Installing a solar PV system is one of the most impactful investments a Malaysian homeowner can make. With rising TNB electricity costs, increased awareness about renewable energy, and the highly anticipated launch of the Solar ATAP (Atas Atap) program in 2025, more households are switching to solar to enjoy long-term savings and energy independence.
But while many homeowners are excited about the benefits, they also frequently ask:
“What will happen on installation day?”
“How long does it take?”
“Will my roof be damaged?”
“Will my electricity be disrupted?”
“Do I need to prepare anything before the team arrives?”
This expanded guide answers all of these questions, and more with a complete, honest breakdown of the entire solar installation day process, written specifically for Malaysian homes, rooftops, weather conditions, and TNB procedures.
A successful solar installation does not begin on the day the team arrives, it starts weeks earlier with proper planning.
Here’s what normally happens before installation day.
A certified solar site survey team will have already visited your home to conduct:
Roof truss inspection
— To ensure the roof can safely carry the weight of solar panels.
Shading analysis using tools like SunEye or Drone mapping
— To calculate solar exposure and find the best panel placement.
Electrical DB board review
— To confirm whether the DB board is compatible with solar integration.
Measurement of cable routing pathway
— To minimize visible trunking and ensure clean aesthetics.
Battery location assessment (if applicable)
This pre-installation work prevents delays, unexpected issues, and structural risks.
Before installation can take place, the solar company must submit:
Single Line Diagram (SLD)
Technical documents
System specifications
Rooftop layout
Inverter certificates (SIRIM, CIDB, ST requirements)
The approval process depends on the scheme:
NEM 3.0: Currently full, pending updates
Self-consumption (SelCo): Still ongoing
Solar ATAP: Expected launch in 2025
Only after approval is installation allowed.
To prevent morning logistics delays, many companies deliver equipment such as:
Solar panels
Mounting rails & brackets
Bolts, hooks, screws
Inverter unit (Hybrid / String)
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
AC/DC isolators
Cables & trunking
Safety harness equipment
Delivering early ensures the installation team can start work immediately the next morning.
To ensure a smooth installation, homeowners should:
Move cars away from the driveway
Clear pathways to the backyard or roof access area
Ensure pets are secured
Unlock outdoor gates
Notify neighbours if installation noise may be heard
Provide access to WiFi for inverter app setup
This helps the team work efficiently and safely.
A typical residential solar installation in Malaysia usually takes 4 to 8 hours, depending on:
Size of the solar system (e.g., 6.5kWp, 10kWp, 14kWp)
Roof type (metal deck, clay, flat concrete, shingle)
Battery integration
Weather conditions
Cable routing complexity
Below is a full, expanded breakdown of the installation day process.
The solar team arrives in the morning, usually between 9:00am – 10:00am.
They will:
Introduce themselves
Confirm the installation scope
Walk through the roof plan with you
Conduct a safety briefing
Set up ladders, scaffolding (if needed), and roof harness points
Lay out tools and equipment
A designated site supervisor will update you periodically throughout the day.
This is the most critical part of the installation, as it directly affects:
Roof durability
Waterproofing
Panel lifespan
Wind resistance
System safety
Technicians will:
Locate strong roof trusses
Install roof hooks or brackets
Apply waterproof sealant
Fasten aluminium rails
Align rails for perfect symmetry
Ensure mounting points comply with wind load standards for Malaysian weather
Quality installers follow strict safety and engineering guidelines to avoid roof leaks.
Once the rails are ready, the solar panels are carefully lifted onto the roof.
This stage includes:
Positioning panels according to the approved design
Securing panels with mid-clamps and end-clamps
Connecting panels in series (DC strings)
Running DC cables neatly through UV-protected conduits
Performing DC polarity and voltage checks
Proper alignment ensures maximum solar efficiency and aesthetics.
The inverter is the “brain” of your solar system.
It will be installed:
Near your DB board
In a shaded area
At an optimal height for ventilation
With proper cable management for a clean look
Popular inverters in Malaysia include:
Solis
Sungrow
Huawei
Growatt
GoodWe
FoxESS
SolarEdge
Hybrid inverters are now recommended as they are battery-ready for ATAP.
Battery systems are becoming extremely popular due to:
Backup power during blackouts
Lower peak-hour TNB usage
Improved self-consumption
Compatibility with the Solar ATAP program
Common battery brands:
BYD Premium LVS / HVS / LVL
Sungrow SBR
Huawei LUNA
Dyness Powerbox
Pylontech
The battery is mounted securely with proper ventilation and wiring.
This includes:
Installing AC/DC isolators
Cable routing from inverter to DB
Installing grounding/earthing systems
Connecting surge protection devices
Integrating the inverter with your home’s electrical system
Safety testing is then performed:
Voltage tests
Continuity tests
Earth resistance tests
Insulation tests
Only qualified technicians are allowed to perform these tasks.
This is when your system officially comes alive.
The team will:
Power up the inverter
Check solar production
Connect the system to WiFi
Setup your monitoring app (SolisCloud, FusionSolar, iSolarCloud, etc.)
Test export limits (depending on TNB approval)
Verify safety shutdown mechanisms
You will learn how to:
Read your energy production
Monitor real-time generation
Check system health
Track battery charging/discharging
Understand grid export and savings
The installation may be done, but your solar journey continues with several important post-installation steps.
The team will clean:
Roof area
Work zone at driveway/backyard
Any packaging materials
Dust from drilling or cutting
A professional company leaves the site spotless before leaving.
Your system cannot export to TNB yet until you receive a bi-directional meter.
TNB typically takes 7–21 working days to:
Inspect your system (if needed)
Replace your old meter
Activate solar export
Once completed, you will:
Start exporting excess solar
See reduced TNB bills
Begin earning export credits (depending on scheme)
You will receive:
Panel warranty (usually 25–30 years)
Inverter warranty (5–10 years)
Battery warranty (10–15 years)
Workmanship warranty
System diagram & certificate
TNB approval letter
Good installers offer long-term support including:
Remote monitoring
Performance reporting
Maintenance services
Troubleshooting assistance
A well-planned solar installation day is straightforward and stress-free. A professional installer ensures:
Your roof is protected
Your system is installed safely
Your inverter and battery are set up correctly
Your monitoring app is fully functional
Your home is clean when the work is done
With proper installation and TNB approval, you’ll begin generating clean, renewable energy immediately, and enjoy long-term bill savings for decades.
Malaysia