Expert insights on Malaysia's residential solar-energy policies: shortcomings and recommendations

Malaysia has a long way before achieving the 20% renewable-energy penetration by 2025. Currently, merely 2% of the country's electricity is generated by renewable energy sources including solar power. Unlike the abundant literature about solar energy, qualitative studies that focus on experts' opinions on the weaknesses of residential solar-energy policies have received less attention, particularly in the context of Malaysia. Understanding the flaws in the existing policies would lead to creating a better policy framework for solar-energy development. Thus, this study aims to identify the shortcomings of the current government initiatives and policies that deter solar photovoltaic adoption among households from experts' perspectives. Experts also provide recommendations for better future policy design and implementation. This study employs a qualitative research approach (via semi-structured interviews) in collecting experts' viewpoints. Key concerns emerging from the interviews include insufficient financial support, lack of awareness programmes and subsidized electricity tariffs. Also, interviewed experts suggest sufficient financial incentives, increased public awareness programmes and comprehensive legislation aimed at safeguarding consumer interests as a means to raising solar-energy adoption in the country. This underlines the need for policymakers to create public awareness, provide financial support and develop regulatory measures aimed at managing solar companies for the sake of solar development in Malaysia.