If you’ve been thinking about going solar in Malaysia, you may have noticed that NEM (Net Energy Metering) is no longer available. In its place, the Malaysian government has launched Solar ATAP — and it’s actually better for homeowners in many ways.
In this guide, we break down exactly what Solar ATAP is, how it works, who qualifies, and whether it makes financial sense for your home.
What is Solar ATAP?
Solar ATAP stands for Solar Accelerated Transition Action Programme. It is Malaysia’s new national rooftop solar initiative, introduced by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) and managed by SEDA Malaysia.
Solar ATAP officially replaced the NEM 3.0 programme on 1 January 2026, after NEM closed to new applicants at the end of June 2025.
The goal is simple: encourage more Malaysians to install solar panels on their rooftops, reduce electricity consumption from the grid, and export any surplus energy back to TNB in exchange for bill credits.
How Does Solar ATAP Work?
Solar ATAP works on a straightforward principle:
- You install solar panels on your rooftop
- Your home uses the solar energy generated during the day
- Any excess energy is automatically exported to the TNB grid
- TNB credits your bill for the exported energy
- You pay less — or potentially almost nothing — on your monthly TNB bill
Think of it as your solar panels working as a mini power plant. You use what you generate, and sell back whatever you don’t need.
Solar ATAP vs NEM: What Changed?
| Feature | NEM 3.0 | Solar ATAP |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Closed June 2025 | Active from Jan 2026 |
| Quota | Fixed national quota (always running out) | No fixed quota |
| Contract Period | 10 years | 10 years |
| Residential Export Rate | 1-to-1 offset | RM0.27/kWh (≤1,500 kWh/month) or RM0.37/kWh (>1,500 kWh/month) |
| Commercial Export Rate | 1-to-1 offset | System Marginal Price (SMP) |
| Max System Size (Commercial) | 75% of Maximum Demand | 100% of Maximum Demand |
| Application | Via SEDA portal | Via SEDA portal |
The biggest win for homeowners: no more quota scramble. Under NEM, quotas would fill up fast and leave many applicants waiting. Under Solar ATAP, applications are open year-round.
Who is Eligible for Solar ATAP?
You can apply for Solar ATAP if you:
- Are an existing TNB account holder (residential, commercial, or industrial)
- Do not currently have a solar PV system installed
- Own the property or have written approval from your landlord
- Are on a single-account supply (not a multi-tenant shared meter)
If you are currently on NEM, you must terminate your NEM contract before applying for Solar ATAP.
How Much Can You Save?
For residential homeowners, Solar ATAP credits your exported energy at:
- RM0.27 per kWh if your monthly usage is 1,500 kWh or below
- RM0.37 per kWh if your monthly usage exceeds 1,500 kWh
But the real savings come from self-consumption — using the solar energy your panels generate instead of buying from TNB. Every unit of solar energy you use directly is a unit you don’t pay TNB for.
A well-sized solar system for a Malaysian home can reduce your TNB bill by up to 95%, depending on your usage pattern, system size, and how much energy you consume during daylight hours.
How Long is the Solar ATAP Contract?
The Solar ATAP contract runs for 10 years. After the contract ends, your solar system will operate in self-consumption mode only — meaning you can still use the solar energy you generate, but you will no longer receive bill credits for energy exported to the grid.
This makes it even more important to size your system correctly from day one, so you maximise savings throughout the full 10-year period.
How to Apply for Solar ATAP
Here is the step-by-step process:
- Contact a SEDA-registered solar installer (like RSER) for a site assessment
- Get a TNB Connection Assessment — required before submitting your application
- Install your solar PV system — work with your installer to complete the installation
- Submit your application via the SEDA Malaysia online portal
- TNB installs a bi-directional meter to track both import and export energy
- Start saving once your system is commissioned
⚠️ Important: Under Solar ATAP, you must complete your installation first before submitting your application to SEDA. This is different from how NEM worked.
Is Solar ATAP Worth It in 2026?
Yes — and here is why:
- Electricity tariffs in Malaysia are rising. Every unit of solar energy you self-consume is protection against future bill increases.
- No quota means no waiting. Apply anytime, start saving faster.
- Payback periods are typically 5–8 years, with panels lasting 25+ years — meaning 17–20 years of near-free electricity after payback.
- Property value increases with a solar installation.
- Businesses can claim Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA) — 100% investment tax allowance on qualifying solar expenditure.
The best strategy under Solar ATAP is to size your system to match your daytime consumption, and consider adding battery storage if you consume more electricity at night.
Ready to Go Solar Under Solar ATAP?
At RSER, we handle the entire Solar ATAP process for you — from site assessment and system design, to SEDA registration, TNB application, installation, and after-sales support.
Get a free Solar ATAP assessment today and find out exactly how much you can save on your TNB bill.
Published by RSER — Renewable Solar Energy Resources | SEDA Registered Solar Installer | Serving All of Malaysia