Image: SEDA Malaysia
In a continued effort to encourage wider adoption of rooftop solar systems among residential users, the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) has announced an additional 100 MW quota for the Net Energy Metering (NEM) Rakyat programme. This raises the total quota under NEM Rakyat to 600 MW since its launch in 2011.
This decision follows an overwhelming response from the public, which led to the exhaustion of the existing NEM Rakyat quota.
“In light of the strong interest, PETRA has decided to expand the NEM Rakyat quota to enable more domestic users to harness their rooftop spaces for the installation of solar PV systems”, the PETRA statement read.
The additional 100 MW allocation is now open to all domestic users under Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), effective until 30 June 2025 or until the quota is taken up — whichever comes first.
According to PETRA, this initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of democratizing the energy transition by making rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems more accessible to residential users.
Updated programme guidelines for NEM Rakyat are available on the Energy Commission’s website, while application procedures can be accessed via the Sustainable Energy Development Authority(SEDA) Malaysia.
Background on NEM 3.0
The current NEM 3.0 programme was launched in 2021, building upon the success of the earlier NEM(2016) and NEM 2.0(2019) schemes — both of which received overwhelming public interest. The total allocation under NEM 3.0 is 2,400MW, distributed across three main categories:
· NEM Rakyat: 600MW (inclusive of the newly added 100MW)
· NEM GoMEn (Government Ministries and Entities): 100MW
· NOVA (Net Offset Virtual Aggregation): 1,700MW
All programmes under NEM 3.0 are scheduled to remain in effect until 30 June 2025.
Additional Options for Solar Adoption
Beyond the NEM scheme, homeowners also have the option to install solar systems for self-use under the Solar for Self-Consumption (SelCo) programme. Those interested in leasing their rooftop space to solar producers or aggregators can consider joining the Community Renewable Energy Aggregation Scheme (CREAM).
Meanwhile, PETRA and the Energy Commission are reviewing new mechanisms and strategies to ensure the next phase of rooftop solar programmes is more inclusive and equitable. The upcoming initiative, known as TBB (Tenaga Boleh Baharu or Renewable Energy), aims to benefit a wider range of electricity users.
The ministry has reiterated its commitment to advancing Malaysia’s rooftop solar agenda in support of the national target of achieving 70% renewable energy capacity in electricity generation by 2050. This move represents a vital step toward sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and responsible energy management for future generations—resonating with the Malaysia MADANI principles.
