2026 Solar ATAP Policy Malaysia
For years, the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme was the go-to for solar in Malaysia. But as of 2026, the Solar Accelerated Transition Action Programme (Solar ATAP) has officially taken the lead. This new framework is designed to make solar adoption more flexible, scalable, and market driven.
What is the Solar ATAP Policy?
The Solar ATAP policy is a national initiative introduced by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA). It serves as the official successor to the NEM 3.0 program.
Unlike previous schemes that were often hindered by limited quotas, Solar ATAP is designed to be quota-free (subject to grid stability), meaning more Malaysians can apply without the “first-come, first-served” stress of earlier years.
How Does Solar ATAP Work?
Solar ATAP operates on the principle of Self-Consumption (SelCo) first, with the ability to export surplus energy. Here is the step-by-step logic:
- Generation: Your solar panels generate electricity during the day.
- Usage: Your home or office uses this energy first (e.g., for air-con, lighting, appliances).
- Export: If you generate more than you use, the “surplus” is sent back to the TNB grid.
- Credit: You receive energy-only credits on your monthly bill to offset what you consumed from the grid during the night or rainy periods.
Note: Under Solar ATAP, these credits reset every month. Unlike the old NEM, you cannot carry over credits to the next month, making “right-sizing” your solar system more important than ever.
Solar ATAP vs. NEM Policy: Key Differences
The shift from NEM to ATAP brings several technical and financial changes. Here is how they compare:
Feature | NEM 3.0 (Old Scheme) | Solar ATAP (2026 Scheme) |
| Quota | Limited & fixed (often ran out) | No fixed national quota |
| Credit Rollover | Credits valid for 24 months | Resets monthly (No rollover) |
| Export Rate | Fixed 1-to-1 offset | Market-based (SMP for Non-Domestic) |
| Max Capacity (3-Phase) | Up to 12.5 kW | Up to 15 kW |
| Contract Tenure | 10 years | 10 years |
| Meter Type | Two meters | Single Bi-directional meter |
Should You Adapt the Solar ATAP Policy?
Deciding to “go ATAP” depends on your energy profile.
You should adapt if:
- High Daytime Usage: If you run a home office or have businesses operating 9-to-5, Solar ATAP offers immediate savings.
- Looking for Long-term Hedge: With electricity tariffs rising, generating your own power is the best defense against inflation.
- 3-Phase Homeowners: The increased 15 kW limit allows for larger systems that can support electric vehicle (EV) charging.
Think twice if:
- Night-only Usage: If you are never home during the day and have no “smart” appliances to schedule, you may need a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to make Solar ATAP truly viable, as credits don’t roll over to the next month.
How to Get Started
- Check Your Bills: Look at your average monthly consumption ($kWh$). This helps determine your “Maximum Demand.”
- Find a Registered PV Provider: Only SEDA-registered service providers can handle Solar ATAP applications.
- Technical Study: For larger systems, your provider will conduct a Connection Assessment Study (CAS).
- Submission: Your provider will submit the application via the SEDA eATAP portal.
Ready to Install Solar at Your Home Under the ATAP Policy?
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A. What is the Solar ATAP Policy 2026?
The Solar Accelerated Transition Action Programme (Solar ATAP) is Malaysia’s latest regulatory framework for solar energy, launched in January 2026. It replaces the old NEM 3.0 system. Its primary goal is to accelerate the nation’s renewable energy capacity by removing fixed quotas and moving toward a more market-driven energy exchange, allowing more homeowners and businesses to generate their own power.
B. What happens to my excess energy credits at the end of the month?
Under Solar ATAP, the credit system has changed. Unlike NEM 3.0, which allowed credits to roll over for 24 months, ATAP credits reset monthly. Any surplus energy you export to the TNB grid will offset your current month’s bill, but any remaining “balance” will be forfeited at the end of the billing cycle. This makes the system “right-sizing” essential.
C. What happens when my 10-year Solar ATAP contract expires?
The 10-year contract period covers your ability to export surplus energy for bill credits. Once it expires:
- You continue to own the panels and use the “free” energy they produce during the day.
- Your account transitions to a Self-Consumption (SelCo) model, meaning you still save on your daytime usage, but you will no longer receive credits for any energy sent back to the grid.
D. Can I install a larger solar system under ATAP than I could under NEM?
Yes, the limits have been expanded to support modern needs like EV charging.
- Single-Phase Homes: Up to 5 kW.
- Three-Phase Homes: Up to 15 kW (an increase from the previous 12.5 kW limit).
- Commercial Users: Up to 100% of their Maximum Demand.
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