in shaping sustainable habits. The more people learn about sustainability, the more likely they are to adopt eco-friendly practices—whether it's reducing waste, conserving energy, or embracing renewable solutions. Given this, increasing awareness about solar energy specifically—how it works, its financial benefits, and how to get started—is just as important.

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Malaysian Thoughts on Energy Efficiency (EE) & its Benefits

Free Solar System Roof photo and picture — *Source: Pixabay*

When we asked the interviewees about energy efficiency, about 87% of respondents associated it with reducing energy consumption while maintaining the same level of output, leading to lower electricity bills, and less waste. Some also linked it to alternative sources, such as solar power.

Encouragingly, 80% of respondents consider energy efficiency ratings when purchasing appliances, indicating a growing awareness of sustainable living choices. This suggests that while most Malaysians are mindful of energy efficiency, there is still room to further promote the benefits of EE-rated appliances.

Solar energy, another critical aspect of sustainability, is well-recognised, with 93% of respondents acknowledging that it can significantly reduce utility bills. Despite this awareness, only 53% felt confident about how to get started, while 33% admitted they were unsure. Some (13%) emphasised the need for better access to solar energy equipment and resources, suggesting that more education and support could help increase solar adoption.

These findings show that while Malaysians are increasingly mindful of the importance of energy efficiency and are actively making efforts to reduce their energy consumption, many still lack the information or support needed to transition to solar energy. More initiatives—whether through incentives, awareness campaigns, or better accessibility—could make solar adoption easier and more widespread.

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Make Your Home Energy-Efficient

If you’re looking to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle, start with energy efficiency practices such as installing solar panels with SunVast, Sunview’s home solar solution. With SunVast, you can save up to 90% on your monthly electricity bills while reducing dependence on the grid.

To learn more about how solar can benefit your home, connect with the Sunview team here today.

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The Path to a Greener Malaysia

Education and energy efficiency are important in steering Malaysia toward a more sustainable future. Both public and private sectors play a role in fostering environmental responsibility from an early age.

With the help of government incentives such as the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme, Self-Consumption (SelCO) scheme, as well as consumer-friendly solar solutions, homeowners can reap both financial and environmental benefits. Beyond lowering your electricity bills, solar energy empowers Malaysians with energy independence, a reduced carbon footprint and an overall improved quality of life.

After all, transitioning to solar isn’t just about saving money—it’s about securing a cleaner, more sustainable future for generations to come. By bridging the knowledge gap and making solar more accessible, Malaysia can take a meaningful step toward greener energy adoption.

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Editor’s note: The article was co-contributed by the students of INTI and is part of an Employer Project between Sunview & INTI International College Subang. The contents have been edited to align with the professional editorial standards of Sunview. The views and opinions expressed in this piece are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of Sunview.

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Co-Contributed by the Students of INTI: