Latest news with #NetEnergyMetering
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Govt maintains credit scheme for over 96,000 rooftop solar users
PUTRAJAYA: The government will continue to allow over 96,000 existing rooftop solar users under the Malaysian Building Integrated Photovoltaic (MBIPV) and Net Energy Metering (NEM) schemes to earn electricity bill credits for the excess solar power they generate and export to the grid. In a statement on Tuesday (July 1), the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (Petra) said the continuation of the solar credit scheme aligns with the implementation of a new electricity tariff structure, effective today, that ensures fairness and transparency. Under the updated framework, these credits will differ slightly based on which programme users are enrolled in, and for how long their systems have been active. At present, there are over 82,000 solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with a combined capacity of 1.7 gigawatts (GW) in operation, with another 14,000 systems (595 megawatts) under development. The ministry noted that MBIPV users will receive credits for energy, network and capacity use for five more years, until Dec 31, 2030, while NEM 1.0 users will continue earning credits based on the displaced cost (the cost the utility avoids when solar energy replaces electricity from the grid) for ten years, until Dec 31, 2035. Meanwhile, NEM 2.0 and 3.0 users will receive similar credits for ten years from the date their solar system was installed. It added that incentive rates and calculations will be adjusted as needed to ensure the system remains fair for all electricity users and to provide equitable incentives to eligible MBIPV and NEM users, including energy efficiency rebates or other related benefits. To standardise how credits are applied across all rooftop solar programmes, the 'settlement period' or the time frame for calculating and applying these credits, will now be fixed at 12 months, replacing the previously varied timeframes. For users whose original credit period has ended, Petra said they have the option to switch to other ongoing solar initiatives, such as the Solar for Self-Consumption (SelCo) programme or the Community Renewable Energy Aggregation Mechanism (CREAM). They may also install energy storage systems or join any new solar schemes the government introduces, it said. With the conclusion of the NEM programme on June 30, rooftop solar installations will now continue under the improved SelCo programme, which allows for larger system sizes and more flexible installation setups, following earlier announcements by the government.- Bernama
Rakyat Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Rakyat Post
Solar Adopters Concerned How New Tariff Structure Will Impact Them
Subscribe to our FREE Some Malaysians who have or, plan to, adopt home solar solutions have expressed concerns over the new power tariff structure set to come into effect tomorrow (1 July), and how it may impact the value of their contributions to the energy grid as well as their returns in the long term. For solar adopters, they can sign up for TNB's Net Energy Metering (NEM) contract, in which the energy company would buy back surplus electricity that home solar panels produce by offsetting charges from the actual monthly usage of electricity. Threads user Azha Adhwa shared a post on the platform saying he heard of complaints about solar adopters who are upset with the new power tariffs. He illustrates how the promised four-year return on investment (ROI) has turned into 12 years instead. Another Threads user and solar adopter, Fariz Ahmad, shared an estimate of his electricity bill using the new tariff rates through a Based on his solar system setup that cost RM34,000, which exports up to 1,350kWh to the grid, he presented his calculations based on his monthly usage (1,500kWh) and the new tariffs, comparing the bill estimate with and without a solar setup. According to his post, Fariz only had to top up his electricty bill at around RM30 to RM70 each month, but with the new tariff scheme, he now needs to prepare about RM300 a month to reach his ROI in seven years. A quick check using TNB's solar energy bill calculator on their website, using Fariz's estimate on his full electricity consumption cost of RM652.50, it is correct that he only has to pay RM30 after the amount has been offset by the NEM. The new tariff rates are fairer, but solar credit offset is lower While many have expressed concerns over the new tariff's impact on their solar investment, it's safe to say that the updated rate structure will introduce savings on power, especially when combined with the Time of Use pricing scheme. READ MORE: A TNB The calculation is based on Fariz's import of 1,500kWh and export of 1,350kWh. As you can see underlined in red, there is about a RM340 difference in the NEM offset. Disclaimer: this tool is not endorsed by TNB or Emit Solar. It is created based on publicly available data and unverified information. It's important to note that all the calculations above, including Fariz's, are all estimations based on the new tariff rates. It remains to be seen how the new structure will truly impact solar adopters, as new specialised solar policies and incentives may rise in the future. Or, wait until the end of July to see a clearer picture of electricity bills on solar-equipped homes. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sarawak signs MoU with Chinese firms to explore floating solar at Bakun dam
