Solar ATAP or SelCo? Choose the Right Malaysia Solar Route
Solar ATAP and SelCo are different regulatory routes, not two names for the same installation. Solar ATAP provides a framework for eligible export and bill settlement. The Energy Commission’s June 2026 SelCo guideline is for electricity used within the same premises and requires a grid-connected system to prevent export at all times.
Solar ATAP: design with settlement in mind
Under Solar ATAP, the proposal should show direct self-consumption, expected export, remaining imports and the applicable settlement assumptions. For homes, same-billing-period limits and bill components such as AFA matter. Capacity and connection requirements must follow the latest programme guidance.
SelCo: design for on-site use with no export
The June 2026 SelCo guideline covers off-grid and grid-connected self-consumption. For grid-connected systems, electricity must be used within the premises and no power may be evacuated to the utility system at any time. Appropriate export-limiting equipment may therefore be required.
The guideline states domestic grid-connected limits of 5kWac for single-phase and 15kWac for three-phase. It does not set a capacity limit for non-domestic consumers provided technical and regulatory requirements are met. Non-domestic installations above 1MWac have specific battery and other requirements, while connection-assessment obligations apply according to capacity.
Five questions that determine the route
- Is export intended or must the system operate without export?
- How much stable daytime load exists on the same premises?
- Is the customer domestic or non-domestic, and what is the supply phase?
- What capacity, study, licensing and submission requirements apply?
- Does the business need environmental attributes or a specific commercial structure?
Do not combine routes casually
The SelCo guideline states it does not apply to premises installed with or applying for NEM or Solar ATAP, and that a separate SelCo installation shall not be installed at such premises. Route selection should happen before equipment and financial assumptions are finalized.
HOMI can review the property, bill, daytime load and intended operating model, then identify which official route needs detailed technical confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between Solar ATAP and SelCo?
Solar ATAP includes an eligible export and settlement framework, while grid-connected SelCo requires electricity to be used on-site with no export to the utility system.
Can I install separate SelCo and Solar ATAP systems at one premise?
The June 2026 SelCo guideline says it does not apply to premises installed with or applying for NEM or Solar ATAP, and no separate SelCo installation shall be installed there.
Does SelCo have a non-domestic capacity limit?
The June 2026 guideline states no capacity limit for non-domestic consumers, subject to all technical and regulatory requirements.
When is a connection assessment needed under SelCo?
The guideline sets study requirements around the 72kWac threshold and allows the utility to require a self-assessment at or below that capacity.
This article reflects official information checked on 1 August 2026 and is general guidance. Programme rules, tariff treatment, approval and actual savings remain subject to the latest PETRA, SEDA, Energy Commission and TNB requirements plus the property bill, roof and usage pattern.
Official sources
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