Many households with solar panels have reported monthly electricity bill reductions of 30% to 50%.
More Malaysians are discovering the benefits of solar energy as they adopt greener and more sustainable lifestyles.
Solar energy, once considered a luxury only for the wealthy or eco-enthusiasts, is fast becoming a practical and affordable upgrade for landed homeowners.
Thanks to improved access, lower entry costs and supportive government initiatives such as the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme, switching to solar power has never been more attractive for Malaysian homeowners.
One of the biggest draws is the potential for significant monthly savings – many households with rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have reported electricity bill reductions of 30% to 50%, depending on the size of their system and overall energy usage. While the initial investment might seem steep, the long-term value is clear.
Most homeowners recover their installation costs within six to eight years and continue to enjoy substantial savings for another 15 to 20 years after that.
Beyond cost savings, solar systems can also increase a property’s resale value, especially in urban areas where energy-efficient features are increasingly sought after.
Understanding the NEM Scheme
The NEM scheme was introduced by the government for consumers to reduce their electricity bills. You can generate your own electricity by installing rooftop solar PV system for your own consumption.
Now in its third iteration, NEM 3.0 was introduced with new quotas and initiatives divided into categories like NEM Rakyat (for homeowners), NEM GoMEn (for government ministries and agencies), and NOVA (for commercial and industrial users).
Under the NEM Rakyat scheme, any excess electricity your solar panels generate is exported to the grid. You earn credits for this, which are then used to offset energy usage from the grid – lowering your TNB bill in the process.
In simpler terms, the more solar energy your system produces, the less you pay for electricity every month. It’s a win-win situation for both your wallet and the environment.
The technology behind solar PV cells has created greater efficiency in absorbing sunlight, further enhancing the solar energy capture and efficiency.
With advancements in solar inverter technology, today’s rooftop solar PV systems are capable of offering greater energy conversion and cost savings.
These developments have made solar power accessible to a broader group of Malaysians – not just the affluent few – to become “prosumers” (producer and consumer) of green energy.
Today’s homeowners also benefit from:
> New financing models that allow you to install rooftop solar PV with minimal upfront cost, often through monthly repayments.
> Government incentives and rebates, which lower the overall cost of going solar.
> Zero-interest payment plans offered by some providers to ease the financial burden further.
Ravi Kumar, a homeowner from Penang, says: “Switching to solar has been one of the best financial decisions we’ve made for our home.
“Our electricity bill used to average RM700 a month, especially with the air conditioning running constantly during the hotter periods.
“Now, it’s consistently under RM50, sometimes even receiving a small credit back from TNB! The installation was smooth, and the team was incredibly professional. We’re not just saving money; we’re also proud to be doing our part for the environment.”
For environmentally-conscious homeowners like Ravi, the appeal of solar extends beyond the ringgit and sen.
A typical residential solar setup can reduce carbon emissions by several tonnes each year – the equivalent of planting dozens of trees annually.
This makes solar adoption a personal contribution to Malaysia’s broader sustainability goals and its move towards a low-carbon economy.
Is solar right for you?
Solar solutions work best for landed properties with ample roof space and high daylight exposure.
Next, review your monthly electricity bill over the period needed to recover the long-term investment for the solar system.
> Get a professional assessment of your roof’s solar potential: Not all roofs are created equal when it comes to solar energy.
Engage a certified solar PV service provider to evaluate key factors such as your roof’s orientation, tilt angle, shading from nearby trees or buildings, and available space.
This assessment will help determine how many panels your roof can accommodate, the optimal positioning for maximum sunlight exposure and the potential energy output.
> Compare offers from certified solar PV service providers: Don’t settle for the first quote. Approach multiple reputable and certified PV service providers to compare packages.
Look at pricing, equipment quality, warranties, installation timelines and after-sales service. Check if the providers are registered under the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda) or other relevant bodies.
> Understand the NEM application process and what incentives you qualify for: Malaysia’s NEM scheme allows residential users to export excess electricity generated from their solar panels back to the grid for rebates or credits based on available NEM quota.
Recently, the government announced an additional 100MW quota for NEM Rakyat after the original allocation of 600MW was fully subscribed.
Learn how the NEM application works, including eligibility requirements, documentation needed, approval timelines and integration with your electricity bill.
Also, explore any government rebates, tax incentives or green financing options available to reduce your upfront costs.
Being well-informed about these mechanisms can significantly improve the return on your solar investment.
Learn more about how Net Energy Metering by clicking here to view website
