BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Enterprise  >  Open For Business  >  Okapi Solar - Breaking Barriers to Solar Panels on Your Roof?

Okapi Solar - Breaking Barriers to Solar Panels on Your Roof?

Lai Zhern Yung, Co-founder, Okapi Technologies | Christopher Kwong, Co-founder, Okapi Technologies

14-Aug-24 10:00

Okapi Solar - Breaking Barriers to Solar Panels on Your Roof?

How can homeowners make the switch to solar energy without breaking the bank?

Founded in 2022, Okapi Solar is on a mission to make solar power more accessible to homeowners by offering financing solutions that eliminate the high upfront costs typically associated with solar panel installations. Okapi buys the solar panels first, and then leases it to homeowners.

Zhern Yung and Christopher, both with backgrounds in banking and engineering, share their journey of leaving the corporate world to venture into entrepreneurship. They discuss the challenges and opportunities they’ve encountered in the solar energy sector, and how their experience has shaped Okapi’s approach to financing.

Okapi Solar’s financing plans are designed specifically for landed residential properties, allowing homeowners to install solar panels with zero upfront payment and fixed monthly lease payments over a period of up to 10 years. The co-founders delve into the company’s business model, the balance between raising and deploying funds, and the importance of evaluating customer creditworthiness to maintain a healthy business.

As Okapi Solar targets financing 100 residential solar energy systems per month by the first quarter of 2025, Zhern Yung and Christopher also discuss their future plans, including scaling their operations, expanding partnerships with solar installers, and much more.

Tune in to learn how Okapi Technologies is lowering the barrier to solar power adoption, and what lies ahead for this innovative startup.

Produced by: Roshan Kanesan, Kishan Sivaswamy

Presented by: Roshan Kanesan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  technologyeconomyCorporatesmanagingmarketsenvironmententrepreneurs

Tags:  solar financing platformsolar panelsolar energy





Play / Pause

Listen now : Enterprise Explores: Jeffrey Paine, Managing Partner, Golden Gate Ventures

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Carlos Casanova, Senior Economist, UBP tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Lavanya Venkateswaran, Senior ASEAN Economist, OCBC gives us the 2026 outlook for global economies and markets.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Dr Vilashini Somiah of University Malaya weighs in on Sabah’s new cabinet.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Dr Zhou Lihan, Co-founder and CEO of MiRXES discusses the company operations and more.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Vincent Fong, Chief Editor, Fintech News Network discusses developments within Malaysia's fintech industry.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh, senior advisor on tax policy from KPMG in Malaysia, shares insights into Malaysia's tax amendments 2025.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

Carlos Casanova, Senior Economist, UBP tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

Lim Sue Lin, Head of Research, Maybank Investment Bank discusses the outlook for the FBMKLCI.

9:35 AM

The Property Show

Kashif Ansari, Co-Founder and Group CEO of Juwai IQI, discusses Malaysia property landscape in 2025, and the road to 2026.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Stephanie Ping and Andrew Yeow, Co-Founders, WORQ

11:00 AM

The Workplace

Amirul Safuan, Founder, Ameer Safone Ventures

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Jeffrey Paine, Managing Partner, Golden Gate Ventures

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Our flagship show, we feature both game-changers and groundbreakers in the hot seat.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Earth Matters

Selangor’s proposed Batu Arang waste-to-energy incinerator has sparked major community concern. Two residents explain the risks, the lack of official response, and why safer alternatives are needed.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

An effective antiviral treatment for dengue might mean the difference between life and death for those infected. We find out what’s happening in the hunt for a dengue treatment and whether papaya leaves work.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

6:00 PM

Big Issue

Sabah has gone to the polls. We break down the results, highlight the biggest winners and losers, and explore what it means for the state’s political future.

7:00 PM

Stories of KL

Darren Teoh joins us to talk about Dewakan’s place in Kuala Lumpur’s evolving culinary landscape.

8:00 PM

Cruise Control