Introduction
As Solar ATAP (Self Consumption Solar PV) will be officially launch on 1st January 2026, and continues to gain traction in Malaysia, many homeowners and business owners find themselves overwhelmed by technical jargon used by installers, utilities, and regulators. Understanding these terms is essential for making informed decisions, evaluating quotations, and managing expectations around performance, savings, and compliance.
This glossary is designed to provide clear, professional, and layman friendly explanations of the most commonly used Solar ATAP terms in Malaysia. Whether you are a homeowner exploring solar for the first time or a business owner planning a larger installation, this guide will help you speak the same language as solar professionals.
A
ATAP (Self Consumption)
ATAP refers to Malaysia’s self consumption solar scheme, where electricity generated by your solar panels is used directly by your home or building. Any excess energy produced during the day can be exported to the grid, subject to prevailing regulations. The main goal of ATAP is to reduce your electricity bill, not to sell electricity as a primary income.
AC (Alternating Current)
AC is the type of electricity used by household appliances and supplied by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB). Solar panels generate DC electricity, which must be converted to AC using an inverter before it can be used.
B
Bi Directional Meter
A bi directional meter measures both electricity imported from the grid and electricity exported back to the grid. Under Solar ATAP, this meter is essential for tracking surplus solar energy sent to TNB.
BOS (Balance of System)
BOS refers to all supporting components of a solar system excluding the solar panels themselves. This includes mounting structures, cables, DC and AC isolators, combiner boxes, and monitoring systems.
C
DC (Direct Current)
DC electricity flows in one direction and is produced by solar panels. Since household appliances cannot use DC directly, it must be converted into AC by an inverter.
Curtailment
Curtailment occurs when the solar system is intentionally limited or shut down to prevent over export or grid instability. This may happen due to grid constraints or regulatory limits.
E
Export Limit
This is the maximum amount of excess solar energy allowed to be exported to the grid. Export limits are set by TNB to protect grid stability and vary depending on location and system size.
Energy Yield
Energy yield refers to the total amount of electricity generated by a solar system, usually measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). Higher energy yield generally means greater bill savings.
G
GCPV (Grid Connected Photovoltaic)
A GCPV system is connected directly to the electricity grid. Most Solar ATAP systems in Malaysia are grid connected, meaning they work together with TNB supply.
Grid Synchronisation
This refers to the inverter matching the grid’s voltage, frequency, and phase before supplying electricity. It ensures safe and stable operation.
I
Inverter
The inverter is often described as the brain of the solar system. It converts DC electricity from solar panels into usable AC electricity and manages grid interaction, safety, and system monitoring.
IP Rating
IP (Ingress Protection) rating indicates how well equipment is protected against dust and water. For solar inverters installed outdoors, a higher IP rating means better durability in Malaysia’s humid and rainy climate.
K
kW (Kilowatt)
Kilowatt measures power capacity. In solar, it describes the size of the system. For example, a 10 kW system can produce up to 10 kilowatts of power under ideal conditions.
kWh (Kilowatt hour)
Kilowatt hour measures energy consumption or production over time. This is the unit shown on your TNB electricity bill.
L
LSS (Large Scale Solar)
LSS refers to utility scale solar farms and is different from ATAP, which focuses on rooftop self consumption systems.
Load
Load refers to the electrical demand of your home or building. Understanding load patterns is crucial for designing an efficient Solar ATAP system.
M
MGTC (Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation)
MGTC is the government agency responsible for green technology incentives, certifications, and programmes such as GITA.
Monitoring System
A monitoring system allows system owners to track real time performance, energy production, and system health through a web portal or mobile app.
N
NEM (Net Energy Metering)
NEM is a solar scheme where excess electricity exported to the grid is offset against imported electricity. While related, NEM differs from ATAP in structure and eligibility.
P
PV (Photovoltaic)
Photovoltaic refers to the technology that converts sunlight into electricity. Solar panels are PV modules.
Payback Period
The payback period is the time required for electricity savings to recover the initial investment cost of the solar system. In Malaysia, Solar ATAP payback typically ranges from 4 to 7 years.
R
Rooftop Assessment
This is an evaluation of roof condition, orientation, tilt angle, and structural strength to determine suitability for solar installation.
ROI (Return on Investment)
ROI measures how profitable your solar investment is over its lifetime, taking into account savings, incentives, and system lifespan.
S
Solar Panel (Module)
Solar panels are devices installed on rooftops that capture sunlight and convert it into DC electricity.
Surplus Energy
Surplus energy is electricity generated by the solar system that is not immediately consumed and may be exported to the grid.
T
TNB (Tenaga Nasional Berhad)
TNB is Malaysia’s national electricity utility responsible for grid connection approvals, metering, and electricity supply.
Transformer Capacity
This refers to the maximum electrical load that a local transformer can handle. Limited transformer capacity may restrict solar system size or export allowance.
W
Warranty
Solar systems typically come with panel performance warranties (up to 25 years) and inverter warranties (5–10 years). Understanding warranty coverage is essential for long term reliability.
SEO Optimised FAQ (Structured for Featured Snippets)
What is Solar ATAP in Malaysia?
Solar ATAP is a self consumption solar scheme where electricity generated from rooftop solar panels is first used by the property owner, with excess energy exported to the TNB grid subject to approval and limits.
Is Solar ATAP different from NEM?
Yes. Solar ATAP focuses on self consumption, while NEM allows exported energy to offset imported energy on a one to one basis. Eligibility, system design, and financial outcomes differ between the two schemes.
How much can I save with Solar ATAP?
Savings depend on system size, electricity usage patterns, tariff category, and export limits. Most Malaysian residential and commercial users achieve 20–60% bill reduction.
Do I need TNB approval for Solar ATAP?
Yes. All Solar ATAP systems must receive approval from TNB, including grid impact assessment, export capacity confirmation, and bi directional meter installation.
How long does a Solar ATAP system last?
Solar panels typically last 25–30 years, while inverters last 5–10 years depending on brand and operating conditions.
Conclusion
Understanding Solar ATAP terminology empowers homeowners and businesses to make confident, informed decisions. By mastering these key terms, you can better evaluate proposals, communicate effectively with installers, and maximise the long term value of your solar investment.
As Malaysia continues its transition toward renewable energy, knowledge remains one of the most powerful tools for ensuring your Solar ATAP journey is successful, transparent, and financially rewarding.
