Let’s Talk Energy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Home – FAQ

Solar Basics

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts this into alternating current (AC), which powers your home or business appliances. Any excess energy can be stored in batteries or managed according to your chosen scheme (SELCO or Solar ATAP). Malaysia’s equatorial location gives us some of the highest solar irradiation in the world — averaging 4.2 to 5.6 kWh/m²/day — making solar an exceptionally smart investment here.
Most properties in Malaysia are suitable. We assess:
  • Roof condition & orientation — south-facing or east/west tilts work well
  • Available roof space — a typical 10 kWp system needs roughly 60–70 m²
  • Shading — trees, water tanks, or neighbouring buildings
  • Structural strength — to safely support panel weight
  • TNB account — you must be a registered TNB customer
Valytime Energy provides a free site assessment to determine your property’s solar potential before any commitment.
Yes! Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not just direct sunlight. On overcast days, output is reduced — typically to 10–25% of peak capacity — but the system continues to produce power. Given that Malaysia averages over 2,200 sunshine hours per year, even accounting for our rainy season, solar remains highly productive year-round. Our system designs factor in local weather patterns to ensure accurate yield projections.
Malaysia’s solar industry is governed by several bodies:
  • PETRA – Ministry of Energy Transition & Water Transformation (policy)
  • Suruhanjaya Tenaga (ST / Energy Commission) – licensing & regulations
  • SEDA Malaysia – implementing agency for NEM & solar schemes
  • TNB – grid connection, metering, and billing
Valytime Energy is a registered service provider and handles all regulatory submissions on your behalf.

Solar Schemes: NEM, SELCO & Solar ATAP

Net Energy Metering (NEM) 3.0 closed to new applications on 30 June 2025. If you were already approved under NEM 3.0, your credits remain valid for 10 years from your system’s commissioning date. The scheme that replaced NEM for new applicants is SELCO (Self-Consumption), and from 1 January 2026, Solar ATAP also becomes available for those who wish to export excess energy again.
SELCO (Self-Consumption) is the primary solar scheme now available for new applicants in Malaysia. Under SELCO:
  • All solar energy generated is consumed entirely on-site — nothing is exported to TNB’s grid
  • Your solar system offsets your TNB electricity bill directly during the day
  • No quota limitations apply to non-domestic users
  • Rooftop, ground-mounted, and floating solar installations are all permitted
  • Agricultural applications (farms, fishponds, plantations) are included
  • Systems above 1 MWac must incorporate a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) from 1 January 2026
SELCO is regulated by Suruhanjaya Tenaga and supported by TNB.
Solar ATAP (Accelerated Transition Action Programme) is Malaysia’s new rooftop solar scheme that opened for applications on 1 January 2026. It builds upon and replaces NEM. Key features:
  • Any registered TNB consumer — homeowner, business, factory, or institution — can apply
  • Allows installation of systems generating up to 100% of maximum electricity demand
  • Unlike SELCO, Solar ATAP allows excess energy to be exported back to the grid for credits at a market-based tariff rate calculated annually
  • Designed for a wider solar adoption, with a more flexible framework than NEM
Contact us to find out whether SELCO now or Solar ATAP is the right fit for your energy profile.
The right choice depends on your usage pattern:
  • Choose SELCO if you have consistent daytime energy demand (e.g. factories, offices, F&B outlets operating 8am–6pm). You start saving immediately with no waiting for scheme quotas.
  • Choose Solar ATAP if you produce more solar than you consume during the day and want to earn credits on excess energy exported to the grid — similar to the old NEM experience.
Valytime Energy will analyse your TNB bills, usage profile, and roof capacity to recommend the optimal scheme for your situation.
Existing NEM customers can continue using their systems as usual. Your bill offset benefits remain valid for the full term of your NEM agreement (10 years from commissioning date for NEM 2.0 and NEM 3.0 participants). When your NEM term expires, you can transition to SELCO or Solar ATAP. Note: switching early requires terminating your current NEM agreement and applying fresh — we advise evaluating carefully before doing so.

