Malaysia Launches Solar Accelerated Transition Action Programme (Solar ATAP) to Revolutionize Rooftop Solar Adoption
The new ATAP solar scheme, officially titled the Solar Accelerated Transition Action Programme (Solar ATAP), is set to launch in Malaysia on December 1, 2025, marking a bold continuation and enhancement of the country's rooftop solar initiatives following the conclusion of the Net Energy Metering (NEM) programme earlier this year.
Solar ATAP builds on the foundation laid by NEM by allowing consumers, households, businesses, and institutions to install rooftop solar systems that can supply up to 100% of their maximum electricity demand. This significant upgrade means users can now potentially meet their entire electricity needs through solar energy, maximizing the use of rooftop space across the nation.
One of the key features distinguishing Solar ATAP from its predecessor is the implementation of a market-based energy offset rate. Instead of the fixed one-to-one energy offset used in NEM, Solar ATAP uses the System Marginal Price (SMP), which reflects real-time market electricity prices when crediting excess solar energy exported back to the grid. This approach aims for sustainability, fairness, and aligns incentives with market conditions, encouraging wider adoption and efficient energy use.
The programme's guidelines and registration systems will be available on the Energy Commission and Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia websites starting December 1. It is designed to be more flexible and beneficial, catering to modern energy consumption demands and encouraging distributed generation—that is, power produced at or near where it is consumed. This reduces transmission losses and enhances grid resilience.
Solar ATAP is also a strategic step toward Malaysia's ambitious renewable energy target of achieving 70% renewable energy capacity in the electricity supply by 2050, in line with national principles like Malaysia MADANI. By unlocking the potential of rooftop solar generation especially on commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings, this scheme is expected to drive significant growth in clean energy adoption nationwide.
Overall, Solar ATAP promises a revolutionary pathway for Malaysians to embrace solar energy more fully, financially benefiting from their own clean energy production while contributing to a sustainable national energy future.
Key Highlights of Solar ATAP
Launch date: December 1, 2025
Allows rooftop solar installations up to 100% of electricity demand
Surplus solar energy credited based on market electricity price (System Marginal Price)
Registration and guidelines accessible via Energy Commission and SEDA Malaysia websites
Continues and improves upon NEM’s energy offset principle with better sustainability and incentive structure
Supports Malaysia’s goal of 70% renewable energy capacity by 2050
Promotes distributed energy generation to enhance grid efficiency and resilience
This new scheme represents Malaysia’s commitment to accelerating its renewable energy transition by empowering consumers and optimizing rooftop solar potential on a broad scale.