UNIVERSITI TENAGA NASIONAL

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL

ENGINEERING

SEMESTER 1 2021/2022
MEHB503/MEHB4063 – RENEWABLE ENERGY

FLOATING SOLAR PANEL AT BAYAN LEPAS FREE INDUSTRIAL

ZONE PHASE 4
(BAYAN LEPAS, PENANG)

GROUP MEMBERS:

PENG JUN JIE (ME0105076)

ANIS ZUHAIRAH BINTI SAMUDI (ME0104344)
MUHAMMAD SAIFUL HARIS BIN ZULBAHARI (ME0103404)
MOOTHAGASAMIY A/L NALLUSWAMY (ME0104431)
ALIF FIQRI ALIAS BIN IBRAHIM (ME099746)

SECTION: 01
GROUP NO: 4
LECTURER: AZFARIZAL BIN MUKHTAR, IR. DR
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 ............................................................................................................................... 3
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Company Background .............................................................................................. 3
1.2 Project Objectives ..................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Project Motivations................................................................................................... 5
CHAPTER 2 ............................................................................................................................... 6
LOCATION/SITE SELECTION ............................................................................................ 6
2.1 Location Selected ..................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Technology To be Used ............................................................................................ 7
2.3 Estimation of the Amount of Resources ................................................................... 9
2.4 Possible Source of Electricity Demand in the Area ............................................... 10
CHAPTER 3 ............................................................................................................................. 11
ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ............................................................................................... 11
3.1 Component Selection .............................................................................................. 11
3.2 Demand Power ....................................................................................................... 14
3.3 Design of Floating Solar Panel ............................................................................... 15
3.4 Power Supply Output, Efficiency, and Capacity. ................................................... 17
CHAPTER 4 ............................................................................................................................. 21
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS .................................................................................................... 21
4.1 Capital Investment Cost.......................................................................................... 21
4.2 Annual Revenue ..................................................................................................... 22
4.3 Cost Benefit Analysis ............................................................................................. 22
4.4 Payback Period ....................................................................................................... 24
CHAPTER 5 ............................................................................................................................. 25
DISCUSSION ON SUSTAINABILITY .............................................................................. 25
5.1 Impact on Environment .......................................................................................... 26
5.2 Impact on Economic ............................................................................................... 27
5.3 Impact on Social ..................................................................................................... 28
REFERENCES ......................................................................................................................... 29
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Company Background

Figure 1: GREENERGY Logo

GREENERGY was established in 2021, aiming to be one of the leading organizations in the
solar energy market. GREENERGY is created by the aspirations of a few engineering students
from Universiti Tenaga Nasional, currently undergoing Mechanical Engineering (Hons.)
program. The company specializes in solar engineering and ideas integrated in project
development, distribution and integration, and solar solutions. GREENERGY also offer
services in terms of advisory, acquisition, installation, project development, and construction.
The services are offered to projects in sectors including commercial, industrial, and residential.
The general description of our work emphasizes in generating electricity by harvesting light
energy from sunlight, which is the solar source of energy. Our technological advances intend
to efficiently conduct clean electricity generation by allowing photons, or particles of light, to
knock electrons free from atoms in a solar panel which comprises smaller units called
photovoltaic cells.
 Figure 2: Mission & Vision of GREENERGY

PROJECT MANAGER
PENG JUN JIE

ASSISTANT PROJECT
MANAGER
ANIS ZUHAIRAH BINTI
SAMUDI

PLANNING ENGINEER PROCESS ENGINEER DESIGN ENGINEER

MUHAMMAD SAIFUL MOOTHAGASAMIY A/L ALIF FIQRI ALIAS BIN
HARIS BIN ZULBAHARI NALLUSWAMY IBRAHIM

Figure 3: GREENERGY Organization Chart

1.2 Project Objectives

- To propose an implementation of Floating Photovoltaic (FPV) solar plant on the body of

water at Free Industrial Zone Phase 4, Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang.
- Generating electricity for industrial area that is nearby the body of water, powering the
operations that require the energy demanded.

