The solar turnkey solutions market in Malaysia is growing in tandem with global efforts to decarbonize the energy sector. The government has launched various privatization schemes in the solar industry, including Large Scale Solar and Net Energy Metering, to speed up the energy transition. Additionally, the government has also implemented initiatives, such as offering tax incentives to promote the use of solar energy, while the cost of solar panels and balance of system (BOS) has become more affordable and accessible. Cashing on this growth opportunity, Phum Boon Lim established Milieu Solar in 2021, a turnkey solar solutions provider in Malaysia that offers comprehensive solutions to residential and commercial & industrial customers.
Milieu Solar specializes in designing, building, and maintaining solar systems for its clients and has planned to expand its offerings to include large-scale solar farms. The firm’s strong collaboration between its sales and engineering teams allows it to maintain alignment and drive growth. As a result, the company has secured contracts worth $3.2 million in its first two years, with C&I customers accounting for $2.35 million of the total contracts. Milieu Solar boasts a clientele that includes publicly listed companies, multinational corporations, and the largest hypermarket in the region.
Unique Approach to Client Engagement for Solar Installations
Milieu Solar takes a unique approach to encourage client engagement that varies for residential and commercial & industrial (C&I) solar installations. For residential projects, the company requests the client’s 1-month TnB bill and prepares a preliminary proposal based on Google Maps. After a meeting with the client and a site visit, a detailed design and authority application follows and finally, the installation, testing, and energization of the system.
For C&I projects, the company conducts site visit to obtain accurate roof area dimensions, inverter and PVMSB locations, and request for roof structural drawings from the client for roof structure assessment. A detailed proposal is presented to the client after assessing the roof structure, and then the required documents for authority application are collected, and the installation, testing, and energization of the system are arranged. Milieu Solar offers comprehensive support to its clients throughout the entire process to ensure customer satisfaction. The company’s engagement cycle is aimed at providing high quality solar solutions to its clients while maintaining cost control, bulk sourcing of materials and components, and strong working capital management.
Milieu Solar’s team members hold relevant certifications and have extensive experience in the solar energy industry. The team’s expertise enables Milieu Solar to provide its clients with high-quality, customized solutions that maximize its return on investment. “One example of Milieu Solar’s successful turnkey solution implementation involved a client with weak structural conditions that challenged achieving the savings outlined in the initial proposal. The company’s team devised an optimal strengthening plan that minimized costs while enabling the customer to realize its desired savings. The success of the project has since earned Milieu Solar continued support from the founder and management team, who have appointed the company to install solar systems at their homes as well”, shares Phum Boon Lim, CEO.
Accomplishing the Unaccomplished
Milieu Solar’s customized solutions enable it to cater to its client’s specific needs, offering Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and ground-mounted options if roof space is limited, and an optimized strengthening proposal if the existing structure cannot support the solar system load. “Our comprehensive turnkey solutions cover every aspect of the solar power system implementation process, starting from authority application, material procurement, work installation, testing, commissioning, and continuing through operation and maintenance”, adds Phum Boon Lim.
High upfront costs can be a significant blocker for customers, and to address this, Milieu Solar offersfinancing options such as credit card installment plans, leasing programs, and bank loans. Additionally, Milieu Solar addresses customers’ lack of technical knowledge by providing them with comprehensive technical knowledge, installation methodology, and maintenance services, making them more confident in investing in solar systems.
Milieu Solar’s future roadmap is focused on expanding its offerings to encompass energy efficiency measures, other forms of renewable energy, and ICT related to sustainability. To achieve this vision, Milieu Solar intends to pursue an IPO on the ACE Market and create a more comprehensive and integrated ecosystem for sustainability. Milieu Solar also emphasizes the importance of simple actions that can make a difference in reducing carbon footprint, such as turning off and unplugging devices when not in use, using reusable containers, and being mindful of energy consumption. The company’s ultimate vision is to inspire everyone to live and work sustainably through the path of green.
Milieu Solar offers comprehensive supports to its clients with high-quality, customized solutions that maximize its return on investment
Phum Boon Lim, CEO, Milieu Solar
Boon Lim is a driven and passionate entrepreneur with a strong focus on environmental sustainability. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours in Quantity Surveying from the University of Salford, which he earned in 2013. In 2018, he obtained a Master of Business Administration from SEGi University. His education has equipped him with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage his business. Currently, Boon Lim is the Co-Founder and CEO of Milieu Solar Sdn Bhd, with overall responsibility for the company’s success, including the vision, mission, direction, and strategy.
.jpg "Technology in Cancer Care: A story of evolving paradigms")
.jpg "Bringing Shop Floor to Manufacturer's palm: Smart Factory Solutions for tomorrow")
