Malaysia updates residential solar net metering guidelines

Malaysia’s energy regulator, Suruhanjaya Tenaga, has released updated guidelines for residential rooftop solar installations under the NEM Rakyat and NEM GoMEn net metering schemes in Peninsular Malaysia. Under NEM Rakyat, single-phase residential connections are limited to 5 kWac, while three-phase connections are limited to 12.5 kWac. The NEM GoMEn scheme allows for systems up to 1,000 kW, subject to technical and network constraints.

Under these arrangements, excess electricity generated is exported to the Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) grid and credited against consumption on a 1:1 basis. These credits can be carried forward for up to 12 months. The net metering arrangement remains valid for 10 years.

In a related development, the Penang Consumers Association (CAP) has called on the government to consider regulated balcony solar programs. This initiative aims to assist apartment dwellers and renters who lack rooftop access. CAP cited the success of ‘plug-in’ balcony solar systems in Germany as a model for making renewable energy more accessible and affordable for high-rise residents.