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NOVA & NEM GoMEn – NEM 3.0 gives businesses and government bodies a reason to invest in solar energy

In an effort to boost the usage of solar energy, Malaysia’s Energy and Natural Resources Ministry has introduced the new Net Energy Metering 3.0 program (NEM 3.0) to provide more opportunities for electricity consumers to install solar PV systems on the roofs of their premises to save on their electricity bill. The NEM 3.0 will be in effect from 2021 to 2023 and the total quota allocation is up to 500 MW.

Concept for Net Offset Virtual Aggregation (NOVA) Program

Quota: 300MW
Tariff Category: Commercial, Industrial, Mining and Agriculture
Implementation Period: 1st April 2021 – 31st December 2023

Targeting businesses, the NOVA programme works by allowing the energy produced from the solar PV installation on business premises to be consumed and designed primarily for self-consumption.

As for excess energy, NOVA provides for this through two categories:

Category A

Any excess energy produced in a month which is not consumed by the NOVA consumer may be exported via the supply system to the distribution licensee. The value of the exported energy shall be credited to the account of the NOVA consumer to be used to offset the bill payment for the next billing period.

* The unit price (RM/kWh) of the energy exported in the billing period to the supply system shall be based on the average System Marginal Price (SMP).

Category B

Any excess energy produced in a month which is not consumed by the NOVA consumer may be exported via the supply system to up to 3 designated premises. The value of the exported energy shall be credited to the account of such designated premise to be used to offset the bill payment for the next billing period.

* The unit price (RM/kWh) of the energy exported in the billing period to the supply system shall be based on the average System Marginal Price (SMP).

FAQs

What is the eligibility criteria and capacity limits for each category?

Category A
Eligibility Criteria:
• Registered consumers of TNB in Peninsular Malaysia
• Non-domestic consumers of TNB

Capacity Limits:
NOVA consumer under Category A shall not install more than 1,000kW for net offset and subject to the following conditions:
1. The maximum capacity of the inverter output of the solar PV installation shall not be more than 75% of maximum demand of the NOVA consumer under the NOVA contract.
2. The maximum demand of the NOVA consumer is based on:
• the average of the recorded maximum demand of the past twelve (12) months; or
• the declared maximum demand for NOVA consumers with less than twelve (12) months record
3. For low voltage consumers, the maximum capacity limit is 60% of fuse rating (for direct meter) or 60% of current transformer (CT) rating.

Category B
Eligibility Criteria:
• Registered consumers of TNB in Peninsular Malaysia
• Non-domestic consumers of TNB
• For the purpose of Category B, a designated premise of the NOVA consumer includes premise used or operated by its wholly owned subsidiary company

Capacity Limits:
NOVA consumer under Category B shall not install more than 5,000kW for net offset and virtual aggregation and subject to the following conditions:
1. The maximum capacity of the inverter output of the solar PV installation shall not be more than 100% of maximum demand of the NOVA consumer under the NOVA contract.
2. The maximum demand of the NOVA consumer is based on:
• the average of the recorded maximum demand of the past twelve (12) months; or
• the declared maximum demand for NOVA consumers with less than twelve (12) months record
3. For low voltage consumers, the maximum capacity limit is 60% of fuse rating (for direct meter) or 60% of current transformer (CT) rating

What are the benefits of the NOVA program?

The energy generated by NOVA consumers will be consumed first which implies that less energy will be imported from the utility. Under NOVA, any excess energy generated will be exported to the utility grid and will be credited based on the average SMP.

The priority is for self-consumption, however some premises which are not operating during the weekends or public holiday may have excess energy exported to the grid. The credit amount in the month can be used to offset bill payment for the next billing period.

NOVA allows any excess energy produced in a month which is not consumed by the NOVA consumer to be exported to up to three (3) designated premises via the supply system. It will enhance cost efficiency and maximise the use of energy produced by the solar PV installation.

What is the type of installation eligible under NEM NOVA?

The solar PV installation shall be of PV panels mounted on the rooftop of the buildings within the same premise.

