Malls are commercial buildings that consume up to 40 MWh of electricity per day. The bulk of this consumption stems from machinery operations, lighting, and the use of central air conditioning systems running for nearly 24 hours a day.
Such high electricity consumption significantly impacts operational costs; for instance, electricity expenses for malls in Jakarta can reach IDR 4–5 billion per month. These costs can rise further due to factors influencing electricity pricing.
To ensure the mall's long-term viability, energy efficiency must be considered. Switching to renewable energy sources offers a solution to optimize operations without compromising other financial areas. One such solution is the installation of a rooftop solar power system (PLTS) by Batari Energy.
Benefits of Solar Power Systems (PLTS) for Malls
Installing solar panels on a mall's roof is ideal due to the flat roof structure, which provides ample space to efficiently capture sunlight. Rooftop placement also facilitates system monitoring and maintenance for mall management.
Beyond ease of monitoring and maintenance, malls gain numerous other benefits by installing solar power systems.
1. Reducing carbon footprint
The primary benefit of switching from fossil fuels to solar energy is a reduction in carbon footprint. Installing a solar power system is an effective way to lower the carbon emissions generated by the mall.
2. Effective use of space
Solar panels can be installed on rooftops or over expansive parking areas, meaning the system does not consume valuable usable space.
Rooftop installations can help lower the building's internal temperature. A cooler indoor environment improves energy efficiency by reducing the workload on the central air conditioning system.
Installing solar panels as parking canopies also protects parked vehicles and enhances comfort for visitors.
3. Building the mall's brand and public image
Investing in solar panels helps shape the mall's image and reputation in the eyes of consumers. Transitioning to renewable energy demonstrates a strong commitment to the environment, giving your business a competitive edge over other malls.
For instance, AEON Mall Jakarta Garden City has utilized a rooftop solar power system (PLTS) with a capacity of 507 kWp since 2017. This made it the first mall in Indonesia to adopt a renewable energy source.
4. Lower electricity costs
A major challenge for malls is the high cost of electricity required to operate central air conditioning, internal transport systems (elevators/escalators), lighting, and other electronic equipment. These substantial expenses place a heavy financial burden on mall management.
Solar power systems harness energy from the sun to generate electricity for mall operations. Utilizing renewable energy reduces reliance on conventional power sources, offering the flexibility to build energy independence.
From a business perspective, installing a solar power system can lower monthly electricity bills. The resulting savings can be reallocated to more productive activities.
5. Faster Return on Investment (ROI)
A key business consideration is the timeframe for recovering the investment in a solar power system.
This is particularly important given that malls consume far more electricity than households, making it essential for management to have certainty regarding the Return on Investment (ROI).
How do solar power systems save electricity for malls?
Solar power systems can significantly reduce a mall's electricity consumption by generating solar energy, particularly during peak daytime loads. Electricity consumption in malls typically peaks during the day due to the use of air conditioning and lighting. Solar systems use sunlight to supply electricity directly, thereby reducing reliance on grid power (PLN).
Furthermore, any excess electricity generated after mall operating hours have ended can be managed using a "zero export device," ensuring that the power produced by the solar panels is consumed exclusively for the mall's own needs.
By utilizing solar energy, mall management can reduce electricity costs by 30–40%. These savings can lower operational costs for up to 25 years, making it a valuable long-term energy investment.
Malls in Indonesia using solar power systems
Several malls in Indonesia have adopted solar power systems to improve energy efficiency and generate eco-friendly energy. Below is a list of malls in Indonesia that utilize solar power systems. ### 1. AEON Mall Jakarta Garden City AEON Mall Jakarta Garden City has been operating a rooftop solar power system since 2017. This made it one of the first malls in Indonesia to utilize solar energy, featuring a 507 kWp capacity system comprising over 6,000 solar panels.
The mall's solar power installation is capable of significantly supporting its electricity needs, resulting in a reduction of electricity consumption by up to 10%.
2. Lindeteves Trade Center Glodok
Lindeteves Trade Center (LTC) Glodok has had a rooftop solar power system installed since September 2021. This initiative supports the "green office" concept.
LTC Glodok’s management stated that the installation of the solar power system (PLTS) reduces carbon emissions by 474,949 kilograms—an amount equivalent to burning 132,595 liters of gasoline or planting 5,949 trees. By installing 880 solar panels, operational electricity consumption has been reduced by 508,511 kWh annually.
3. Plaza Indonesia
Plaza Indonesia has been utilizing solar panels since 2019. Its solar power system has a capacity of 500 kWp, generating 750,000 kWh of electricity per year, an amount sufficient to meet the energy needs of 220 households.
Install a solar power system for your mall with Batari Energy!
Batari Energy estimates the return on investment (ROI) for solar power projects to range from 5 to 8 years. This timeframe may vary depending on the system capacity, location, and chosen payment scheme.
Batari Energy offers integrated solar energy solutions, recommending on-grid solar power systems to enhance energy efficiency for malls in Indonesia. In addition to supplying components and handling installation, Batari Energy provides consultation services to design custom solar systems for malls, offering installment plans of up to 12 months and performance monitoring via a dedicated app.
Contact us to discuss on-grid solar power systems for mall energy efficiency via this link.