ATAP vs NEM: The next big shift in solar
28th October 2025
NEM Sarawak explained: The smart way to cut your electricity bills
15th January 2026
Effective 1 January 2026, Solar ATAP (Accelerated Transition Action Programme) becomes Malaysia’s new rooftop solar programme, officially replacing Net Energy Metering (NEM), which ended on 30 June 2025.
If you are wondering:
“Is solar still worth it after NEM?”
“Can I still save money?”
“What’s different under Solar ATAP?”
The short answer is: Yes, solar is still worth it, but ATAP works differently and your PV system sizing matters more than ever.
What is Solar ATAP?
Solar ATAP is designed around self-consumption. That means you use solar energy first for your own home or business and only excess energy is exported to the grid for bill credits.
This shift supports grid stability while still helping Malaysians reduce electricity bills and carbon emissions.
Who can apply?
You can join Solar ATAP if you are:
- An existing TNB customer (home or business)
- A single-owner premise (not multi-tenanted)
Not under an active NEM contract (If you are, the NEM contract must be terminated first)
How much solar can you install?
🏠 Homeowners (Domestic)
- Single-phase: Up to 5 kWac
- Three-phase: Up to 15 kWac
🏢 Businesses (Non-Domestic)
- Install up to 100% of your Maximum Demand
- Maximum PV system size: Up to 1 MW
How does the billing work?
You use solar energy for your own consumption first! Any extra energy is exported to the grid and exported energy becomes bill credits!
Credit rates
For homes: Based on your energy charge rate
For businesses: Based on the average System Marginal Price (SMP)
⚠️Important to Know: Credits only offset the current month’s bill:
❌ No carry-forward to the next month
❌ No cash payout
❌ Cannot offset SST, KWTBB, AFA, or other non-energy charges
So, oversizing your PV system can lead to wasted potential, which is why proper sizing is critical under ATAP.
Is there a limit to export?
Yes. To ensure grid stability, exports are capped monthly, as per calculated below:
Monthly Export Limit (MAQ):
PV system size (kWac) × 5 sun-hours × number of billing days
Any energy exported beyond this limit will not be credited.
Contract period
The Solar ATAP contract is up to 10 years. After the contract ends:
- You may continue using solar for self-consumption only
- Export and bill credits will no longer apply
Remember, your PV system will still produce electricity for 25+ years! Solar ATAP only defines the export benefit period.
Technical requirements, simplified for you
- PV system must be installed behind your electricity meter
- Certain approvals may be required depending on system size:
- CCC (Connection Confirmation Check)
- CAS (Connection Assessment Study)
- PSS (Power Systems Study)
- Any required grid upgrade costs are borne by the applicant
On battery storage systems (BESS):
❌ Not compulsory
✅ It is allowed
✅ Helps store excess solar instead of exporting
Application process
Solaroo manages all technical assessments and approvals for you. The application includes:
- Apply via the SEDA eATAP portal
- Application fee: RM7.50 per kWac
- PV system must be completed within 18 months after approval
- e-Certificate issued upon completion
Just submit a few key documents to us and we will do the rest!
How do you maximise savings under Solar ATAP?
Solar ATAP rewards smart usage, not oversized systems.
Best practices:
- Size your system based on daytime usage, not roof size
- Shift usage to daytime (AC, machinery, EV charging, water heaters)
- Consider batteries to store excess solar
- Avoid installing large systems just to export power
In simple terms — Who is ATAP best for?
✔ Property owners looking for stable, long-term savings
✔ Businesses operating mainly during daylight hours
✔ Those who want clean energy without speculation
Ready for Solar ATAP? Solaroo is here to help
Solar ATAP comes with new rules, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. From:
- PV system sizing & cost-benefit analysis
- Approvals & application submission
- Installation, compliance & monitoring
Solaroo manages the entire solar ATAP journey for you and with you, ensuring your PV system is safe, compliant, and optimised for maximum savings.
Go solar with confidence. Go solar with Solaroo.
For more info, drop us a whatsapp to be Solar ATAP-ready.
Read the details ST Guidelines here.