SHANGHAI: The Sarawak government has formalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with two Chinese companies to jointly undertake various studies and collaborate to explore the potential development of floating solar - with a capacity not exceeding 1,000MW - on the reservoir of the Bakun dam. The MoU was formalised between the Sarawak Utility and Telecommunication Ministry, China Three Gorges International Ltd, and Shanghai Electric Power T&D Group Co Ltd at the 2025 International Solar Photovoltaic and Smart Energy Conference (SNEC PV) in Shanghai today. The signatories of the MoU were Sarawak's Permanent Secretary for the Utility and Telecommunication Ministry Datuk Jafri Lias, vice-president of China Three Gorges International Ltd Zhang Kai Hong, and Vice President of Shanghai Electric Power T&D Group Co Ltd Yang Xing Hai. Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, in his speech at the signing ceremony, said Sarawak was pleased to forge this strategic alliance with strong industry partners like CTGI and Shanghai Electric. In a speech read by Deputy Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Ibrahim Baki, Abang Johari said the strategic alliance would support the state government's aim of ensuring energy security and environmental sustainability. "Sarawak currently has a generation capacity of about 5,900MW, predominantly from renewable hydropower sources. "Sarawak targets a 10GW generation capacity by 2030, and 15GW by 2035, with renewable sources making up over 60 per cent of the capacity mix. "With its vast renewable energy resources, Sarawak has the potential to become a renewable energy powerhouse in the region," Abang Johari said. He said Sarawak's progressive renewable energy policies are accelerating the state's energy transition. He said recent amendments to the Electricity Ordinance in 2023 further underscore Sarawak's commitment to decarbonisation, with enabling provisions for large-scale solar development, consumer-generated electricity, and independent power producer participation. The premier said Sarawak's growing focus on solar energy reflects the state's approach, which includes solar-hybrid rural electrification, hydrogen-integrated solar systems, and the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme to support solar adoption in housing developments. He said Sarawak successfully generated power from its first large-scale solar installation at the Batang Ai Dam in December 2024. He said the 50MW floating solar farm, spanning over 190ha of the Batang Ai reservoir, also marks Sarawak's first integrated hydroelectric and solar power scheme. He said this initiative would pave the way for further development of floating solar projects in Sarawak at other hydropower reservoirs through privately funded investments. The MoU signing was held in conjunction with the SNEC PV+ 18th International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Conference & Exhibition, which is being held from June 10 to 13, 2025, at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai, China. The event is known as the world's largest and most influential PV trade show, attracting more than 3,000 exhibitors from 95 countries.
Miami Herald
03-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Groups head to California Supreme Court, seeking to upend solar rules
SAN DIEGO - In a few days, three environmental groups - including one from San Diego - get their chance to try to persuade the California Supreme Court to overturn a controversial rooftop solar policy issued by the California Public Utilities Commission nearly three years ago. "We've been working on this for a long time and we hope the court makes the right decision," said Roger Lin, senior attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday in Los Angeles. The case centers on whether the utilities commission, known as the CPUC, made the legally correct call when it changed the rules regarding how the estimated 2 million rooftop solar customers in California get compensated when their systems generate more electricity than they consume. In December 2022, the CPUC's five commissioners unanimously voted to approve the third iteration of the state's Net Energy Metering program, dubbed NEM 3.0. The complex 260-page decision included incentives to encourage customers to pair their solar installations with battery storage systems. But the portion of the decision that raised the most hackles revised the rules so that new rooftop solar customers would no longer be credited at the retail rate of electricity when their systems generated surplus energy. Instead, they get paid at the "actual avoided cost," which is lower. The CPUC's decision, which went into effect in April 2023, said the change sends "more accurate price signals that encourage electrification" across the state. The commission determined that changes need to be made, agreeing in large part with California utilities who said the earlier NEM rules were too generous. They argued that the growing number of rooftop installations leads to a "cost shift" that leaves customers who don't have solar paying an unfair share of the fixed costs that come with maintaining the electric system - substations, transformers, poles and wires, etc. But opponents of the CPUC decision have long disputed the cost-shift argument, saying that it does not properly take into account the benefits of rooftop solar, such as reducing the need for utilities to spend ratepayer dollars on building more infrastructure. They also argue that the lower compensation rate undercuts the incentive for potential customers to put solar on their roofs because it will take longer for new customers to recoup the cost of spending thousands of dollars on their installations. Shortly after the CPUC decision, the Center for Biological Diversity, the Environmental Working Group and San Diego-based Protect Our Communities Foundation tried to overturn NEM 3.0's rules. After the CPUC rebuffed the groups' request for a rehearing, the trio took their case to the California Court of Appeals. But in a 40-page ruling in December 2023, Associate Justice Victor Rodríguez authored a 3-0 decision upholding the CPUC's decision, saying, "We must give 'great weight' to the Commission's interpretation of the provisions of the Public Utilities Code." Rodríguez went on to write, "This uniquely deferential standard of review is accorded the Commission because of its status as 'a constitutional body with broad legislative and judicial powers.' " Undeterred, the three groups petitioned the California Supreme Court to hear their case, and last year the high court agreed. It's on the docket for oral arguments before all seven justices during Wednesday's morning session. "This case revolves around whether the Public Utilities Commission actually looked at the cost and benefits of rooftop solar, specifically," said Lin of the Center for Biological Diversity, citing a statute passed by the state Legislature that calls on the CPUC to promote the growth of renewable power in the state. The petitioners also argue the appeals court gave too much deference to the CPUC and the ruling did not go far enough to help disadvantaged communities. A spokesperson for the CPUC declined to comment on the commission's defense of its NEM 3.0 ruling, citing the "ongoing litigation," but referred to the arguments made in the appeals court ruling. Court observers say it's very unlikely the California Supreme Court will issue a ruling on Wednesday; rather, a decision is expected in about month or so. With more than 2 million solar systems atop homes, businesses and other locations, California has more rooftop installations than any state in the nation. As the new rules are currently written, solar customers who had their systems installed under earlier iterations of NEM still get compensated at the retail rate for 20 years from the time their systems were installed before they are switched to the new rules. For example, a customer who had a system installed in 2018 gets credited at the retail rate until 2038. But after that, the customer will be credited at the lower NEM 3.0 rate. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