1.3 Project Motivations

As part of Malaysia's energy development program, solar energy is predicted to be the clean
energy of the future. The Malaysian government is eager to develop solar energy as a key
source of energy in the country. Malaysia is in the tropical zone, receiving 400-600 MJ/m 2 of
solar energy every month on average which enables the possibility of solar energy potential in
electricity generation projects Solar energy is currently the most ecologically benign and
abundant renewable energy source available [1]. Solar energy may be utilized for a variety of
things, including generating electricity, lighting, promoting a comfortable indoor environment,
as well as an advancement for residential, commercial, and industrial use.

Renewable energy sources have exploded in popularity throughout the world in recent
years. Because of its ubiquity and long-term viability, solar energy is one of the most promising
energy sources. Solar energy is freely and abundantly available across the earth. The most
prevalent method of using solar energy is through photovoltaic (PV) systems. Photovoltaic
(PV) modules are one of the most efficient, long-lasting, and environmentally beneficial
renewable energy sources. Solar PV installation comes with a high land demand, which will
always be a premium commodity. Large water bodies may be found in many sections of the
nation, which can help save money on land and operational costs for power generation. As a
result, solar PV systems can become a highly logical option for capturing solar energy while
utilizing readily available water bodies, hence increasing the economic feasibility of solar
projects. Although solar energy is a renewable source, it has a poor efficiency of less than 15%
in long-term use [2].

Because of the cooling impact of water, floating solar generates more power than
ground-mount and rooftop (solar) systems. By sheltering the water, it also minimizes
evaporation and algae growth in the reservoir. The floating platforms are made of high-density
polyethylene, which can withstand UV light and corrosion and is 100 percent recyclable [2].
 CHAPTER 2

LOCATION/SITE SELECTION

2.1 Location Selected

Malaysia is located on the South China Sea, with latitudes ranging from 1˚ to 7˚ North and
longitudes ranging from 100˚ to 120˚ east. Malaysia is shaped like a crescent, with Peninsular
Malaysia (West Malaysia) and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo (East
Malaysia). The total land area is approximately 330,000 square kilometers, with East Malaysia
accounting for nearly 60% of the total and Peninsular Malaysia accounting for the remaining
40% [3]. The highest annual solar radiation is 1900 kWh m-2 in Kota Kinabalu, followed by
1890 and 1785 kWh mG2 in Bayan Lepas and Georgetown, respectively.

Figure 4 shows that Kota Kinabalu, Bayan Lepas, and George Town in Malaysia receive
the most solar radiation. Penang and Sabah are the best two places to generate electricity from
sunlight, according to the head of Renewable Energy Unit (PTM) [4].

The site that has been chosen by our company to focus on is Bayan Lepas Free Industrial
Zone Phase 4. The manufacturing sector became one of Penang's largest economic sectors, this
zone itself has been described by the international press as the Silicon Valley of the East. Our
company can offer the best services to any factory that are interested in implementation of solar
as Renewable Energy solution.
 Figure 4: Solar Radiation in Malaysia Figure 5: Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone
(average value throughout the year) Phase 4

2.2 Technology To be Used

The technology that we going to be used at Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone Phase 4 is Solar
energy. Solar power energy is the energy provided by the sun is converted into thermal or
electrical energy. Solar is one of the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy sources that
available in Malaysia. Follow the previous study in 2016, that Bayan Lepas, Penang consists
of higher irradiance in yearly average value which is second highest in Malaysia beside then
Kota Kinabalu Sabah. The total power that could be produced in the specific area is 1809 Kilo
Watt-hour per meter square. According to a study from UITM, the total PV site installation in
Penang is only consist of 6 which is quite low due to it is a common irradiance area.

