🌞 Solar ATAP: Malaysia’s New Solar Programme (Effective 1 Jan 2026) – What You Need to Know
With the new year comes a new solar initiative for Malaysia!
Starting 1 January 2026, the Solar ATAP (self-consumption and export) programme officially replaces the previous Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme.
Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, here’s a quick breakdown of what Solar ATAP offers and how it works.
Solar ATAP allows you to install solar panels for self-consumption and export any excess energy back to the grid in exchange for bill credits.
Think of it as generating your own clean energy while still staying connected to Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) for backup and export opportunities.
✅ Existing TNB consumers (both Domestic and Non-Domestic)
✅ Properties that are not multi-tenant (e.g., no shared building supply)
✅ Not currently under NEM — if you are, you must terminate NEM before applying
| Consumer Type | Capacity Limit | Additional Notes |
| Domestic (single Phase) | Up to 5 kWac | Standard limit |
| Domestic (Three Phase) | Up to 15 kWac | CCC required if exceeding limit |
| Non Domestic | Up to 100% of maximum demand | Capped 1 MW |
Domestic users: Credits given at the Energy Charge rate
Non-domestic users: Credits at Average System Marginal Price (SMP)
Credits can only offset consumption within the same billing month
❌ No carry-forward to the next month
❌ No cash payout for excess credits
❌ Cannot be used to offset Additional Fixed Amount (AFA), SST, or non-energy charges
Your exported energy is capped by the Monthly Allowed Quantity (MAQ) formula:
MAQ = Installed Capacity (kW) × 5 sun-hours × Billing Days
This prevents unlimited export and keeps the system balanced.
Behind-the-meter connection only
CCC / CAS / PSS required depending on system size and voltage
Grid upgrade costs (if needed) are borne by the applicant
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are allowed — great for storing energy for self-use!
Contract duration of up to 10 years
After expiry, you can continue self-consumption only (no more export credits)
Apply online via SEDA eATAP portal
Pay a fee of RM7.50 per kW of installed capacity
Achieve Commercial Operation Date (COD) within 18 months of approval
✅ Export is capped by MAQ monthly
✅ Credits offset only same-month usage
❌ No carry-forward of unused credits
❌ No cash payment for excess
❌ Cannot offset AFA, SST, or non-energy charges
Solar ATAP is designed to encourage more Malaysians to adopt solar while maintaining grid stability. It’s best suited for those who can consume most of the solar energy they generate and want to offset their bills with controlled export.
If you’re considering going solar, now’s the time to understand how ATAP works and plan your system accordingly.
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