Installation Process

From initial consultation to system commissioning, typical timelines are:
  • Site assessment & proposal: 3–5 business days
  • Agreement & system design: 1–2 weeks
  • Permit & application submission: 1–3 weeks
  • Physical installation: 1–3 days (residential), 1–2 weeks (commercial/industrial)
  • TNB meter change & commissioning: 2–6 weeks
In total, expect approximately 6–10 weeks from signing to full operation. Valytime Energy manages all paperwork and government submissions on your behalf.
System sizing depends on your average monthly electricity consumption and daytime usage pattern. As a general guide:
  • Residential (terrace/semi-D): 5 kWp – 12 kWp
  • Bungalow / large home: 12 kWp – 25 kWp
  • SME / commercial unit: 20 kWp – 100 kWp
  • Industrial / factory: 100 kWp and above
We analyse your past 12 months of TNB bills to right-size your system so you maximise savings without costly over-investment.
Valytime Energy uses only Tier-1 certified solar panels from internationally recognised manufacturers, backed by a 25-year linear performance warranty and a minimum 12-year product warranty. Our inverters come with at least a 5-year product warranty, with extended warranty options available. We are happy to walk you through brand options during consultation so you can make an informed choice that suits your budget and performance goals.
For a smooth application process, please prepare:
  • Copy of your TNB electricity bill (last 3–12 months)
  • MyKad / IC of property owner (or SSM certificate for companies)
  • Land title or tenancy agreement (for leased properties, owner’s consent is required)
  • Property floor plan / site plan (if available)
Valytime Energy will handle all SEDA, TNB, and Energy Commission submissions on your behalf.

Savings & ROI

Savings vary based on your consumption, tariff category, and how much of your usage falls during solar production hours. In general:
  • Residential: 30% – 80% reduction in monthly bill
  • Commercial & Industrial: 20% – 60% reduction in energy costs (depending on operating hours)
Businesses that operate primarily during the day (8am–5pm) benefit the most from solar, as this aligns with peak solar generation hours. We provide a detailed savings projection with every proposal.
For most Malaysian solar installations, the payback period is approximately 5 to 8 years, factoring in:
  • 80%+ daytime self-consumption
  • TNB tariff escalation of ~2% annually
  • System lifespan of 25+ years
This means most customers enjoy 17–20 years of essentially free electricity after payback. With rising electricity tariffs, earlier adopters consistently see better returns.
Yes! Solar is a long-term investment and we offer flexible financing options to reduce upfront costs:
  • Cash purchase — best ROI, full ownership from day one
  • Bank financing / green loans — several Malaysian banks offer special green financing rates for solar
  • Solar-as-a-Service (Power Purchase Agreement) — zero upfront cost; you pay a discounted rate for electricity generated; the system is owned by the developer
  • HRDF / SME grants — eligible businesses may access government incentive programmes
Our consultants will help you compare options and identify the best structure for your situation.
Yes. Malaysian businesses installing solar systems may benefit from:
  • Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA) — 100% investment tax allowance on qualifying capital expenditure for approved green technology assets
  • Green Income Tax Exemption (GITE) — exemption on statutory income from green technology activities
  • Accelerated Capital Allowance — faster depreciation on renewable energy assets
We recommend consulting your tax advisor for the latest eligibility criteria. Valytime Energy can provide the necessary technical documentation to support your application.

Maintenance & Warranties

In Malaysia’s climate, we recommend cleaning panels every 3–6 months, as dust, bird droppings, and organic residue can reduce output by 5–15%. An annual professional inspection is also advisable to check wiring, mounting structures, and inverter performance. Valytime Energy offers O&M (Operations & Maintenance) packages that include scheduled cleaning, system monitoring, and performance reporting to protect your investment long-term.
A standard Valytime Energy solar installation includes:
  • Solar panels: 12-year product warranty + 25-year linear performance guarantee (≥80% output at year 25)
  • Inverter: 5-year product warranty (extendable)
  • Mounting structure: 10-year structural warranty
  • Workmanship: 5-year workmanship warranty from Valytime Energy
We also provide ongoing remote monitoring so issues are detected and resolved proactively.
All our installed systems come with real-time monitoring accessible via a mobile app or web portal. You can track:
  • Live energy generation (kWh)
  • Self-consumption vs. grid usage
  • Monthly and cumulative savings in Ringgit (RM)
  • CO₂ emissions offset
  • Alerts for any underperformance or faults
Our team also conducts periodic performance reviews and will notify you if output falls below expected levels.

Battery Energy Storage (BESS)

Batteries are optional for most residential and small commercial systems, but highly recommended if:
  • You want to use solar energy at night or during peak demand hours (2pm–10pm)
  • Your property is in an area with frequent power outages
  • You want full energy independence
Mandatory: From 1 January 2026, SELCO systems above 1 MWac must incorporate a BESS. Adding battery storage later is possible if your system is designed to be “BESS-ready” — ask us about this option.
Battery prices have dropped significantly in recent years and continue to fall. For residential systems, a quality BESS typically adds RM 8,000 – RM 25,000 to a system, depending on capacity (kWh) and brand. For commercial and industrial projects, cost is calculated per kWh of storage capacity. Valytime Energy will model the financial case for adding BESS to your specific project, including the impact on ROI and payback period.
Technically possible, but for most urban and suburban properties in Peninsular Malaysia, a grid-tied system with BESS is more economical than a fully off-grid setup. Going fully off-grid requires a much larger battery bank to cover cloudy days and nighttime usage, significantly increasing cost. Most customers achieve near-zero bills with a well-designed grid-tied + BESS system while retaining TNB as a reliable backup — the best of both worlds.