Figure 6: Total number of PV installations in Malaysia

 Another reason that we choose solar as our technology is because the solar technologies
that are currently owned in our earth was more stable and safer compared to other technology.
The first solar technology was found in the 7th century, researchers and scientists had success
using sunlight to power ovens for long voyages. They also harnessed the power of the sun to
produce solar-powered steamboats. It results that solar energy is the provided year of
technology in it. Other than that, Malaysia TNB also provided bill reducing and sell energy
back to the TNB for any solar excessive power return. This credit system names Solar
Renewable Energy Credits. According to TNB solar solution, it can reduce the electricity cost
between 10-15% depending on the PV size.
2.3 Estimation of the Amount of Resources

As mentioned in the earlier sections, Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone Phase 4 is the location
of study for the implementation of our solar energy generation proposal. Estimation of the
number of resources available is required on the mentioned area of study. An ample amount of
sunlight or sunshine on the field is necessary for the utilization of solar energy harvesting
capability. The area must be suitable for the project in terms of the sufficiency of energy amount
collected, ensuring enough generation of electricity. The figure below illustrates the amount of
sunlight stages depicted by hours in the year of 2021 at Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, monthly.

Figure 7: Average monthly sun hours in Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia.

Figure 7 displays that the month of January has the greatest number of average sunlight
hours, approximately 249 hours. The average sunlight radiated daily in January is roughly 8
hours. However, the month of September has the lowest average amount of 161 hours, with 5
hours average of sunshine daily. Consequently, the total average of sunlight exposure in Penang
is relatively 205 hours monthly. These numbers prove that the proposal of the solar energy
harvesting strategy implementation is deemed appropriate to be conducted in this territory.
2.4 Possible Source of Electricity Demand in the Area

Most panels on the market today rated to produce between around 250 to 400 watts per day. Put
together, the typical capacity of a household solar system is between 1kWh and 4 kWh [5]. The
household electricity consumption per capita in Malaysia for the year 2016 was 998.7kWh
according to Statista.com [6]. This means that over the course of a year, a 4-kW solar power
system on an average-sized house can produce up to around 3,000 kWh of electricity per year
– even considering sunlight hours [5]. Because conditions for solar panels are never perfect,
they will never be 100% efficient. In fact, most residential panels have an efficiency of around
20%. Panels with 40% to 50% efficiency are available but tend to be prohibitively expensive.
It’s generally the case that higher efficiency solar panels cost more but use less roof space [5].
Based on the amount of electricity that could be harvested from the sunlight received n Bayan
Lepas, Pulau Pinang, the number of houses that uses this amount of electricity will be around
500 units.

Figure 8: Household electricity consumption per capita in Malaysia from 2000 to 2016 [6].
 CHAPTER 3

ENGINEERING ANALYSIS

3.1 Component Selection

3.1.1 Pontoon

Pontoon is a polymer-based floating device that has enough buoyancy to float on water while
carrying a hefty load. According to the demand and space available, the platform is designed to
carry a reasonable number of modules in series parallel combination [7].

Figure 9: Pontoon for Floating Solar Panel

 Table 1: The specifications of one piece of Pontoon

SPECIFICATIONS DETAILS

Material Plastic (HDPE)

Size 500mm*500mm*400mm /
500mm*500mm*250mm
(L*W*H)

Weight 6.5 kg

Colour Red/Blue/Grey or Custom

3.1.2 Photovoltaic (PV) Modules

The Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA) specifies design qualifications and quality
standards for both crystalline (c-Si) and thin film modules [8] [10]. Standards through the
National Solar Mission are:
• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61215 for crystalline silicon PV
modules.
• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61730, that provides requirements for
construction of the module, testing and safety qualification.
• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61701, that specifies the salt mist
corrosion testing for modules that are used in coastal corrosive atmospheres.
 Figure 10: Floating PV Modules.

Table 2: The specifications of the Solar Panel.