Is there any tenure in the NEM contract between the distribution licensee and the NEM approval holder?

The NOVA consumer shall enter into a NOVA contract with the distribution licensee before the commencement date. The offset part of electricity bills will be for a period of ten (10) years upon commencement of the NOVA contract. Within the period, the NOVA consumer is allowed to roll-over any excess energy generated every month. After the ten (10) years period, the solar PV installation shall be strictly for self-consumption in the premise where the solar PV installation was installed. The NOVA contract is deemed to commence upon the installation of the meter by the distribution licensee.

Concept for NEM GoMEn (Government Ministries and Entities)

Quota: 100MW
Tariff Category: Commercial
Implementation Period: 1st February 2021 – 31st December 2023

The concept of NEM GoMEn is that the energy produced from the solar PV installation on government premises will be consumed first, and any excess will be exported to the TNB grid. The credit to be received for such excess energy will be used to offset part of the electricity bill on a “one-on-one” offset basis for a period of ten (10) years of operation.

FAQs

What is the eligibility criteria for NEM GoMEn?

• Registered consumers or applying to be a consumer of TNB in Peninsular Malaysia
• Government Agency(ies) who have not participated in any of the prior solar programmes;

*Goverment Agency means a ministry, department or statutory body established by the government at all levels of administration whether at the federal, state or district levels including local authorities

What is the maximum capacity limit per application?

The maximum capacity of the PV installation shall not exceed 1,000 kW and subject to the following conditions:

a) for medium voltage consumers, not exceeding 75% of maximum demand based on:
• the average of the recorded maximum demand of the past 1 year; or
• the declared maximum demand for consumers with less than 1 year’s record; and

b) for low voltage consumers, not exceeding 60% of fuse rating (for direct meter) or 60% of the current transformer (CT) rating of the metering current transformers.

What are the benefits of NEM GoMEn?

The energy generated by NEM consumers will be consumed first which implies that less energy will be imported from the utility. In many countries, the NEM scheme is effective to hedge against fluctuation or increase in electricity tariff in the future. This is especially relevant for consumers that fall under the high electricity tariff block.

Under this program, any excess energy generated will be exported to the utility grid and will be paid on a “one-on-one” offset basis. The priority is for self-consumption, however some premises which are not operating during the weekends or public holiday may have excess energy exported to the grid. The credit shall be allowed to roll over for a maximum of 12 months.

So, how do you get started on installing a solar PV system (and benefit from NEM 3.0)?
GreenBay offers 2 affordable pre-designed solar PV packages which can help businesses and government bodies take advantage of NEM NOVA and NEM GoMEn under the new NEM 3.0 program.

If you need something specifically tailored to you,
our consultants are ready to assist.
Contact us to find out more!

Tel: +603-5885 3734 (Selangor)
Tel: +604-398 8168 (Penang)

NEM 3.0 & NEM Rakyat: What’s in it for domestic consumers?

The Malaysian Government has introduced the Net Energy Metering (NEM) 3.0 program to provide opportunity for more users to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on the roofs of their respective buildings for electricity bill reduction.

Concept for NEM Rakyat
Under the NEM Rakyat Program, Domestic Consumer(s) who has a solar PV installation on the roof-top of their premises will consume the energy produced first, and any excess will be exported to the TNB grid. The credit to be received for such excess energy will be used to offset part of the electricity bill on a “one-on-one” offset basis for a period of ten (10) years of operation.

Quota: 100MW
Tariff Category: Domestic
Implementation Period: 1st February 2021 – 31st December 2023
Capacity Limits: Single Phase (4 kWac) and Three Phase (10 kWac)

FAQs

What are the benefits of NEM Rakyat?

The energy generated by NEM consumers will be consumed first which implies that less energy will be imported from the Distribution Licensee (DL). In many countries, the NEM scheme is effective to hedge against fluctuation or increase in electricity tariff in the future. This is especially relevant for consumers that fall under the high electricity tariff block.

