The Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry may install the solar energy system in flood relief centres.

Deputy Minister Mahdzir Khalid said it was studying the proposal as many power substations were flooded causing disruption to electricity supply.

"We want to study how many relief centres can install the solar energy system under the first phase.

"Solar energy can become an alternative to electricity during the floods," he told reporters after launching a solar energy programme in Masjid Jamek Bandar Baru Uda, near Johor Bahu today.

The ministry also plans to install a rain water harvesting system which can collect rain water to be filtered for reuse by flood relief centre.

"The electricity generated by solar energy can be sold to Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) for additional income."

Mahdzir also said the ministry is gathering information on the cost of installing the solar energy system.

"When all the information is available, we will make a proposal to the government," he added.

The floods on Dec 25 last year forced TNB to cut electricity supply to 1,266 substations in Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu.

In an effort to supply electricity in the affected areas, TNB used more than 70 generator sets with capacity of 500kW to 1,000kW.

- Bernama