Powering Malaysia Perhentian Island Resort with Microgrid

Located on Perhentian Besar Island, Malaysia, this commercial resort operates in a completely off-grid environment with no access to the public utility grid. For years, electricity relied entirely on diesel generators — a costly and operationally demanding solution.

To maintain continuous power, generators needed to be switched multiple times every day. Each transition caused brief power interruptions that directly impacted guest comfort, affecting lighting, air conditioning, refrigeration systems, and overall resort experience.

Beyond operational instability, the resort faced several critical challenges:

• Rising diesel fuel costs and high operational expenses

• Noise pollution affecting guest satisfaction

• Environmental concerns associated with diesel usage

• Harsh island conditions including high humidity, salt corrosion, and frequent storms

• Complex logistics and construction challenges due to remote island access

• Large commercial loads requiring stable three-phase power supply

• High safety requirement due to large visitor traffic

Seeking a long-term, cleaner, and more reliable energy solution, the project owner partnered with Hoymiles to deploy the island’s first integrated solar-storage-diesel microgrid system, setting a new benchmark for off-grid commercial energy solutions in Malaysia.

Hoymiles delivered a customized microgrid solution (string inverter + AC coupled BESS) tailored to the resort’s operational status and environmental conditions.

System Configuration

• PV Capacity: 400 kW

• Energy Storage: 625 kW / 1305 kWh

• BESS Deployment: 5 × Hoymiles HoyUltra 2 (125 kW / 261 kWh each)

• Grid Connection: March 2026

• Application: Commercial off-grid resort microgrid

The system integrates photovoltaic generation, battery energy storage, and existing diesel generators into a coordinated energy ecosystem.

Intelligent Energy Coordination

The microgrid operates through smart dispatch logic:

PV priority → Storage optimization → Diesel backup

Battery storage acts as an energy buffer, enabling seamless coordination between renewable generation and diesel generators while significantly reducing generator runtime.

Built for Complex Off-Grid Operation

Key technologies enabling stable island operation include:

• Three-phase four-wire architecture supporting 100% unbalanced loads

• Multi-unit off-grid parallel operation with automatic SOC balancing

• Black start capability without external power supply

• Seamless second-level switching ensuring uninterrupted power

The system can reliably drive large inductive commercial loads such as air conditioning systems, refrigeration equipment, and hotel infrastructure.

Engineered for Harsh Island Environments

Island deployments demand exceptional durability. HoyUltra 2 is proven for its rugged build and strict compliance. It features:

• Full liquid-cooling design enabling operation from -35°C to 60°C

• IP55 cabinet protection with IP65 PCS modules

• C5 anti-corrosion protection against salt spray exposure

• Low-noise operation (~60 dB), ideal for hospitality environments

• Certified multi-layer safety architecture compliant with UL9540A, IEC standards, MyHIJAU, and SIRIM certification

These advanced engineering designs ensure superior system stability, operational safety, and long-term reliability under demanding island conditions, ensuring a comfortable and peaceful holiday experience for visitors.

Simplified Operations Through Intelligent Energy Management

Hoymiles’ self-developed PCS, EMS, and cloud platform ensure:

• Accurate anti-backflow control preventing reverse power to generators

• Remote monitoring and intelligent system management

• Automated energy management

• Reduced manual intervention and labor costs

This eliminates complicated O&M efforts for the project owner.

Rapid Deployment and Service Excellence for a Remote Island Project

Despite logistical challenges, Hoymiles demonstrated strong project execution capabilities:

• Modular system design enabling fast deployment

• EPC construction completed within 1.5 months

• Customized packaging, transport, and installation solutions adapted for island conditions

Hoymiles provides:

• 24-hour response support

• Localized spare parts and service coverage

• Full lifecycle service tailored to evolving customer needs

• Typical service issue closure within 48 hours