When most people think about solar energy, they picture rows of gleaming panels soaking up the sun or perhaps a homeowner proudly showing off a reduced electricity bill. For Edward Chye, Founder of EDCA Energy, solar represents something much bigger. It is about giving people control over one of life's biggest necessities—energy—and in doing so, helping Malaysia build a more sustainable future.

Interestingly, Edward never set out to become an entrepreneur in renewable energy. Trained as a process engineer, he began his career in engineering before following another passion that had always intrigued him—renewable energy. "My major was in chemical engineering, but my minor was in renewable energy," he explains. "When I wanted to change fields, solar was the most practical way to enter the industry."

What started as a sales role eight years ago soon became something far more meaningful. The deeper he immersed himself in the industry, the more convinced he became that renewable energy wasn't simply another business opportunity—it was the future.

"At the beginning, it was just a job," he admits. "But throughout the journey, I realised solar energy is fundamentally different from conventional power. Energy costs will continue to increase, and solar remains one of the most accessible and cost-effective renewable energy solutions available."

That conviction led him to establish EDCA Energy four years ago. Today, the company has grown from serving primarily commercial and industrial clients into a trusted solar solutions provider for homeowners, developers and businesses alike.

While conversations around sustainability have become increasingly mainstream, Edward believes many Malaysians still underestimate just how transformative solar energy can be. The obvious benefit is lower electricity bills, but that's only the beginning.

"People often focus on the savings, but it's really about energy independence," he says. "Instead of being entirely dependent on rising electricity rates, you're generating your own power."

Malaysia, he points out, is uniquely positioned to embrace solar energy. Blessed with one of the highest levels of sunlight in the region, the country possesses a natural advantage that many developed nations would envy.

"We actually have some of the best sun hours in the world," Edward says. "Countries like Germany, Japan and Australia have fewer sunlight hours than we do, yet they've adopted solar much earlier. Malaysia has enormous potential."

Ironically, when Edward first entered the industry, convincing people wasn't easy. Solar panels were often surrounded by misconceptions, from concerns about safety to doubts about whether they could genuinely reduce electricity bills.

"Back then, we spent most of our time educating people," he laughs. "Some even asked whether solar panels were radioactive."

Fast forward to today, and the conversation has shifted dramatically.

"The challenge isn't convincing people that solar works anymore," he explains. "Now, there's almost too much information available. Customers are doing their own research online, comparing products, prices and installers."

In an increasingly crowded marketplace, Edward has deliberately positioned EDCA Energy differently. Rather than competing solely on price, the company focuses on engineering precision, technical expertise and long-term performance.

"Installing solar isn't simply putting panels on a roof," he explains. "Every project requires proper design, structural assessments, engineering calculations and optimisation. The orientation of the panels, cable routing, roof loading and system design all affect how efficiently the system performs."

It's an approach rooted in Edward's engineering background. Every project is carefully evaluated by in-house engineers—from the initial site inspection through to testing and commissioning—to ensure safety, reliability and optimum energy generation.

"We've always believed good workmanship is our strongest marketing tool," he says. "When customers see the quality of our work, they recommend us to their neighbours, relatives and friends."

That philosophy has helped EDCA Energy expand rapidly, particularly into the residential market. As electricity tariffs continue to rise and government incentives make solar more attractive, homeowners are increasingly viewing rooftop solar as a long-term investment rather than a luxury.

The company has also worked closely with developers such as Tropicana to integrate solar solutions into new residential developments. Rather than offering a fixed package, homeowners can customise the number of solar panels based on their household's actual energy consumption.

"Every family uses electricity differently," Edward explains. "Our approach gives homeowners the flexibility to choose a solution that suits their lifestyle."

Yet Edward believes the future of renewable energy extends well beyond rooftop panels. Battery Energy Storage Systems are rapidly emerging as the next frontier, particularly for commercial and industrial users seeking greater energy resilience.

By storing excess electricity generated during the day, batteries allow businesses to reduce peak demand charges while providing backup power when needed. For regions such as Sabah and Sarawak, where electricity supply can sometimes be inconsistent, battery technology could become an essential solution.

"It's about more than generating electricity," Edward says. "It's about making energy available whenever people need it."

Beyond operational savings, solar is also becoming an increasingly important ESG strategy for businesses. As more manufacturers export to international markets, particularly Europe, sustainability credentials have become a commercial necessity rather than a corporate aspiration.

"Many companies now need stronger ESG credentials, and solar is one of the quickest and most effective ways to achieve that," he explains.

Recognising that upfront investment can sometimes be a barrier, EDCA Energy also offers innovative financing models that allow businesses to install solar systems without major capital expenditure—making clean energy accessible to a wider range of organisations.

As the company continues to grow, so do Edward's ambitions. EDCA Energy has recently expanded into Johor and plans to establish a stronger presence across Peninsular Malaysia before setting its sights on East Malaysia, where renewable energy and battery storage solutions could make an even greater impact. Strategic partnerships, regional expansion and, ultimately, an initial public offering all form part of the company's long-term roadmap.

Despite the growth, Edward remains refreshingly grounded. He still describes himself as an engineer first, someone who enjoys explaining how solar works just as much as installing it.

"There's still a lot of education to be done," he says. "Solar isn't just about buying panels. It's about understanding the right system, the right design and the right solution."

Perhaps that's what makes Edward Chye different. In an industry where many are chasing the next sale, he is focused on something more enduring—building trust, sharing knowledge and helping Malaysians rethink the way they power their homes, businesses and futures.

After all, the greatest energy revolution isn't happening in distant laboratories or futuristic cities. It's unfolding quietly, one rooftop at a time.