Solar Basics

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts this into alternating current (AC), which powers your home or business appliances. Any excess energy can be stored in batteries or managed according to your chosen scheme (SELCO or Solar ATAP). Malaysia’s equatorial location gives us some of the highest solar irradiation in the world — averaging 4.2 to 5.6 kWh/m²/day — making solar an exceptionally smart investment here.
Most properties in Malaysia are suitable. We assess:
  • Roof condition & orientation — south-facing or east/west tilts work well
  • Available roof space — a typical 10 kWp system needs roughly 60–70 m²
  • Shading — trees, water tanks, or neighbouring buildings
  • Structural strength — to safely support panel weight
  • TNB account — you must be a registered TNB customer
Valytime Energy provides a free site assessment to determine your property’s solar potential before any commitment.
Yes! Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not just direct sunlight. On overcast days, output is reduced — typically to 10–25% of peak capacity — but the system continues to produce power. Given that Malaysia averages over 2,200 sunshine hours per year, even accounting for our rainy season, solar remains highly productive year-round. Our system designs factor in local weather patterns to ensure accurate yield projections.
Malaysia’s solar industry is governed by several bodies:
  • PETRA – Ministry of Energy Transition & Water Transformation (policy)
  • Suruhanjaya Tenaga (ST / Energy Commission) – licensing & regulations
  • SEDA Malaysia – implementing agency for NEM & solar schemes
  • TNB – grid connection, metering, and billing
Valytime Energy is a registered service provider and handles all regulatory submissions on your behalf.

Solar Schemes: NEM, SELCO & Solar ATAP

Net Energy Metering (NEM) 3.0 closed to new applications on 30 June 2025. If you were already approved under NEM 3.0, your credits remain valid for 10 years from your system’s commissioning date. The scheme that replaced NEM for new applicants is SELCO (Self-Consumption), and from 1 January 2026, Solar ATAP also becomes available for those who wish to export excess energy again.
SELCO (Self-Consumption) is the primary solar scheme now available for new applicants in Malaysia. Under SELCO:
  • All solar energy generated is consumed entirely on-site — nothing is exported to TNB’s grid
  • Your solar system offsets your TNB electricity bill directly during the day
  • No quota limitations apply to non-domestic users
  • Rooftop, ground-mounted, and floating solar installations are all permitted
  • Agricultural applications (farms, fishponds, plantations) are included
  • Systems above 1 MWac must incorporate a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) from 1 January 2026
SELCO is regulated by Suruhanjaya Tenaga and supported by TNB.
Solar ATAP (Accelerated Transition Action Programme) is Malaysia’s new rooftop solar scheme that opened for applications on 1 January 2026. It builds upon and replaces NEM. Key features:
  • Any registered TNB consumer — homeowner, business, factory, or institution — can apply
  • Allows installation of systems generating up to 100% of maximum electricity demand
  • Unlike SELCO, Solar ATAP allows excess energy to be exported back to the grid for credits at a market-based tariff rate calculated annually
  • Designed for a wider solar adoption, with a more flexible framework than NEM
Contact us to find out whether SELCO now or Solar ATAP is the right fit for your energy profile.
The right choice depends on your usage pattern:
  • Choose SELCO if you have consistent daytime energy demand (e.g. factories, offices, F&B outlets operating 8am–6pm). You start saving immediately with no waiting for scheme quotas.
  • Choose Solar ATAP if you produce more solar than you consume during the day and want to earn credits on excess energy exported to the grid — similar to the old NEM experience.
Valytime Energy will analyse your TNB bills, usage profile, and roof capacity to recommend the optimal scheme for your situation.
Existing NEM customers can continue using their systems as usual. Your bill offset benefits remain valid for the full term of your NEM agreement (10 years from commissioning date for NEM 2.0 and NEM 3.0 participants). When your NEM term expires, you can transition to SELCO or Solar ATAP. Note: switching early requires terminating your current NEM agreement and applying fresh — we advise evaluating carefully before doing so.

Installation Process

From initial consultation to system commissioning, typical timelines are:
  • Site assessment & proposal: 3–5 business days
  • Agreement & system design: 1–2 weeks
  • Permit & application submission: 1–3 weeks
  • Physical installation: 1–3 days (residential), 1–2 weeks (commercial/industrial)
  • TNB meter change & commissioning: 2–6 weeks
In total, expect approximately 6–10 weeks from signing to full operation. Valytime Energy manages all paperwork and government submissions on your behalf.
System sizing depends on your average monthly electricity consumption and daytime usage pattern. As a general guide:
  • Residential (terrace/semi-D): 5 kWp – 12 kWp
  • Bungalow / large home: 12 kWp – 25 kWp
  • SME / commercial unit: 20 kWp – 100 kWp
  • Industrial / factory: 100 kWp and above
We analyse your past 12 months of TNB bills to right-size your system so you maximise savings without costly over-investment.
Valytime Energy uses only Tier-1 certified solar panels from internationally recognised manufacturers, backed by a 25-year linear performance warranty and a minimum 12-year product warranty. Our inverters come with at least a 5-year product warranty, with extended warranty options available. We are happy to walk you through brand options during consultation so you can make an informed choice that suits your budget and performance goals.
For a smooth application process, please prepare:
  • Copy of your TNB electricity bill (last 3–12 months)
  • MyKad / IC of property owner (or SSM certificate for companies)
  • Land title or tenancy agreement (for leased properties, owner’s consent is required)
  • Property floor plan / site plan (if available)
Valytime Energy will handle all SEDA, TNB, and Energy Commission submissions on your behalf.