Under this program, any excess energy generated will be exported to the utility grid and will be paid on a “one-on-one” offset basis. The priority is for self-consumption. As most domestic consumers may not be at home during the weekdays and may have excess energy exported to the grid, the credit shall be allowed to roll over for a maximum of 12 months.

Who can apply for NEM Rakyat?

• Registered consumers of TNB in Peninsular Malaysia or a person applying to be a consumer of TNB
• Domestic Consumer(s) who have not participated in any of the prior solar programs
• Domestic Consumer means a consumer occupying a private dwelling premise which is not used as a hotel, boarding house or used for the purpose of carrying out any form of business, trade, professional activities or services

What is the type of installation eligible under NEM Rakyat?

The solar PV Installation shall be of PV panels mounted on the rooftop of the building within the same premise.

What are the types of meter required for NEM Rakyat?

Two types of meter are required as below:
• TNB’s bi-directional meter (with import-export feature) to record the amount of electricity consumed, produced or exported;
• PV meter to record the total amount of electricity generated by the PV system.

After obtaining the NEM approval, when shall I start installing the PV system?

The Applicant should commence to install the solar PV installation within three (3) months from the date of the NEM approval, failing which, the approval shall be cancelled. Any processing fee paid shall not be refunded.

So, how can you get started on installing a solar PV system in your house?
GreenBay offers 2 affordable pre-designed solar PV packages which can help you as a domestic consumer, take advantage of NEM Rakyat under the new NEM 3.0 program.

If you need something specifically tailored to you,
our consultants are ready to assist.
Contact us to find out more!

Tel: +603-5885 3734 (Selangor)
Tel: +604-398 8168 (Penang)

We will be sharing more information on how businesses and government institutions can take advantage of the benefits of NEM 3.0. Stay tuned!

With NEM 3.0, the best time to install solar PV systems is NOW.

Let’s go straight to the point. The reason there is no better time to install solar PV systems in your facilities or your homes, is the introduction of the NEM 3.0 program.

The Energy and Natural Resources Ministry (KeTSA) is introducing the Net Energy Metering (NEM) 3.0 program to provide an opportunity for more users to install the solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on the roofs of their respective buildings for electricity bill reduction. The NEM 3.0 will be in effect from 2021 to 2023 and the total quota allocation is up to 500 MW.

The NEM 3.0 program involves three initiatives

1. Program NEM Rakyat
Program NEM Rakyat will maintain the concept of “one-to-one” offset rate with a quota of 100 MW or until all quotas are exhausted and about 10,000 to 25,000 Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) domestic account holders or between 40,000 and 100,000 households in the peninsula will enjoy electricity bill reduction.

Quota offered:
100MW

Implementation period:
1st February 2021 – 31st December 2023

2. Program NEM GoMEn (Government Ministries and Entities)
Program NEM GoMEn aims to reduce electricity bills in government buildings with a quota of 100 MW and about 100 government agencies in the peninsula will enjoy a reduction amounting to RM6 million per month.

Quota offered:
100MW

Implementation period:
1st February 2021 – 31st December 2023

3. Program NOVA (Net Offset Virtual Aggregation)
Program NOVA would help entrepreneurs, local companies and houses of worship to reduce electricity bills and the cost of doing business.

Quota offered:
300MW

Implementation period:
1st April 2021 – 31st December 2023

To learn on how you can take part in this NEM scheme, here are the options of solar PV purchasing modes that you can choose from:

We will be sharing more information on each program under NEM 3.0 so that you can take advantage of it’s benefits. Stay tuned!

4 tips on choosing the right smoke detection and water leak detection systems

Critical infrastructure and equipment typically requires both 24/7 availability and absolutely no damage. Two very important systems which are often overlooked are smoke detection and water leak detection systems. Here, we share some general tips on how to choose the most suitable systems for your infrastructure.

1. The systems provide the earliest possible warning of potential threats.

The best smoke detection and water leak detection systems consist of sensors, probes and monitoring systems, to detect and provide alerts of a potential danger.

2. The systems help you gain better control over potential risks.

By leveraging on these alerts, these systems should be able to pinpoint the leaks, give you enough time to investigate and identify the risks, thereby allowing you to to take swift action.