SPECIFICATIONS DETAILS

Nominal Maximum Power 310 W

(Pmax)
Operating Voltage 36.4 V
(Vmp)
Operating Current 8.52 A
(Imp)
Open Circuit Voltage 44.9 V
(Voc)
Short Circuit Current 9.08 A
(Isc)
Module Efficiency 16.16 %

Operating Temperature -40 ~ 85 ᵒC

Maximum System Voltage 1000 V

Dimensions (1300 x 1300 x 100) mm

Weight 22 kg
3.1.3 Mooring system

The mooring system is a permanent structure that anchors the system to a certain location.
Quays, wharfs, jetties, piers, anchor buoys, and mooring buoys are all examples. The anchoring
mechanism maintains the panels in place and prevents them from twisting or floating away in
the case of a floating solar system. The installation of a mooring system in deep water is the
most difficult task. Nylon wire rope slings may be connected to bollards on the bank and lashed
at each corner to create a mooring system for the floating platform [9]. The anchoring system
is generally made up of the following components:
• Aluminum spreader bars fitted to the floats to allow the mooring lines to be connected to
the island and to disperse the weight through the floats' two connecting ears.
• Cables to connect spreader bars to anchors, sized to accommodate changes in water level.
• Adjustable length chains at the end of the cables
• Anchors to anchor the island on the bottom or on the banks, allowing it to endure wind
loads and decrease movement on the water's surface.
• Shackles to link each component: anchor and cable, cable and chain, chain, and spreader
bar.

Figure 11: Mooring System for Floating Solar Panel.

3.2 Demand Power

A factory requires an average of 1584967 kWh of electricity each month, with a maximum
demand of 3300 kW [11]. As a result, the energy demand parameter for this project in Industrial
Phase 4, Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, has been established at 3300 kW. The calculations below
depict the actual energy demand.
 • A factory operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The calculations below show the
estimated annual energy use:

Energy consumed per day, Eday = 3300 𝑘𝑊 × 24ℎ

= 79,200 𝑘𝑊ℎ per 𝑑𝑎𝑦
Energy consumed per year, Eyear= 79,200 𝑘𝑊ℎ per 𝑑𝑎𝑦 × 365 days
= 28,908 MWh per year

3.3 Design of Floating Solar Panel

The design of floating solar panels to be realized for industrial areas and settlements in Bayan
Lepas, Penang must be able to produce sufficient energy resources for the population of the
district which amounts to an estimated 122,654 inhabitants through a statement from Malaysia's
Department of Statistics [12].

Figure 12: Solar Irradiance of selected district in Malaysia

Based on the data obtained, the area has good solar irradiance for the use of solar
technology. This average amount is obtained by multiplying the average value of solar
radiation by time. Potential of Solar Irradiation for one year at Bayan Lepas, Penang:

• Estimated assumption value of solar irradiation per day is 4.9561 kWh/m2

• Rounded value of solar irradiation at Bayan Lepas yearly

4.9561 kWh/m2 /day × 365 days = 1809 kWh/m2 per year

 The industrial area has an area of 5.7 km2. This FPV design technology can be
implemented at around 500 meters to 2 kilometers from the coastal area and placed in specially
constructed areas sheltered from domestic ship routes. The coastal area measuring 4.3km from
Tanjung Chut to Tanjung Bongkok is an efficient area to apply this technology [13]. The
estimated area used to house this technology is approximately 150000m2 and is centralized
starting from Toshiba Tec Malaysia Manufacturing company.

>Area of Floating Solar Panels setup: 937.5 meter × 160 meter = 150000m2

>Average area of one solar plate = 1.3 meter × 1.3 meter

= 1.69 m2

150000m2
>Total average unit of solar plate used =
1.69m2

= 88757 unit

An average of 48659 solar plate units are required for use in Floating Photovoltaic solar
systems located in sea areas adjacent to industrial areas. Each row and column are equipped
with a smart LED sensor that glows automatically when the light concentration decreases
especially at night. The refracted light will be a guide to the engineer and technician for
maintenance work.
 Figure 13: Floating Photovoltaic solar panels technology development planning area

3.4 Power Supply Output, Efficiency, and Capacity.

3.4.1 Method of Calculation

Radiation and temperature inputs in Bayan Lepas, Penang obtained through information
researched and collected from internet sources are emphasized to obtain a true calculation of
the power output obtained from energy conversion generated in solar panels. Maximum and
minimum temperature data from the nearby location of Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone Phase
4 are George Town are used to obtain almost accurate estimates.
3.4.2 Irradiance and Temperature at Penang