Savings & ROI

Savings vary based on your consumption, tariff category, and how much of your usage falls during solar production hours. In general:
  • Residential: 30% – 80% reduction in monthly bill
  • Commercial & Industrial: 20% – 60% reduction in energy costs (depending on operating hours)
Businesses that operate primarily during the day (8am–5pm) benefit the most from solar, as this aligns with peak solar generation hours. We provide a detailed savings projection with every proposal.
For most Malaysian solar installations, the payback period is approximately 5 to 8 years, factoring in:
  • 80%+ daytime self-consumption
  • TNB tariff escalation of ~2% annually
  • System lifespan of 25+ years
This means most customers enjoy 17–20 years of essentially free electricity after payback. With rising electricity tariffs, earlier adopters consistently see better returns.
Yes! Solar is a long-term investment and we offer flexible financing options to reduce upfront costs:
  • Cash purchase — best ROI, full ownership from day one
  • Bank financing / green loans — several Malaysian banks offer special green financing rates for solar
  • Solar-as-a-Service (Power Purchase Agreement) — zero upfront cost; you pay a discounted rate for electricity generated; the system is owned by the developer
  • HRDF / SME grants — eligible businesses may access government incentive programmes
Our consultants will help you compare options and identify the best structure for your situation.
Yes. Malaysian businesses installing solar systems may benefit from:
  • Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA) — 100% investment tax allowance on qualifying capital expenditure for approved green technology assets
  • Green Income Tax Exemption (GITE) — exemption on statutory income from green technology activities
  • Accelerated Capital Allowance — faster depreciation on renewable energy assets
We recommend consulting your tax advisor for the latest eligibility criteria. Valytime Energy can provide the necessary technical documentation to support your application.

Maintenance & Warranties

In Malaysia’s climate, we recommend cleaning panels every 3–6 months, as dust, bird droppings, and organic residue can reduce output by 5–15%. An annual professional inspection is also advisable to check wiring, mounting structures, and inverter performance. Valytime Energy offers O&M (Operations & Maintenance) packages that include scheduled cleaning, system monitoring, and performance reporting to protect your investment long-term.
A standard Valytime Energy solar installation includes:
  • Solar panels: 12-year product warranty + 25-year linear performance guarantee (≥80% output at year 25)
  • Inverter: 5-year product warranty (extendable)
  • Mounting structure: 10-year structural warranty
  • Workmanship: 5-year workmanship warranty from Valytime Energy
We also provide ongoing remote monitoring so issues are detected and resolved proactively.
All our installed systems come with real-time monitoring accessible via a mobile app or web portal. You can track:
  • Live energy generation (kWh)
  • Self-consumption vs. grid usage
  • Monthly and cumulative savings in Ringgit (RM)
  • CO₂ emissions offset
  • Alerts for any underperformance or faults
Our team also conducts periodic performance reviews and will notify you if output falls below expected levels.

Battery Energy Storage (BESS)

Batteries are optional for most residential and small commercial systems, but highly recommended if:
  • You want to use solar energy at night or during peak demand hours (2pm–10pm)
  • Your property is in an area with frequent power outages
  • You want full energy independence
Mandatory: From 1 January 2026, SELCO systems above 1 MWac must incorporate a BESS. Adding battery storage later is possible if your system is designed to be “BESS-ready” — ask us about this option.
Battery prices have dropped significantly in recent years and continue to fall. For residential systems, a quality BESS typically adds RM 8,000 – RM 25,000 to a system, depending on capacity (kWh) and brand. For commercial and industrial projects, cost is calculated per kWh of storage capacity. Valytime Energy will model the financial case for adding BESS to your specific project, including the impact on ROI and payback period.
Technically possible, but for most urban and suburban properties in Peninsular Malaysia, a grid-tied system with BESS is more economical than a fully off-grid setup. Going fully off-grid requires a much larger battery bank to cover cloudy days and nighttime usage, significantly increasing cost. Most customers achieve near-zero bills with a well-designed grid-tied + BESS system while retaining TNB as a reliable backup — the best of both worlds.