On 8 May 2024, a group of six undergraduate students from the BAppSc Material Technology with Honours program, currently enrolled in the BSP3503 (Solar Cell Technology) course for Semester II 23/24, paid an educational visit to Solar Park I. Accompanying them were two postgraduate students, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saifful Kamaluddin Muzakir.

Upon arrival, the group was warmly greeted by Mr. Musaab Ab Kadir, an experienced engineer at Solar Park I. Mr. Musaab provided a concise yet comprehensive introduction to the company's background, setting the stage for the informative day ahead.

UiTM Energy & Facilities Sdn Bhd (UEFSB) operates under UiTM Holdings Group, which is entirely owned by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). The company oversees eight subsidiaries, including those in the Energy, Facilities Management, Hospitality, Healthcare, Information & Technology, and Creative Industry sectors. The Group's annual revenue exceeds RM 60 million, with a paid-up capital of RM 40 million. UiTM Holdings Group aims to boost its revenue to RM 1 billion through growth in the Energy sector. UEFSB leads the Energy division within the company and oversees three subsidiaries dedicated to investing in, developing, and managing renewable energy projects. One of these subsidiaries, UiTM Solar Park I, located in Gambang, Pahang.

The visit began with a tour of the solar photovoltaic site, where the students had the opportunity to observe the practical mechanisms of photovoltaic technology. They learned about the various aspects of maintenance, the risks involved, troubleshooting methods, and the daily calculations for electric energy output. This hands-on experience was invaluable, allowing the students to connect theoretical knowledge acquired in lectures and laboratory sessions with real-world applications on a large scale.

This visit was not only an educational experience but also a critical component of their course assignment. The students are required to integrate their theoretical studies with practical observations, enhancing their comprehension and appreciation of solar cell technology.

Facts about Solar Park I, Gambang:

1. Capacity: 61 MWp (Mega Watt Peak)

2. Number of panels: 180,000

3. Power Purchase Agreement tenure: 21 years

4. Revenue over 21 years: RM 650 million

5. Annual power generation (average): 80,000 MWh of clean energy

6. Number of beneficiaries: 22,000 homes

7. CO₂ avoidance (average annually): 56,000 tons

8. Project cost: RM 278 million

9. Date of Commissioned: April 2019

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Musaab Ab Kadir and the team at Solar Park I for their warm welcome and the invaluable knowledge shared during this visit.

Prepared by Saifful Kamaluddin Muzakir