19/02/2026

Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: sunbiz@thesundaily.com Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 E: advertise@thesundaily.com

SCAN ME

THURSDAY | FEB 19, 2026

Northern Solar harnesses BESS amid regulatory, demand shifts

Ű BY JOHN GILBERT sunbiz@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: The domestic solar market in Malaysia is evolving beyond standalone rooftop installations towards integrated solar-plus-storage systems, as grid constraints and regulatory shifts reshape demand. Riding this transition, Northern Solar Holdings Bhd is positioning itself at the forefront by building ex pertise in solar battery energy storage system (BESS) solutions, which it views as a critical differentiator as mandatory BESS requirements come into force this year. “At the same time, we are ex panding into utility-scale and larger projects. “Rather than pivoting away from our core strengths, we continue to prioritise commercial and industrial (C&I) and residential projects, while using partnerships for larger utility projects where scale and risk-sharing matter. “This allows us to participate in higher-value segments without dilu ting margins or overstretching re sources,” Northern Solar group managing director Lew Shoong Kai ( pic ) told SunBiz . He explained the new guidelines under the Solar Energy Self-Con

commitment to renewable energy under the National Energy Transition Roadmap remains intact. “Northern Solar mitigates these risks through diversification across segments. Our core C&I and resi dential projects have shorter execution cycles and greater pricing flexibility than utility-scale projects. We also adopt a selective approach to LSS participation and avoid over reliance on any single scheme, which helps preserve margins and execution certainty even if policy timelines shift,” Lew said. On the steps Northern Solar is taking post-listing to scale for the RM15–18 billion solar supercycle through 2029 while maintaining healthy gross margins, Lee said the focus has been on strengthening the fundamentals needed to scale responsibly. This includes maintaining a clean balance sheet, disciplined capital allocation and investing in execution capabilities rather than chasing headline capacity. “We have expanded our workforce selectively, strengthened procurement planning, and built partnerships to support larger projects without over stretching internal resources. “Equally important is margin discipline. We prioritise C&I and residential projects where pricing flexibility is stronger, and we approach utility-scale opportunities selectively, often via joint ventures to manage risk. “Combined with early preparation in solar-plus-storage solutions, this allows Northern Solar to participate in the solar supercycle while pro tecting gross margins and long-term returns,” Lew said.

last year. The contract is for the development of a 5MW ground mounted SelCo system integrated with a 10MWh BESS in Pahang. The project is expected to generate 6.68 million kWh of clean electricity annually, enabling FDIGS Makmur to achieve estimated savings of RM3.93 million per year while reducing reliance on conventional grid power. “As enhanced SelCo guidelines allow installations up to 100% of demand, we expect more projects of a similar scale to emerge in 2026,” Lew said. From an order book perspective, he added, these projects are typically larger-ticket than traditional rooftop installations and often require storage integration, which increases overall contract value. Lew said this not only supports order book growth but also improves project quality, as customers tend to commit with clearer economics and longer-term energy planning. Asked about policy risks, such as delays in LSS (large-scale solar) project rollouts or changes to tax incentives and enhanced energy efficiency (EEI) benefits, which could impact Northern Solar’s project pipeline and margins, Lew said that, similar to any policy driven sector, timing and regulatory clarity are key risks. Delays in LSS rollouts or adjust ments to programme parameters could shift project award timelines, while changes to tax incentives, such as the Green Investment Tax Allowance, Green Income Tax Exemption or EEI may affect customer economics and decision-making. “That said, Malaysia’s overall

o Company builds expertise in solar battery energy storage system solutions, expands into utility-scale and larger projects