3. The systems have been proven to be durable and long-lasting.

As a service and solutions provider, we at GreenBay, would recommend systems from reputable brands which have provided reliable and dependable protection for many businesses for many years. As a constant partner to our clients, we are better able to serve and guide them through the process and the maintenance that comes after that.

4. The systems are scalable and allow for future expansion.

The systems can be configured to suit simple or complex applications and allow for future expansion. They should ideally be easy to integrate into building information management systems so that there is central visibility.

Fires and water leaks pose real threats to mission critical facilities where downtime can be a catastrophe.

Therefore, it is imperative that the right systems and service providers are chosen so that you can make better-informed actions to safeguard valuable assets and protect business continuity.

Get a free consult!

When is it time to upgrade your UPS

The demand for reliable, efficient power protection is greater than ever. Power outages continue to be one of the biggest challenges for many facility managers. According to a recent Uptime Institute survey, power failures account for 36% of the biggest global public service outages. More importantly, 80% of the survey respondents say their service outage was preventable.

Not surprisingly, an essential component of any data center is their Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). A data center UPS is a long-term investment and transitioning to a new UPS system could mean potential downtime and operational overheads. However, as operational needs for power load increases, upgrading a UPS system is an eventuality. The question now is how do you know when it is time to upgrade.

Technology which is outdated.
Just like any technology that has been around for long, the technology for data center UPS systems have been continuously evolving and enhanced over time. With each cycle of advancement, UPS systems are improved in almost all aspects which unfortunately brings current assets closer to obsolete technology.

The reality is that all electro-mechanical systems have parts that wear and eventually wear down. A new UPS system lessens maintenance costs with its new warranty and a renewed life cycle. When weighing against the costs of such wear and tear, owners of older UPS systems are realizing the benefits of evaluating and upgrading to keep their critical loads economically and reliably protected.

UPS unable to handle power needs.
One of the main reasons that many data centers decide to upgrade their UPS system is that it will give them increased power capacity when they need it the most. Data centers are increasing their infrastructure and rack density to accommodate growing server demands and accommodate various other needs.

Therefore, the UPS system must be able to provide sufficient power when it kicks in during a power interruption. In choosing to upgrade your UPS, besides having a perfect understanding of your current power needs, you need to also predict your future needs and provide for scalability and expansion.

Inefficient and power-consuming.
Another reason many data centers opt to upgrade their UPS system is to improve energy efficiency. Today’s UPS systems are far more intelligent and have more sophisticated monitoring capabilities that can be better integrated with your data center infrastructure management.

With better monitoring, data center managers can make more accurate and timely decisions about power in their data center, dramatically improving energy efficiency which in turn, leads to significant savings over time.

Making the transition to a new UPS can maximize performance and dramatically improve efficiency, not to mention decrease the risk of downtime and operational costs. The investment will more than pay for itself over time.

Talk to our consultants

so that we can assist you in gauging your current power needs and anticipating your future needs.

The Case for Prefabricated Data Centers

If anything that the current Covid-19 pandemic has taught us, the worldwide demand for new data centers will continue to accelerate. As there is an increasing need to design, build, deploy, and operate more complex mission-critical infrastructure, the data center industry is challenged by the lack of talents who are skilled, experienced and properly trained.

Coupled with other issues such as the inability to forecast demand and location, the result is a decline in data center initial quality with increased costs in building works and overall management uncertainty.

Fortunately, the data center industry has been following the lead of the telecom, datacom, and oil and gas industries and building upon their learnings in optimizing building designs for modular and prefabricated construction techniques.

Applying those techniques, along with many industry innovations, these are being deployed at affordable costs and quick delivery without any compromises on quality.

What is a Prefabricated Data Center?

It is a data center that is pre-engineered and has its systems (hardware and software) preassembled, integrated, and tested in a factory environment to shorten deployment timeframe and improve predictability of performance.

What are the benefits?

• Deployment of a data center solution is very fast! You can be up and running in weeks instead of months or years.

