What Is Solar ATAP?

Solar Accelerated Transition Action Programme (Solar ATAP) is a Malaysia programme for rooftop solar where customers primarily use solar for self-consumption, with provisions that surplus energy may be exported to the grid under programme rules.

It is regulated through guidelines issued by Suruhanjaya Tenaga (Energy Commission) and implemented via an application flow that involves your electricity utility and registered PV service providers.

How Solar ATAP works

Solar ATAP is designed as an indirect (behind-the-meter) connection, meaning the solar PV system connects to your internal electrical installation before the utility meter. A bi-directional meter is referenced in the official guideline to measure both imported electricity and any exported excess energy.

Eligibility and Programme Notes

Key eligibility points in the Solar ATAP guideline include:

• Intended for existing consumers, with restrictions (e.g., multi-tenant consumers are not eligible under stated criteria).
• Customers already in NEM or with existing self-consumption PV may join if they terminate the existing arrangement and meet requirements.
• Programme availability can be subject to government-determined capacity and first-come-first-served timing.

Capacity Limits

For non-domestic (C&I / many government) customers, the guideline states sizing is tied to Maximum Demand, with:

• Inverter output not more than 100% of Maximum Demand (based on a 12-month average or declared MD if <12 months).
• A stated cap that the non-domestic installation shall not exceed 1,000 kW.

Important Nuance: ATAP vs Pure Self-Consumption (SELCO)

In Malaysia, SELCO (self-consumption) is commonly described as no export allowed. Solar ATAP, by contrast, is described as enabling self-consumption while allowing surplus export under its programme structure.

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Conclusion
Solar ATAP is best understood as a structured pathway for organisations to deploy rooftop solar with clear eligibility, sizing discipline, and grid compliance expectations. For commercial, industrial, and government facilities, the biggest wins come from getting the load profile and design assumptions right from day one. This way, the system performs predictably, not just impressively on paper.

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Sources:

• Suruhanjaya Tenaga (Energy Commission): Solar ATAP Guidelines (effective 1 Jan 2026)
• SEDA: Solar ATAP programme page
• SEDA: Self-Consumption (SELCO) overview