https://doi.org/10.24928/2020/0059

Barriers to Implementing Solar Energy Systems in Buildings: The Resident’s Perspective in Malaysia

Laura Florez¹ & Nurain Nabilah Ghazali²

¹1 Lecturer in Construction Management, Bartlett School of Construction and Project Management, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, UK, WC1E7HB, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0002-9286-6949
² Quantity Surveyor, Dhaya Maju Infrastructure (Asia) SDN-BHD, 10 Boulevard, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, [email protected], orcid.org/0000-0002-6911-0721

Abstract

Fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas are typically used to generate electricity. Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources and harmful to the environment as they release greenhouse gases when burned. With the increased demand of cleaner sources for electricity generation, renewable sources need to be adopted. In Malaysia, solar energy has been used in numerous industrial buildings as a source of electricity generation since the country benefits from high solar radiation throughout the year. However, solar energy is still not used in residential buildings despite a wide interest from the sector. This paper identified and assessed the barriers to implementing solar energy in residential buildings from the perspective of homeowners in Malaysia. Based on a literature search followed by a ranking and factor analysis of data from a questionnaire survey, key barriers were identified. Ninety-one responses from residents in Malaysia were obtained. The questionnaire results showed that the main barriers to adopting solar systems are financial limitations followed by limited solar suppliers in the region and lack of awareness of government incentives. The results of this study could be used to help suppliers and industrial stakeholders in understanding the major barriers and the government to put forward policies to promote solar systems for electricity generation in residential buildings.

Keywords

Sustainability, process, safety/quality/health, renewable energy, residential energy systems

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Reference

Florez, L. & Ghazali, N. N. 2020. Barriers to Implementing Solar Energy Systems in Buildings: The Resident’s Perspective in Malaysia , Proc. 28th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC) , 829-840. doi.org/10.24928/2020/0059

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