Potential of Solar PV System in the Sustainable Empowerment of Rural Communities in Sarawak Malaysia

Malaysia has introduced solar PV electrification to provide electricity to some deprived rural communities that cannot access the national grid. The government plans to explore renewable energy sources to generate electricity, under which Sarawak Energy has undertaken a solar electrification system to satisfy the demand for electricity in the rural communities in the state of Sarawak. These communities were using their generators due to the impracticability of connecting them to the conventional grid. To gather relevant information, a qualitative analysis approach and case study method were adopted to look at the potential social and economic impact of the Solar PV project on the rural people. Apart from the variations in the social and economic impacts of the project, the solar PV system is revealed as an ideal energy alternative for rural communities in Sarawak. The study found that the solar system in the communities brought more quality of life to the people. Moreover, the lights provided enhanced their economic lives as most people are engaged in petty trade, the selling of their produce, and improved the education of children in the remote areas. The level of energy provided makes it possible to extend their buying and selling activities into the night, which boosts their income level. The involvement of the people in solar electrification and the availability of electricity reduced the tendency of the youth to migrate to the urban centres. Potential of Solar PV System in the sustainable empowerment of rural communities in Sarawak, Malaysia. It is novel since the communities that were once using their generators due to the impracticability of connecting them to the conventional grid can now rely on solar PV system.