• Match business demand by enabling quick scaling of IT technologies, creating a back-up/disaster recovery site, locating your data center closer to end users, reducing real estate and OPEX.

• Integrated subsystems and modular designs can deliver efficiency gains in power and cooling, reducing operating costs.

• Modular designs can enable you to adjust your data center infrastructure as IT needs change.

How do you know it is suitable for you?

• A prefabricated module may be needed only for a specific resource (just power, just cooling, or just IT space) because of stranded capacity in an existing facility

• A greater IT capacity is needed than what an all-in-one module can support, and a single IT space is required (physical space constraint of modules)

• There is a requirement to separate personnel (IT, mechanical, electrical) from a maintenance and operations perspective to reduce human error risks

• An optimized footprint is needed, and function-specific modules can utilize larger capacity components and share clearances to provide a greater kW per square foot or square meter

4 steps in implementing cost-effective green data centers

Driven by the trend towards reducing carbon footprint and managing ever-rising energy costs, green data centers are now much cheaper to construct and implement.

Here’s how we help our clients build a new generation of green data centers which can boost their operating revenues and benefit the planet.

Step 1. Effective construction goals
Together with our client, we determine the construction scale, standards, site selection and phased planning. Important indicators such as usability, power density, and power usage effectiveness (PUE) need to be specified too. Guidelines from Green Building Index (GBI) Malaysia are incorporated.

Step 2. Suitable cooling schemes
Our aim is to bring the heat exchange media as close as possible to the IT equipment, thus improving heat transfer efficiency. We use cooling systems which fully utilize air, surface water, groundwater and other free sources of cooling. In areas with good air quality and humidity, cool air itself can be used directly as a free cooling source.

Step 3. Improve electrical efficiency via clean energy
We minimize the use of power consumption with suitable and reliable products and system architectures. Where possible, we would implement the use of clean and renewable energy such as solar, wind or hydroelectric.

Step 4: Optimize operations and management
We implement an effective routine maintenance help ensure that equipment continues to operate at its best. Data centers must constantly monitor and adjust their policies and parameters based on actual operations. Therefore once a data center is built, our specialists are sent to study, record and adjust operational data to achieve optimal energy consumption within 2 to 3 years.

The growth of cloud computing has set off a new wave of data center construction across the globe, which has resulted in an increase in electricity consumption and carbon emissions. As such, the construction of green energy-efficient data centers is not just a choice that enterprises themselves must make. It is a major social responsibility that enterprises and the industry as a whole must assume. At GreenBay, we help to make the implementation smoother with reliable systems, products and service, while keeping costs down.

Critical Facility Operations vs Traditional Facility Management

Learn three major differences and find out what suits you best.

Think of traditional facility maintenance, such as for an office building, as your local doctor in a nearby clinic. Critical facility operations, on the other hand, is like a trauma surgeon in a hospital ER.

1. Critical facilities operations focuses more than just the basics.
Traditional facilities management focuses on the basics – making sure the lights, heating and cooling are working. Critical facilities operations rigorously adheres to industry best practices. In a critical facility, if various elements aren’t tuned precisely it could mean equipment failure and potential customer downtime, which is unacceptable.

2. Critical facilities operations document EVERYTHING.
For traditional facilities management, documentation and reporting likely comes down to a manual that may be years old, with a list of services performed in the past.In a data center, teams document every little tweak, including who made it and why. This means necessary changes can be done in real time and on the fly to prevent downtime. In addition, critical data center operations teams conduct emergency preparedness drills and have in place detailed emergency response plans to ensure all personnel are aware and competent.

3. When downtime is an inconvenience or a catastrophe.
In terms of financial risk, if the power goes out in an office building, it’s an inconvenience, but not the end of the world.But if power goes out in a data center, downtime can cost enormous sums of money – an average of USD8,850 per minute according to a Ponemon Institute study.

Be vigilant and choose wisely.

Critical facility operations such as those applied to data centers takes a completely different mindset and approach as compared to managing a traditional facility. Know what you need and what suits your organisation best.