CdTe grid-connected photovoltaic system at energy commission Malaysia: Performance and sustainability issues

Abstract

Commissioned in November 2009, Malaysia's Energy Commission headquarters utilizes a 71.4kWp rated grid-connected Cadmium-Telluride (CdTe) thin-film photovoltaic system which meets approximately 10% of the building's average electrical power demand. As of June 2011, the photovoltaic panel performance degradation rate is about 3.4% over 1.67 years, i.e. 2% per annum. The system's economic sustainability may be represented by an estimated payback period of 21 years at an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 2–4%. Once a higher feed-in tariff supported by the Renewable Energy Act 2010 takes effect, IRR will increase and payback time will fall. Environmental sustainability is supported by the panel manufacturer's written policy that it will collect and recycle panels free of charge.