Govt introduces Solar for Rakyat incentive scheme

PUTRAJAYA: The government has introduced a Solar for Rakyat Incentive Scheme, a special initiative aimed at encouraging the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in residential premises under the Net Energy Metering (NEM) programme.

Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the installation of solar PV systems in residential premises by domestic users is a “quick win” measure that enables the effective utilisation of building roof space for renewable energy generation (REG).

“Considering its great potential, the installation of solar PV systems in residential premises should be expanded to support government efforts to increase the REG capacity in the electricity supply system to 70% by 2050 and reduce carbon emissions from the power supply sector,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Fadillah also said the launch of the scheme is expected to increase solar generation adoption under the NEM programme, providing rebates of RM1,000/kWac up to a maximum of RM4,000 to new NEM Rakyat users who submit their NEM applications to the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda) Malaysia on or after April 1.

He said the scheme is open to all Malaysian citizens who are TNB account holders with a one-time claim limit per individual, and is also available to first-time applicants for the NEM programme.

He added that the rebates would be given on a first come first served basis for NEM Rakyat quotas applied for from April 1 until Dec 3, and NEM Rakyat applications that are approved must be operational by March 31, 2025, or until all the scheme’s rebate quotas have been exhausted, whichever comes first.

He said in addition, rebate payments for the installation and operation of the solar PV system under the NEM Rakyat programme would only be disbursed to the bill holder’s local bank account upon completion, subject to specific claim terms and conditions, and the granting of the incentive would be handled by TNB.

Details about the programme can be found on the websites of TNB, Seda Malaysia and the Energy Commission. –