segments. the executive lounge, lobby event space, Drip Cafe and RYE Bar, which are positioned as flexible, multifunctional environments. “From meetings and focused solo work to social engagement, these spaces cater to guests across all age groups,” Gomez said, adding that the redesign also enhances asset utili sation and reinforces competi tiveness in an increasingly crowded hospitality landscape. Beyond physical upgrades, well ness has become a key pillar of the hotel’s offering. Gomez said wellness today is less about luxury add-ons and more about ease and balance. “We focus on spacious rooms, calm environments, fitness and outdoor facilities, as well as thoughtful dining. Just as importantly, our service is designed to reduce friction and support the wellbeing of frequent travellers.” On the corporate front, Gomez observed that weekday business These include on system reliability, storage inte gration and lifecycle performance. “This raises the technical bar and favours engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) players with integrated design and execution capability,” he said. Lew noted that the enhanced SelCo frameworks – allowing ground-mounted systems and installations up to 100% of demand – expand the addressable market, particularly for farms, factories and energy-intensive users. “Northern Solar has already delivered solar-plus-storage projects, which positions us well to capture this next wave of demand as cus tomers move from basic rooftop solutions to more sophisticated energy systems,” he said. Further, Lew said, ground mounted SelCo projects integrated with BESS represent a new and expanding sub-segment within the self-consumption market. He said projects such as the RM20.5 million contract with FDIGS Makmur Sdn Bhd demonstrate that customers with land availability and high, stable energy demand are increasingly looking beyond rooftops to optimise their energy costs and resilience.

sumption (SelCo) Programme that took effect this month, which require BESS for grid-connected solar instal lations above 72kWp to improve grid stability. Elaborating on how the BESS mandate and the enhanced SelCo frameworks drive demand, Lew said the mandatory requirement for BESS for non-domestic solar installations above 1MWac from Jan 1 2026 materially changes the market. “Projects will no longer be eva luated on solar generation alone, but

To note, Northern Solar secured an EPCC contract with FDIGS Makmur, a Pahang-based sustainable aquaculture company, in September Hilton PJ bets on purpose-driven travel to power next growth phase

We’ve focused on re vitalising an existing property rather than over building, preserving its heritage while up grading it to modern standards,” Gomez said. The hotel is em phasising local sourcing, local talent and cultural relevance, which he

demand remains resilient, but expectations are evolving. “Today’s cor porate travellers seek flexibility, quality and meaningful experiences. By truly listening to and understanding our au dience, we are better positioned to deliver con sistently at every touch point,” he said. Within the MICE

blurring the lines between work and leisure. In response, the hotel has aligned its refreshed spaces, service model and dining concepts to support a seamless blend of work, rest and social engagement. Central to this repositioning is the hotel’s “gateway to discovery” proposition, which Gomez described as both a location advantage and a service philosophy. Strategically located in Petaling Jaya, the hotel serves as a hub for business and leisure travellers seeking access to Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley. In practice, he said, this translates into intuitive service and personalised experiences that en courage guests to engage more deeply with the destination. “It provides opportunities for a more immersive experience, driving longer stays and building stronger loyalty,” he added. Following a recent refresh, Hilton PJ has introduced reimagined spaces designed to cater to multiple guest

PETALING JAYA: As travel behaviour shifts towards more intentional and experience-driven stays, Hilton Petaling Jaya (Hilton PJ) is reposi tioning itself to capture the rise of “whycation” travel while streng thening its foothold in the corporate and MICE segments. General manager Andre Gomez ( pic ) said guests are no longer travelling purely for transit or obligation, but with clearer intent , whether for productivity, personal balance or enrichment. “We’re seeing guests travel with clearer intent whether for productivity, balance or enrichment. At Hilton Petaling Jaya, our focus is on helping guests strike that balance by designing experiences that support purpose, not just accommodation,” he said in an exclusive interview with SunBiz . Gomez noted that many business travellers are extending their stays, Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM sunbiz@thesundaily.com

believes strengthens long term business resilience while supporting the surrounding community. Looking at 2026, Gomez said, the hotel is prioritising evolving guest experiences rather than chasing short-term trends. This includes curated culinary journeys and chef led dining experiences aimed at keeping offerings dynamic, relevant and authentic. As Malaysia’s business and leisure travel market becomes increasingly vibrant and competitive, Gomez believes clarity of positioning will be key.

segment, he pointed to a shift towards more focused, high-impact gatherings that prioritise engagement and tangible outcomes over scale alone, a trend that aligns with the hotel’s adaptable event spaces. Sustainability is another area gaining traction among travellers and corporate clients alike. Rather than pursuing aggressive expansion, Hilton PJ has focused on revitalising its existing property. “Our sustainability approach is anchored in responsible growth.