Rent-to-Own Solar Malaysia: 5-Year vs 10-Year Plan, Which Is Right for You?

Key Takeaway:
GetSolar's 5-year RTO suits homeowners who have savings for a 50% upfront payment and want faster ownership at a lower total cost. The 10-year plan is the better fit for those who prefer RM0 upfront, a lower monthly commitment, and a full decade of warranty coverage.

Electricity bills in Malaysia have been rising steadily. Following the Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) tariff restructuring effective 1 July 2025, the base tariff rate for residential users in Peninsular Malaysia increased to 45.40 sen/kWh, representing a 13.64% increase. For many homeowners, that means higher monthly electricity costs and a stronger reason to explore solar energy.

However, one of the biggest barriers to installing solar panels is the high upfront cost, which can easily reach RM20,000 to RM30,000 for a typical home system. That's where Rent-to-Own solar plans comes in. Unlike an outright purchase or bank loan, a Rent-to-Own plan requires little to no upfront payment while still reducing your electricity bill from Day 1.

With GetSolar's Rent-to-Own (RTO) solar plans in Malaysia, homeowners can install a solar system and pay for it in manageable monthly instalments instead of a large lump sum. But which plan should you choose: the 5-year plan or the 10-year plan?

In this guide, we break down the key differences so you can decide which option fits your budget, timeline, and long-term plans.

What Is a Rent-to-Own Solar Plan?

A Rent-to-Own solar plan (RTO) allows you to install a solar panel system on your roof and pay for it through  fixed monthly instalments, rather than purchasing the system outright. At the end of the agreed term, the solar system becomes fully yours.

This makes solar more accessible for homeowners who want to reduce electricity bills without committing to a large upfront investment.

GetSolar’s Rent-to-Own Plans at a Glance

GetSolar offers two residential Rent-to-Own solar plans in Malaysia: A 5-year plan and a 10-year plan.

The 5-Year Rent-to-Own Plan: Full Breakdown

How It Works

The 5-year Rent-to-Own solar plan is designed for homeowners who have some savings and want to own their solar system sooner.

Here's how it works:

• Pay approximately 50% of the system  upfront
• The remaining balance is spread across 60  monthly instalments starting from RM158/month
• After 5 years, the solar system becomes fully yours
• Includes a 5-year workmanship warranty
• Performance guarantee and free maintenance included throughout the term

Example Scenario (5-Year Plan)

A typical Malaysian landed home may install a 6 kWp solar system, which is around 15 panels. Under the 5-year plan, the homeowner pays roughly 50% of the system cost upfront, then a fixed monthly instalment for 60 months.

A system of this size can reduce electricity bills by roughly RM250 per month, meaning the monthly savings can offset a significant portion of the repayment amount from Day 1.

Over time, the total cost of the 5-year plan is lower than the 10-year option, making it attractive for homeowners who want to maximise long-term savings.

Who Should Choose the 5-Year Plan?

The 5-year Rent-to-Own plan may be a better fit if:

• You have savings available for the upfront payment
• You want to own the solar system sooner
• You want to minimise total cost over time
• You may sell your home within 5 to 7 years

Owning the system outright earlier can also make a property more attractive to potential buyers.

The 10-Year Rent-to-Own Plan: Full Breakdown

How It Works

The 10-year Rent-to-Own solar plan is designed for homeowners who want to switch to solar with no upfront cost. This is GetSolar's most popular option because it allows homeowners to start saving on electricity without dipping into their savings.

Here's what it includes:

• RM0 upfront payment
• Monthly instalments from RM248/month, fixed for the full 120 months
• Full 10-year workmanship warranty, double the coverage of the 5-year plan
• Performance guarantee with compensation if output drops below 80%
• Free maintenance and servicing throughout the entire plan term

Example Scenario (10-Year Plan)

Using the same 6 kWp solar system, a homeowner on the 10-year plan pays RM0 upfront and a fixed monthly instalment over 120 months. While the total cost over the plan term is higher than the 5-year option, the household starts saving on electricity immediately without any large initial outlay.

The 10-year warranty and maintenance coverage also provide long-term peace of mind, with any system faults or performance issues handled by GetSolar at no extra cost.

Who Should Choose the 10-Year Plan?

The 10-year plan is often the right fit if:

• You prefer RM0 upfront
• You want a lower monthly financial commitment
• You want longer warranty and maintenance protection
• You pan to stay in your home long term

For many households, this option makes the transition to solar considerably easier.

5-Year vs 10-Year Rent-to-Own Solar Plan: Which Is Right for You?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the 5-year or 10-year Rent-to-Own solar plan cheaper overall?
   ‍The 5-year plan generally has a lower total cost because the repayment period is shorter. However, the 10-year plan removes the upfront payment barrier entirely. The right choice depends on whether you prioritise lower total spend or easier monthly cash flow.
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2. Can I buy out the system early?
   ‍Yes, there are two options available. The first is an Early Buyout based on the system’s depreciated value, this lets you take ownership sooner at a lower cost, though the performance guarantee and free maintenance coverage under your RTO plan will no longer apply. The second is a Full Payment Settlement, where you settle the remaining contract value in full and take ownership earlier while keeping all existing coverage intact. Contract our team to find out which option suits your situation best.
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3. Is the monthly payment fixed or can it change?
   ‍Your monthly payment is fixed for the entire duration of your plan term, whether that's 5 or 10 years. There are no variable charges or hidden fees.
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4. What happens if my solar panels underperform?
   ‍Both plans include a solar performance guarantee. If your system generates less than 80% of the promised output, you may be entitled to compensation. Systems are also continuously monitored so issues can be identified and resolved early. Read our guide for homeowners on what they can expect out of a solar performance guarantee in Malaysia.
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5. What if I sell my house before the plan ends?
   ‍Several options may be available, including transferring the plan to the new homeowner, making an early buyout, or exploring relocation subject to feasibility. Contacting our team early in your moving process is recommended.
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6. Does taking up a Rent-to-Own plan affect my home loan or credit?
   ‍The RTO plan is not a bank loan and does not go through the same credit assessment process as a mortgage or personal loan. Contact our team for details relevant to your specific situation.

Find Out How Much You Can Save with Solar

Choosing between a 5-year plan or the 10-year Rent-to-Own solar plan comes down to one question: would you rather pay less overall, or keep more cash in your pocket each month?

Either way, both plans start reducing your electricity bill from the day your system is installed, with no hidden fees and full maintenance covered throughout.

The easiest next step is to find out exactly how much your home could save. Use our free solar calculator to get an instant savings estimate based on your address and energy usage, then speak with a GetSolar advisor who can recommend the right plan for your roof and budget.

Get your free solar quote or chat with us on WhatsApp to speak with a solar advisor today!

Disclaimer: Pricing, tariff figures, and savings estimates referenced in this article are based on publicly available information and GetSolar's published rates as of early 2026. Actual savings may vary depending on your roof, system size, energy usage, and applicable government incentives. Always request a personalised quote for accurate figures.

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