The Star
31-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
TIME TO SWITCH TO SOLAR
More Malaysians are discovering the benefits of solar energy as they adopt greener and more sustainable lifestyles. Solar energy, once considered a luxury only for the wealthy or eco-enthusiasts, is fast becoming a practical and affordable upgrade for landed homeowners. Thanks to improved access, lower entry costs and supportive government initiatives such as the Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme, switching to solar power has never been more attractive for Malaysian homeowners. One of the biggest draws is the potential for significant monthly savings – many households with rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have reported electricity bill reductions of 30% to 50%, depending on the size of their system and overall energy usage. While the initial investment might seem steep, the long-term value is clear. Most homeowners recover their installation costs within six to eight years and continue to enjoy substantial savings for another 15 to 20 years after that. Beyond cost savings, solar systems can also increase a property's resale value, especially in urban areas where energy-efficient features are increasingly sought after. Understanding the NEM Scheme The NEM scheme was introduced by the government for consumers to reduce their electricity bills. You can generate your own electricity by installing rooftop solar PV system for your own consumption. Now in its third iteration, NEM 3.0 was introduced with new quotas and initiatives divided into categories like NEM Rakyat (for homeowners), NEM GoMEn (for government ministries and agencies), and NOVA (for commercial and industrial users). Under the NEM Rakyat scheme, any excess electricity your solar panels generate is exported to the grid. You earn credits for this, which are then used to offset energy usage from the grid – lowering your TNB bill in the process. In simpler terms, the more solar energy your system produces, the less you pay for electricity every month. It's a win-win situation for both your wallet and the environment. The technology behind solar PV cells has created greater efficiency in absorbing sunlight, further enhancing the solar energy capture and efficiency. With advancements in solar inverter technology, today's rooftop solar PV systems are capable of offering greater energy conversion and cost savings. These developments have made solar power accessible to a broader group of Malaysians – not just the affluent few – to become 'prosumers' (producer and consumer) of green energy. Today's homeowners also benefit from: > New financing models that allow you to install rooftop solar PV with minimal upfront cost, often through monthly repayments. > Government incentives and rebates, which lower the overall cost of going solar. > Zero-interest payment plans offered by some providers to ease the financial burden further. Ravi Kumar, a homeowner from Penang, says: 'Switching to solar has been one of the best financial decisions we've made for our home. 'Our electricity bill used to average RM700 a month, especially with the air conditioning running constantly during the hotter periods. 'Now, it's consistently under RM50, sometimes even receiving a small credit back from TNB! The installation was smooth, and the team was incredibly professional. We're not just saving money; we're also proud to be doing our part for the environment.' For environmentally-conscious homeowners like Ravi, the appeal of solar extends beyond the ringgit and sen. A typical residential solar setup can reduce carbon emissions by several tonnes each year – the equivalent of planting dozens of trees annually. This makes solar adoption a personal contribution to Malaysia's broader sustainability goals and its move towards a low-carbon economy. Is solar right for you? Solar solutions work best for landed properties with ample roof space and high daylight exposure. Next, review your monthly electricity bill over the period needed to recover the long-term investment for the solar system. > Get a professional assessment of your roof's solar potential: Not all roofs are created equal when it comes to solar energy. Engage a certified solar PV service provider to evaluate key factors such as your roof's orientation, tilt angle, shading from nearby trees or buildings, and available space. This assessment will help determine how many panels your roof can accommodate, the optimal positioning for maximum sunlight exposure and the potential energy output. > Compare offers from certified solar PV service providers: Don't settle for the first quote. Approach multiple reputable and certified PV service providers to compare packages. Look at pricing, equipment quality, warranties, installation timelines and after-sales service. Check if the providers are registered under the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda) or other relevant bodies. > Understand the NEM application process and what incentives you qualify for: Malaysia's NEM scheme allows residential users to export excess electricity generated from their solar panels back to the grid for rebates or credits based on available NEM quota. Recently, the government announced an additional 100MW quota for NEM Rakyat after the original allocation of 600MW was fully subscribed. Learn how the NEM application works, including eligibility requirements, documentation needed, approval timelines and integration with your electricity bill. Also, explore any government rebates, tax incentives or green financing options available to reduce your upfront costs. Being well-informed about these mechanisms can significantly improve the return on your solar investment. Learn more about how Net Energy Metering by clicking here to view website
