Solar ATAP Malaysia: Quick Guide for Homeowners

The Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme has officially ended (NEM Rakyat 3.0 explained here), and Malaysia is preparing to launch a new programme — the Solar Accelerated Transition Action Programme (Solar ATAP) — on 1 December 2025, as confirmed by Bernama.

Understandably, many homeowners are asking: What does this mean for me? Will solar still be worth it without NEM?

This quick guide breaks down what Solar ATAP is, how it differs from NEM 3.0, and what you should know if you’re considering solar for your home.

What Is Solar ATAP?

Solar ATAP stands for the Solar Accelerated Transition Action Programme. It is Malaysia’s new rooftop solar scheme, introduced under the Green Rooftop Drive to expand clean energy adoption nationwide.

The programme will officially start on 1 December 2025, according to Bernama, and will take over where NEM left off after its closure in June 2025.

In short, Solar ATAP is designed to keep solar a practical and accessible choice for Malaysians while supporting the country’s broader push towards renewable energy.

Key Differences Between NEM 3.0 and ATAP

While both schemes aim to make solar adoption more attractive, Solar ATAP will work differently compared to the old NEM 3.0 programme with some important changes:

• Export Credits:
  • NEM 3.0 gave almost 1-to-1 credits against your TNB bill.
  • ATAP will use the System Marginal Price (SMP), which changes every 30 minutes based on market rates.
• Eligibility & Quotas:
  • NEM 3.0 had fixed categories and limited quotas (e.g. NEM Rakyat’s 600 MW cap, now fully taken).
  • ATAP is expected to be more flexible, with no quota limits.
• Surplus Solar Usage:
  • Under NEM 3.0, self-consumption (SELCO) gave no credits unless paired with a battery.
  • ATAP will allow surplus exports, but credits will follow SMP instead of fixed rates.
• System Size:
  • NEM 3.0 capped residential systems at 4 kW (single-phase) or 10 kW (three-phase).
  • ATAP will allow homeowners to install systems up to 100% of their maximum demand.

What This Means for Homeowners

If you are already part of the NEM scheme, there’s no need to worry — your agreement will continue under the same terms, and nothing changes for you. For new adopters, however, NEM 3.0 is no longer available, and Solar ATAP will be the only pathway moving forward once it launches in December 2025.

In the meantime, homeowners who install solar won’t earn export credits, but solar can still be a smart investment. It works best for households with heavy daytime electricity use, such as air-conditioning, appliances, or home offices. For those who want to extend their savings into the evening, pairing solar with a battery system can also reduce reliance on TNB and provide protection against tariff hikes.

Should You Wait or Go Solar Now?

The answer depends on your household needs. If you rely heavily on daytime electricity, solar is already worthwhile because it directly offsets what you use. Adding a battery system can make it even more valuable by covering part of your night-time demand.

If your main interest is in export credits, then waiting until ATAP launches may make more sense. But for many families, going solar now means you start saving immediately — and with Rent-to-Own (RTO) plans offering zero upfront cost, the risk is low and the benefits begin from day one.

The Bottom Line

Solar ATAP is Malaysia’s next step in driving renewable energy adoption. While the details are still being finalised, the message is clear: solar remains a smart long-term choice for households, especially those with high daytime usage or plans to add battery storage.

Want a deeper dive into the policy details? Read our full guide to Solar ATAP.

Curious about how much you could save with solar? Try our Solar Savings Calculator for a free estimate today.