Figure 14: Average value of solar irradiation per month per year [8]

Figure 15: Average min and max temperature at Penang

3.4.3 Estimated Calculations

Table 3: Assumptions and given data for estimated calculation

ASSUMPTIONS
➢ Shade-free territory
➢ Dirt derating of 4%, fdirt = 0.96
➢ Temperature at standard condition, Tstc = 27°C
➢ Total voltage drops of 2.5%, ηpv-inverter = 0.975
GIVEN
➢ Number of solar plates, N = 88757
➢ Rated power of solar panel, Pstc = 450W
➢ Efficiency of inverter, ηinv = 0.95
➢ Mismatch of voltage and tolerances of factory, fmm = 0.95
➢ Max ambient temperature in March, Tair = 32°C
➢ Temperature power coefficient, γ = 0.00501
➢ Nominal operating call temperature TNOC = 47.5°C
➢ Monthly irradiance for March, Htilt = (5.85) (31days) = 181.35 kWh per day

i. Effective cell temperature, Teff-cell

Tair + TNOC −25

Tcell = ×G
800
Given: [Tair = 32°C, TNOC = 47.5°C, Irradiance: G = 900W/m2]
Tcell = 61.31 °C

ii. Derating caused by temperature, ftemp

ftemp = 1 – [ γ × (Tcell - Tstc)]

ftemp = 1 – [ 0.00501 × (61.31 – 27)]
ftemp = 0.828

iii. Arrays of panel’s Power Ouput

Parray = Pstc × N × fmm × ftemp × fdirt

 Parray = 450W × 88757 × 0.95 × 0.828 × 0.96
Parray = 30160 kW

iv. Energy production

Epv = Parray × Htilt

Epv = 30160 kWh × 181.35 kWh
Epv = 5469516 kWh

v. Efficiency of FPV system

ηpvss = ηpv-inv × ηinv

ηpvss = 0.975 × 0.95
ηpvss = 0.926

Based on the result of the calculation, 88757 number of solar plates can delivered up until 30160
kW of power output and amount of 5469516 kWh of energy produced. The amount of power
output and energy delivery can be managed by optimizing the design of the Floating
Photovoltaic System used.
 CHAPTER 4

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

4.1 Capital Investment Cost

Capital costs associated with capital improvements that extend beyond the research and
development phase, such as land acquisition and development, design and construction of new
facilities, and renovations or additions to existing facilities.

Operating and maintenance costs (O&M) are expenses to keep the system working in
suitable conditions over its lifetime. This expense is constant, which is for regular maintenance.

Table 4: Capital cost details

Component & Details Budget (RM)

Employees
- Benefits (cash) received in exchange for the 1,100,000
service provided to this project
Permit
- License to be applied for installation on
floating solar panel in the selected venue of 1,400,000
this project
Material
1,500,000
- Floating solar panel raw materials
Design
- Floating solar panel parts consist of:
a. Scaffolding Float
- Float
- Upright stand
- Binding band
- Bridge 2,000,000
b. Solar Panel
- Panel
- Panel bracket
- Panel holder
- Aluminium plate
- Anchor bolts
Total 6,000,000
 Table 5: Operation and maintenance (O&M) cost details

Component & Details Budget (RM)

Operation & Maintenance
- Annual maintenance routine, helps to 80,000
improve electricity production

4.2 Annual Revenue

• Annual energy produced from floating solar panel = 65,634.19MWh

• Monthly energy produced from floating solar panel = 5,469.52 MWh
• Annual energy usage = 28,908 MWh
• Monthly energy usage = 2,409 MWh
• Net billing per month = 2,409 MWh /(14h x 30) X RM45.1/kW = RM 258,680.71
• Percentage of energy of solar per usage = 2,409 /5,469.52 * 100% = 44%
• Bill to pay to TNB per month = RM 258,680.71 x (1 – 44%) = RM 144,861.20
• 44% saving from self-consumption per month = RM 113,819.51
• Annual saving = RM 113,819.51 x 12 = RM 1,365,834.12
• Annual Revenue = (Annual saving - annual maintenance cost)
Annual Revenue = (RM 1,365,834.12 – RM 80, 000) = RM 1,285,834.12

