Malaysia launches new net metering scheme for rooftop PV
Malaysia launches new net metering scheme for rooftop PV
From:PV Magazine
Effective since January 1, 2026, the Solar Accelerated Transition Action Programme (Solar ATAP) aims to build on Malaysia’s previous net metering program’s efforts to maximize the use of rooftops for solar generation by incentivizing consumers to export excess generation to the grid. The capacity limit has been set at 100% of the consumer’s maximum demand, or 1 MW.
Blathnaid O'Dea
Commercial & Industrial PV
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Image: Dean Moriarty, Pixabay
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Following the end of Malaysia’s net metering program (NEM) in June 2025, the government has launched the Solar ATAP to continue the country’s commercial and industrial and residential rooftop PV rollout.
The new scheme has been effective since 1 January 2026.
“The program provides a cost-neutral and transparent mechanism for consumers to install and operate solar photovoltaic (PV) systems for self-consumption, while allowing surplus energy to be exported to the grid,” said Malaysia's Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) in a statement.
In allowing excess solar energy produced by rooftop PV system owners to be exported to the grid as an energy offset, the Solar ATAP maintains the core principles of the NEM.
The installation capacity limit for solar PV systems for non-domestic consumers has been set at 100% of the consumer’s maximum demand, or 1 MW. For domestic consumers, the limit varies between 5 kW and 15 kW.
Once the Solar ATAP contract begins, the tenure will last for 10 years. After that, the system will be strictly for self-consumption and no offset and roll-over will be allowed for any excess energy exported.
Capacities will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis, and the government determines opening and cessation dates.
Malaysia hopes the guidelines will promote wider participation in its renewable energy rollout and increase fairness and transparency in the industry overall.
The program covers rooftop PV, but solar carparks and covered pedestrian walkways may also be included provided they are contained within the same grounds as the applicant.
Customers who wish to take part in the Solar ATAP program can do an outright purchase of the solar PV system via cash, personal loans or credit card. Applicants can also opt to purchase solar electricity by signing power purchase agreement (PPA) with solar investors, via a solar leasing program or a hybrid of both, as offered by Registered Solar PV Investor (RPVI).
According to SEDA, applicants to the Solar ATAP must meet a set of criteria. They must be a registered consumer of electric utility Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), and only applicants who are not registered under the Self Consumption (SelCo) or NEM programs are eligible.
During the supply application process, a ‘domestic group’ is required to do a Connection Assessment Study after which consumers can apply to participate in Solar ATAP.
Any consumer who is also a generator – such as but not limited to co-generator and back-feed or TNB accounts registered under tenant sub meters in the multi-tenant scheme – is not eligible to apply for Solar ATAP.
Malaysia’s cumulative solar capacity reached 2,306 MW by the end of 2024, up from 2,146 MW in 2023, according to the latest figures from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).