Potential of Solar Farm Development at UTM Campus for Generating Green Energy

Energy is an important element in human life. Previous study discovered that buildings consumed more than 40% of global energy mainly electricity and emit 1/3 of global greenhouse gas through combustion of fossil fuels for generating electricity. Nowadays, global warming come to be a major issue facing the world and it leads to a better awareness about renewable energies as alternatives in generating electricity. In certain countries, solar farm has been adopted as an alternative in producing electricity. UTM spent millions of money every year for electricity bills and UTM could consider solar farm as an energy option in generating green electricity due to suitable climate and huge land bank. Governments incentives and decreasing PV panel price are opportunities to be appreciated for UTM to implement solar farm. However, high initial investment is needed to construct the solar farm. Additionally, decision will be based on financial benefits of the solar farm development. The aim of this study is to identify potential of solar farm implementation in generating green electricity. Data will be acquired via literature review, questionnaire survey, record review, and expert interview. Calculations on payback period and net present value were made based on interview data to identify potential of investment for solar farm. The study outlines the suitability factors for UTM to implement solar farm, at the same time financial benefits of solar farm implementation is portrayed.

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