4.3 Cost Benefit Analysis

• Capital Cost = P1 = RM 6,000,000

• Operating and Maintenance Cost = RM 80,000
• Annual Profit = RM 1,285,834.12
• Lifetime = 20 years
• Salvage Value = RM 15 x 88,757 + = RM 1,331,355
• Inflation-adjusted interest rate = 5%
Calculation

• Capital Cost, 𝑃1 = 𝑅𝑀 6,000,000

• Present Value of Annual Saving

1 − (1 + 𝑖)𝑛
𝑃2 = 𝑈
𝑖
1 − (1 + 0.05)𝑛−20
𝑃2 = 𝑅𝑀 1,365,834.12
0.05
𝑃2 = 𝑅𝑀 17,021,312.10
• Expenditure on Annual Maintenance

1 − (1 + 𝑖)𝑛
𝑃3 = 𝑈
𝑖
1 − (1 + 0.05)𝑛−20
𝑃3 = 𝑅𝑀 80,000
0.05
𝑃3 = 𝑅𝑀 996,976.83
• Salvage Value in Present Time

𝐹
𝑃4 =
(1 + 𝑖)𝑛
RM 1,331,355
𝑃4 =
(1 + 0.05)−20
𝑃4 = 𝑅𝑀 3,532,481.17
• Net Present Value, NPV

𝑁𝑃𝑉 = 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑏𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 − 𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒

𝑁𝑃𝑉 = (𝑃2 + 𝑃4) − (𝑃1 + 𝑃3)
𝑁𝑃𝑉 = (RM17,021,312.10 + RM3,532,481.17) − (RM 6,000,000 + RM 996,976.83)
𝑁𝑃𝑉 = RM 13,556,816.44
 • Benefit Cost Ratio

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑏𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑡𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒

𝐵𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 (𝐵𝐶𝑅) =
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒
(RM17,021,312.10 + RM3,532,481.17)
𝐵𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑓𝑖𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 (𝐵𝐶𝑅) =
(RM 6,000,000 + RM 996,976.83)
𝐵𝐶𝑅 = 2.9375

4.4 Payback Period

𝐼𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡
𝑃𝑎𝑦𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑑 =
𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑒
𝑅𝑀 6,000,000
𝑃𝑎𝑦𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑑 =
RM 1,285,834.12

𝑃𝑎𝑦𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑜𝑑 = 4.666 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠

 CHAPTER 5

DISCUSSION ON SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainable development is defining a sustainability that taken in further and it widely accepted
that to achieve sustainability. There are three major factors that used on sustainable
development which are economic, environmental, and social. These factors must be balance
and equal harmony. To achieve the sustainability in true, user need to balance the factor. The
figure below known as the three pillars of sustainability. According to the United Nations
department of economic and social affairs, there are 17 of sustainable development goals
(SDGs) need to achieve by 2030. These goals covered various of essential sector such as gender
equality, energy access, health and ending poverty. The objectives are the ambitious and enjoy
varying support across governments. Traditionally, the energy production has been in the fossil
fuels and gas sectors. These activities could produce more energy in short period and efficiently,
however it affects the environment leading to global warming and experience a low quality of
life as results. Therefore, SDG focus on the production of affordable and clean energy.

Figure 16: Sustainability elements Venn Diagram

5.1 Impact on Environment

The implementation of solar energy at Pinang Island would bring tremendous advantage
especially on the environmental impact to the surrounding. The converted of solar energy to
electricity energy that could supply to the whole phase 4 without any pollution to the
environment due to the solar energy is natural energy that absorb by PV solar panel is reusable,
storable and unlimited. Compare with non-natural resources, it conventional energy resources
to electrical energy that highly depending on fossil fuel, coal, or natural gas that may affect the
world environmental such as air pollution, global warming, and lastly the energy may finishing
up sooner in future. Therefore, non-renewable energy is not a long-term investment. Besides
that, the reason of the solar energy was fit with the sustainable development for the environment
because it could reduce the carbon footprint that had been appliance in Malaysia.

