What Is the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE)?
LCOE is a standard way to evaluate the average cost of electricity produced by a solar PV (photovoltaic) system over its lifetime. It takes into account:
- Upfront system cost
- Operation & maintenance (O&M) costs
- Energy output over 20–25 years
- Inflation and interest rates
In simple terms, LCOE tells you how much you really pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from your solar system.
Key Findings from Malaysia-Based Research:
A study conducted by Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka analyzed a 4 kWp residential solar PV system and found the following:
- Initial solar LCOE (2014): RM 0.9170/kWh
- Conventional electricity tariff (TNB): RM 0.3853/kWh (2014)
- Forecasted electricity price growth: 7% per year
- Solar cost trend: Declining by ~1% per year (if optimized)
When Will Solar Become Cheaper than Grid Electricity?
This point is known as grid parity. Based on the study's projections:
- Grid parity expected by: 2029 (under normal assumptions)
- Could be achieved as early as: 2026 (if solar technology cost continues to drop)
Once this happens, your solar energy cost will be equal to or cheaper than electricity from TNB, meaning:
Lower electricity bills
Long-term savings
Independence from rising utility costs
What Does This Mean for You?
- Installing solar now lets you lock in your energy costs at today’s rates, avoiding rising tariffs.
- Early adopters benefit more—you may break even before grid parity hits.
- With Malaysia’s Feed-in Tariff (FiT) schemes and financial incentives, solar is now more affordable than ever.
Our Promise
At Solar Sunyield, we design and install solar systems that optimize long-term cost savings. We help you:
- Estimate your personal LCOE
- Compare with your current utility bills
- Plan for breakeven and long-term ROI
Let us help you make solar energy work for your home—and your wallet.
For further information, please refer to our Bespoke Solar Solution