Petronas’ Gentari, already a major player in the electric vehicle charging and Vehicle-as-a-Service (VaaS) sectors, is broadening its horizons. Partnering with SOLS Energy, Gentari, Petronas’ eco-friendly subsidiary, is venturing into a new domain – home solar systems. This ground-breaking service promises to change the way consumers think about sustainable energy.
This new initiative, claimed to be the first of its kind in Malaysia, eliminates the need for an initial payment for solar system installation, as advertised on SOLS Energy’s website. This zero upfront cost also encompasses the solar system components including photovoltaic (PV) panels, inverter, and DC cables.
Furthermore, Gentari is sweetening the deal by providing free maintenance and insurance for a maximum of two decades. Plus, the solar panels themselves also come with an impressive 20-year warranty.
The subscription’s monthly payment isn’t explicitly defined on the website; however, it is stated that customers will be billed based on the amount of energy generated by their solar system. The FAQ section outlines a monthly rate of RM0.46 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Comparatively, the current TNB tariff for domestic users varies between RM0.22 and RM0.57 per kWh. Despite the zero upfront fee for installation and equipment, customers must pay a refundable security deposit of RM1,500.
It is essential to note that customers will continue to receive their TNB bill even after subscribing to Gentari’s home solar service. In essence, they will receive two energy-related bills each month – one for their TNB electricity and the other for Gentari – SOLS Energy solar system subscription.
Image source: soyacincau.com
The silver lining? The TNB bill is expected to decrease due to the excess energy produced by the solar system, which will be redirected back to the grid to offset costs. According to the FAQ, customers can anticipate savings up to 15% monthly or 40% annually from a standard 11.48kW solar system.
Despite the intrigue surrounding this service, there are unanswered questions. The minimum contract period and the monthly subscription fee are yet to be clarified, and it’s unclear why customers cannot upgrade their solar system’s size if required.
Gentari representatives have been approached for further information on this revolutionary home solar subscription service.
This news is based on an article published on malaymail.com.