Aside from that, this project will be focusing on the environmentally friendly which the
solar panel will be installing on the surface of the ocean which near the bleach of Pinang Island
phase 4. Due to this special installation, the surrounding area are safe from any destruction from
human due to the installation process of the solar panel and it maintain the ecosystem to the
surrounding. The float solar system also could provide the space efficiency which the
installation is on the surface of ocean. This installation may wisely use the available space that
fare to use and it don’t require land space. Therefore, this project one of the main reasons of the
successful sustainable development toward the environments.

Next, based on the existing project of solar energy results, it will reduce the necessary
of relying on a conventional coal power plant. In last generation, the coal power plant has the
highest contribution provide energy resources and also air pollution issue in Malaysia.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the CO2 emission in
Malaysia from year 2003 to year 2012 was increased from 35% and 100%. Total emission
output of 98 million tons of CO2 in year 2020. Breathing poor quality of air daily could dire
consequences for health for us and also future generation. Asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia,
headaches, heart attacks, etc. were linked with the air pollution problem. Solar energy is green
and cleanest sources of energy with good efficiency in providing the power and sustainable.
Therefore, to prevent more terrible situation in future, Malaysian must act on it.
 Figure 17: Carbon Dioxide emissions by year

5.2 Impact on Economic

Sustainable development is an approach to economic planning that attempts to foster economic

growth while preserving the quality of environment for future generations. A good sustain and
increment of economic May results s stable economy on the state or country. Solar can give
impact economically and impact a local economy for the better as well.

The integration of the float solar energy into Pinang Island daily usage could be
considering long-term investment of society and the surrounding population. The natural energy
that out of charge from the sun can be obtained. Also, the float solar panel could be a tourist
sport for the Pinang since it installed on the surface of ocean due to the solar was installing at
the island of pinang. Other than that, solar energy also can reduce the utility bills as the benefit
for the citizen. The energy created by the float solar can offset the electricity usage to the Pinang
Island phase 4. By this system, those industry can easily produce free power throughout the
lifespan of solar system.

Next, heavily, and large empty land are the main issue that will face for those who
having a big solar project for the investment. This will cause the problem for the investor as
there is no suitable land mass in the pinang. However, in this project float solar panel are
managed to overcome this issue. As mentioned before, our solar panel was installed on the
surface of ocean, therefore no landed property or existing building are required. It could reduce
a lot of saving for those investment, and those cost can bring into other function.
5.3 Impact on Social

There is another sustainable development that addressed to attain the sustainable outcome, it is
social sustainability. The social sustainability is a opportunity to creating sustainable
successfully by understanding what the citizen required from their place. In this project, the
installation of solar will create numerous jobs opportunities to the country. For instance, the
employee is required to plan the project, design the plant, purchase material from market,
develop and implement the project, equipment and facility operation, and build the solar energy
plant. Other than that, maintenance. Based on these scopes, it will increase the new jobs vacancy
on those states. This also will help decrease the unemployment rate in Pinang. Also, due to the
risk on the jobs, the employer will provide higher paying, and this will eventually decrease the
rate of poverty and improve the quality of life in Penang.

Other than that, reducing of pollution for Pinang by generating green energy is an impact
through the social sustainable development for this project. As a Malaysian citizen, it is our
responsibility to build a clean and green country for our future generation. Solar energy is a
cleaner source of energy that could supply for whole area other than burning of fossil fuels. The
implementation of float solar will help Malaysia achieve our Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs). Next, this project also will improve the current technology of our country by installing
the solar panel on the ocean. This offshore project could exhibit the skill and technology that
obtained by our countries and increase the foreign investment to our country. Thus, installing
of float solar gave many of benefits to social sustainability.
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