Malaysia’s solar energy journey is entering a new phase. With the conclusion of the Net Energy Metering (NEM) 3.0 programme earlier this year, the government has announced a brand-new replacement – the Solar Accelerated Transition Action Programme (Solar ATAP).
This initiative, announced by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), is set to launch on 1 December 2025. Solar ATAP aims to provide consumers with a more flexible, market-driven, and sustainable way to adopt solar energy, marking a major step forward in Malaysia’s renewable energy transition.
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What is Solar ATAP?
Solar ATAP is designed as a continuation and enhancement of previous programmes such as NEM and NOVA (Net Offset Virtual Aggregation). It maintains the core principle of energy offset – allowing consumers to generate electricity through rooftop solar systems and sell excess energy back to the national grid.
However, Solar ATAP introduces a more dynamic crediting mechanism. Under this new programme, excess energy exported to the grid will be credited based on the System Marginal Price (SMP) – the wholesale electricity clearing price that fluctuates every 30 minutes.
This shift from fixed credit rates to SMP-based pricing ensures that exported solar energy reflects real-time market value, creating a fairer and more sustainable framework for both consumers and the national grid.
How to apply for Solar ATAP?
Recharge Xolutions, as we partner with Eleaps, is a registered contractor and service provider that is eligible to handle the entire application process with the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) and perform the solar system installation for you. We handle A-Z for our customers, and want to ensure our customers can sit back and relax without worrying about paperwork.
Key principles of Solar ATAP
The implementation of Solar ATAP is anchored on three fundamental principles:
- Continuation of NEM’s Core Concept
Solar ATAP retains the NEM model that allows surplus solar energy to be sold to the grid as an energy offset. Adjustments have been made to make it more attractive than the existing Solar for Self-consumption (SelCo) programme. - Market-Based Energy Offset Rates
The offset rate for exported electricity will be determined based on the System Marginal Price (SMP) – similar to the mechanism used under NEM NOVA. This ensures the programme’s long-term sustainability and alignment with real market conditions. - 100% Installation Capacity
Consumers can now install solar systems with capacities of up to 100% of their maximum demand, allowing them to fully optimise rooftop solar generation for self-use.
Key advantages of Solar ATAP
- Unlimited Quota
Unlike previous NEM rounds, Solar ATAP has no quota limit, providing broader access to all consumers interested in adopting solar power. - Solar Capacity Limits
- Low Voltage (LV): Up to 100% of fuse rating or CT ratio – suitable for homes and small businesses.
- Medium/High Voltage (MV/HV): Up to 100% of Maximum Demand (MD) – for large commercial and industrial users.
- Low Voltage (LV): Up to 100% of fuse rating or CT ratio – suitable for homes and small businesses.
- Eligibility
Open to all TNB customers, including both domestic and non-domestic tariffs, and even existing NEM and SELCO users. - Contract Period
Lifetime validity, offering long-term stability and investment confidence for solar adopters.
Implementation timeline and guidelines
Preparations for the programme guidelines and registration system are currently underway. The official guidelines and application procedures will be published on 1 December 2025 via the Energy Commission (Suruhanjaya Tenaga, ST) and Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA Malaysia) websites.
Once launched, the Solar ATAP programme is expected to significantly boost distributed generation within Malaysia’s electricity system – empowering users to make full use of rooftop spaces for renewable energy generation.
Supporting Malaysia’s renewable energy aspirations
PETRA, as the lead agency driving the national energy transition agenda, is confident that Solar ATAP will play a crucial role in achieving Malaysia’s long-term renewable energy goals.
The programme supports the nation’s aspiration to reach 70% renewable energy capacity in the electricity supply mix by 2050, ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future for current and future generations – in line with the Malaysia MADANI principles.
Recharge Xolutions’ extra perks for solar system installations
Users may enjoy the following additional benefits upon solar installation with Recharge Xolutions:
- Free 1-year O&M service (valued at RM800)
- 60-month solar installment plan
- 6-month cash rebate
- RM500 cash voucher
Source: The Edge Malaysia | Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA)