The Malaysian government is gearing up to roll out a new rooftop solar programme meant to take over from the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme. That’s the word from the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), which dropped the announcement earlier.
What’s in a Name? Why “ATAP”?
The replacement of Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme is called Solar Accelerated Transition Action Programme, better known as Solar ATAP. And yes, it’s not a coincidence that “atap” is roof in Bahasa Malaysia. Fitting, since this is all about rooftop solar.
Though the name is official, most of the juicy details are still under wraps. PETRA says that registration will open on 1 December 2025, and that’s when the full guidelines will go live on the Energy Commission (ST) and SEDA Malaysia’s websites.
What is known: Solar ATAP is meant to carry forward some of the foundational ideas of the old NEM and its companion policies. That includes using energy offset (i.e. using surplus solar generation to reduce your electricity bill) and a marginal price system. In other words, the new scheme isn’t a radical break — it’s intended to be an evolution.
What Was NEM, and What Happened to It?
To understand why Solar ATAP is getting buzz, it helps to remember what NEM did and why it ended.
Under NEM (Net Energy Metering), homeowners (and other consumers) who installed solar panels could offset their electricity consumption directly. If your system produced more energy than you used at a given moment, the excess would help reduce your electricity bill on a roughly one-to-one basis.
That scheme officially came to an end in late June 2025, coinciding with the rollout of a new electricity tariff structure.
When NEM ended, PETRA made it clear that existing solar users under NEM contracts wouldn’t be left hanging — they’ll continue under the same terms for the remainder of their contracts. The same assurance applies to people who are part of the MBIPV (Malaysian Building Integrated Photovoltaics) programme.
So if you were already on NEM, your status doesn’t immediately change. But for folks whose “offset periods” — the timeframe during which your excess energy can offset your bill — have ended, new choices must be made. Here are some of the options being floated:
- Switch to other rooftop solar programmes currently open (e.g. Solar for Self-consumption Programme, aka SelCo).
- Join community programmes like CREAM (Community Renewable Energy Aggregation Mechanism)
- Add energy storage (e.g. battery systems) so your system can store excess production instead of exporting it
- Evaluate whether to sign on to Solar ATAP once it opens — if eligible
Why the Change? What’s Driving the Shift?
While the announcement is relatively light on detailed justification, we can read between the lines. Here are a few reasons why the shift from NEM to Solar ATAP may be happening:
- Adaptation to new tariff structures
With Malaysia moving to a new electricity tariff (which took effect around the same time NEM ended), the old one-to-one solar offset may no longer make as much sense or be as balanced in terms of cost and incentives. - Fine-tuning incentives
The mention of a marginal price system suggests the government might want to calibrate how much credit you earn for exporting energy (versus using it yourself). That helps ensure the fairness and sustainability of the system. - Encouraging smarter usage and storage
As more solar systems go online, there’s pressure on the grid and on the energy balance. Encouraging self-consumption (using what you produce) or adding storage could lead to a more stable and efficient system overall. - Growth and scalability
A new scheme gives the government a chance to incorporate lessons from NEM, adopt new technologies, and better manage large-scale uptake.
In short, Solar ATAP looks like an attempt to keep the momentum going on rooftop solar, but with more balance and sustainability built in.
What You Need to Know — If You’re a Solar Owner or Thinking of Going Solar
If you’re already generating solar power, or you’ve been considering hopping on the rooftop solar bandwagon, here are some practical takeaways:
- Don’t panic — if you’re on NEM already and your contract is still ongoing, nothing sudden is going to change until your contract ends (or until Solar ATAP begins, if you choose to transition).
- Mark your calendar — registration opens 1 December 2025. That’s when the full rules will be published on ST and SEDA’s websites.
- Keep an eye on the details — things like how exactly the offset works, what marginal pricing means in practice, and whether you can bank credits over time — all of those will matter.
- Explore alternative options — for those whose NEM offset period has expired, programs like SelCo, CREAM, or storage solutions might be viable interim paths.
- Assess cost-benefit — depending on your electricity usage profile, generation size, and available storage, your ideal approach might shift under the new programme.
Final Thoughts
Solar ATAP is being billed as a smooth transition, rather than a harsh overhaul. Much of what NEM offered will carry forward, but with adjustments and refinements that may better align rooftop solar with Malaysia’s evolving energy landscape.
If all goes as PETRA says, December 1, 2025 will be a key date — that’s when registration opens, and the full rules will be unveiled. Between now and then, solar owners, prospective adopters, and industry watchers alike will be watching closely.
Ready to Power Your Roof?
If you’ve been thinking about going solar, this might just be your moment. Whether you want to lower your TNB bills, enjoy long-term savings, or make a genuine contribution to a cleaner Malaysia, the new Solar ATAP programme could be the gateway. Don’t wait until the slots fill up – start exploring your solar potential today.
Talk to a trusted solar installer, check your roof’s suitability, and get your energy bills analyzed. If you’d like professional guidance or a tailored proposal, reach out to your local solar expert or visit Revotech Energy to explore how rooftop solar can work for you.
