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 January 2026.

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

The short answer: yes and for many households, it could be even better than expected.

This quick guide explains what Solar ATAP is, how it differs from NEM 3.0, and what homeowners should know before going solar.

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, aimed at expanding clean energy adoption nationwide.

Solar ATAP will officially replace NEM after its closure in June 2025 and is expected to begin on 1 January 2026.

In simple terms, Solar ATAP is designed to:

• Keep solar affordable and accessible for homeowners
• Support Malaysia’s long-term renewable energy goals
• Offer fair value for excess solar exported to the grid

Key Differences Between NEM 3.0 and ATAP

While both schemes encourage solar adoption, Solar ATAP works very differently from NEM 3.0.

Export Credits

NEM 3.0

• Almost 1-to-1 offset against your TNB bill
• Each exported KWh cancelled out a consumed KWh

Solar ATAP

• Export credits are no longer wholesale-only
• Residential homeowners will receive higher export rates, based on their consumption tier:
  
  • ~RM 0.27/kWh for households using up to 1,500 kWh/month
  • ~RM 0.37/kWh for households using more than 1,500 kWh/month

This is significantly higher than the earlier expectation of ~RM 0.20/kWh and means greater savings for most homes.

Commercial and industrial users will still receive export credits based on the System Marginal Price (SMP), which fluctuates with market conditions.

Eligibility & Quotas

NEM 3.0

• Fixed categories with capped quotas
• NEM Rakyat’s 600 MW allocation was fully taken

Solar ATAP

• Expected to be more flexible
• No fixed national quota, making access easier for new adopters

Surplus Solar Usage

NEM 3.0

• Self-consumption (SELCO) systems earned no export credits without batteries

Solar ATAP

• Surplus exports are allowed
• Homeowners are now paid at meaningful rates, not just wholesale prices

System Size

NEM 3.0

• Residential systems capped at
  
  • 5 kWac (single-phase)
  • 12.5 kWac (three-phase).

Solar ATAP

• Sytems can be sized up to 100% of their maximum demand, allowing better optimisation for larger homes

What This Means for Homeowners

If you are already part of the NEM scheme, nothing changes as your agreement continues as signed.

For new homeowners:

• NEM is no longer available
• Solar ATAP will be the default scheme from January 2026

The biggest change?
Exported solar is now worth more than previously expected, especially for households with higher electricity usage.

Solar still works best when you:

• Use a lot of electricity during the day (air-conditioning, appliances, home offices)
• Size your system properly to maximise self-consumption

Adding a battery can further increase savings by covering evening usage and reducing reliance on TNB during peak hours.

Should You Wait or Go Solar Now?

It depends on your priorities.

Go solar now if:

• You have high daytime electricity usage
• You want to start reducing bills immediately

Consider waiting if:

• Your main goal is earning export credits
• You want to size your system specifically around ATAP's export sturcture

For many households, installing solar earlier still makes sense, savings start from day one, and Rent-to-Own (RTO) plans remove the upfront risk.

The Bottom Line

Solar ATAP marks Malaysia’s next phase of rooftop solar adoption.

With export rates of around RM 0.27 to RM 0.37 per kWh for residential users, solar remains a strong long-term investment and in many cases, more rewarding than originally expected.

Thinking about your next step?

• Read our full guide to Solar ATAP in Malaysia
• Use our Solar Savings Calculator to estimate your potential savings
• Or chat with us to explore RM0 upfront Rent-to-Own solar plans

Solar hasn't gone away, it's simply evolved.