KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 19): Sime Darby Property Bhd (KL:SIMEPROP) is integrating the solar-powered landed homes at its Elmina Ridge development in City of Elmina, Shah Alam, with the battery energy storage system (BESS).

According to a statement issued on Tuesday, the developer said it is the first in Malaysia to incorporate BESS.

Through self-consumption via BESS, residents can enjoy significant energy savings and increased independence from the grid, with savings varying based on installed capacity and household consumption, it added.

“We envision a future where communities benefit from clean and green energy, reduced environmental impact and resilient infrastructure. Elmina Ridge reflects our ongoing commitment to lower carbon emissions and build homes that meet the evolving needs of both our planet and its people,” said Sime Darby Property chief operating officer of township development Appollo Leong in the statement.

With a gross development value (GDV) of RM201.7 million, the first phase of Elmina Ridge was launched in May this year. Phase 1 comprises 122 superlink, cluster and semi-detached units with built-ups from 2,265 to 3,237 sq ft.

The second phase was launched in June, offering 106 superlink and semi-detached units with built-ups from 2,265 to 3,237 sq ft. Phase 2 has a GDV of RM171.3 million. Selling prices of the homes start from RM1.16 million, and both phases have a combined take-up of 98%.

To reduce BESS costs by an estimated 40% and address the environmental impact of electrical vehicle (EV) battery disposal, the developer is testing an innovative approach, where sorted and repackaged EV batteries are adapted for home solar energy storage, at the Modern Method of Construction show unit at Elmina City Centre at City of Elmina.

“Our approach aligns with our aim to make a net-positive impact by building homes that are green and equipped to thrive under evolving climate conditions,” Leong added.

Since its first solar-powered development — Ilham Residence at City of Elmina — in 2020, the developer has since been incorporating solar photovoltaic infrastructure across other townships including Bandar Bukit Raja in Klang, Serenia City in Sepang and Nilai Impian in Negeri Sembilan.