Malaysia’s New Solar ATAP Program Is Here
As of January 1, 2026, Malaysia’s Solar Accelerated Transition Action Programme (Solar ATAP) has officially replaced the Net Energy Metering (NEM) 3.0 scheme. Introduced by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), Solar ATAP is designed to maximise rooftop solar adoption across the country.
For Ipoh homeowners considering solar panels, this is important news. Here’s what’s changed and what it means for you.
Key Differences from NEM 3.0
| Feature | NEM 3.0 (Ended June 2025) | Solar ATAP (From Jan 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Quota | 2,400 MW national quota | No specific quota |
| Capacity limit | Varied by category | 100% of maximum demand (up to 1 MW) |
| Export rate | 1:1 retail offset | Market-based rate (SMP) |
| Application | Through SEDA portal | Through new Solar ATAP portal |
What This Means for Ipoh Homeowners
No more quota limits. Under NEM 3.0, there was a national quota of 2,400 MW that could run out. Solar ATAP removes this barrier, making it easier for more homeowners to participate.
Higher capacity allowed. You can now install a system up to 100% of your maximum electricity demand. For most homes in Ipoh, this means you can size your system to fully offset your TNB bill.
Export rates are market-based. Instead of a fixed 1:1 retail offset, excess energy is valued at the System Marginal Price (SMP). For residential users, the export rate is approximately RM0.27–RM0.37 per kWh depending on your consumption tier.
Should You Go Solar Now?
With no quota restrictions and rising electricity costs (TNB’s base tariff increased 13.6% in July 2025), the economics of rooftop solar in Ipoh have never been stronger. A typical 5–7 kWp system costs RM18,000–RM30,000 and pays for itself in 5–7 years.
