What to Expect on Your Solar Installation Day (Malaysia 2025 Edition) — A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners

Installing a solar PV system is one of the most impactful investments a Malaysian homeowner can make. With rising TNB electricity costs, increased awareness about renewable energy, and the highly anticipated launch of the Solar ATAP (Atas Atap) program in 2025, more households are switching to solar to enjoy long-term savings and energy independence.

But while many homeowners are excited about the benefits, they also frequently ask:

• “What will happen on installation day?”

• “How long does it take?”

• “Will my roof be damaged?”

• “Will my electricity be disrupted?”

• “Do I need to prepare anything before the team arrives?”

This expanded guide answers all of these questions, and more with a complete, honest breakdown of the entire solar installation day process, written specifically for Malaysian homes, rooftops, weather conditions, and TNB procedures.

1. Before Installation Day: What Happens Behind the Scenes

A successful solar installation does not begin on the day the team arrives, it starts weeks earlier with proper planning.

Here’s what normally happens before installation day.

1.1 Detailed Site Survey & Roof Inspection (Completed Earlier)

A certified solar site survey team will have already visited your home to conduct:

• Roof truss inspection
  — To ensure the roof can safely carry the weight of solar panels.

• Shading analysis using tools like SunEye or Drone mapping
  — To calculate solar exposure and find the best panel placement.

• Electrical DB board review
  — To confirm whether the DB board is compatible with solar integration.

• Measurement of cable routing pathway
  — To minimize visible trunking and ensure clean aesthetics.

• Battery location assessment (if applicable)
   

This pre-installation work prevents delays, unexpected issues, and structural risks.
 

1.2 TNB Submission & Approval (NEM / Self-Consumption / ATAP)

Before installation can take place, the solar company must submit:

• Single Line Diagram (SLD)

• Technical documents

• System specifications

• Rooftop layout

• Inverter certificates (SIRIM, CIDB, ST requirements) 
  
  
  The approval process depends on the scheme:

• NEM 3.0: Currently full, pending updates

• Self-consumption (SelCo): Still ongoing

• Solar ATAP: Expected launch in 2025

Only after approval is installation allowed.
 

1.3 Equipment Delivery May Arrive 1 Day Before

To prevent morning logistics delays, many companies deliver equipment such as:

• Solar panels

• Mounting rails & brackets

• Bolts, hooks, screws

• Inverter unit (Hybrid / String)

• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)

• AC/DC isolators

• Cables & trunking

• Safety harness equipment

Delivering early ensures the installation team can start work immediately the next morning.
 

1.4 Homeowner Preparation Checklist

To ensure a smooth installation, homeowners should:

• Move cars away from the driveway

• Clear pathways to the backyard or roof access area

• Ensure pets are secured

• Unlock outdoor gates

• Notify neighbours if installation noise may be heard

• Provide access to WiFi for inverter app setup

This helps the team work efficiently and safely.

2. What Happens on Solar Installation Day (Step-By-Step)

A typical residential solar installation in Malaysia usually takes 4 to 8 hours, depending on:

• Size of the solar system (e.g., 6.5kWp, 10kWp, 14kWp)

• Roof type (metal deck, clay, flat concrete, shingle)

• Battery integration

• Weather conditions

• Cable routing complexity

Below is a full, expanded breakdown of the installation day process.

Step 1: Installation Team Arrival & Safety Setup

The solar team arrives in the morning, usually between 9:00am – 10:00am.
They will:

• Introduce themselves

• Confirm the installation scope

• Walk through the roof plan with you

• Conduct a safety briefing

• Set up ladders, scaffolding (if needed), and roof harness points

• Lay out tools and equipment

A designated site supervisor will update you periodically throughout the day.

Step 2: Mounting Rail & Roof Structure Installation

This is the most critical part of the installation, as it directly affects:

• Roof durability

• Waterproofing

• Panel lifespan

• Wind resistance

• System safety

Technicians will:

1. Locate strong roof trusses

2. Install roof hooks or brackets

3. Apply waterproof sealant

4. Fasten aluminium rails

5. Align rails for perfect symmetry

6. Ensure mounting points comply with wind load standards for Malaysian weather

Quality installers follow strict safety and engineering guidelines to avoid roof leaks.

Step 3: Solar Panel Installation & DC Wiring

Once the rails are ready, the solar panels are carefully lifted onto the roof.

This stage includes:

• Positioning panels according to the approved design

• Securing panels with mid-clamps and end-clamps

• Connecting panels in series (DC strings)

• Running DC cables neatly through UV-protected conduits

• Performing DC polarity and voltage checks

Proper alignment ensures maximum solar efficiency and aesthetics.

Step 4: Inverter & Battery Installation (Optional but Increasingly Popular)

4.1 Inverter Installation

The inverter is the “brain” of your solar system.
It will be installed:

• Near your DB board

• In a shaded area

• At an optimal height for ventilation

• With proper cable management for a clean look

Popular inverters in Malaysia include:

• Solis

• Sungrow

• Huawei

• Growatt

• GoodWe

• FoxESS

• SolarEdge

Hybrid inverters are now recommended as they are battery-ready for ATAP.
 

4.2 Home Battery Installation (If Selected)

Battery systems are becoming extremely popular due to:

• Backup power during blackouts

• Lower peak-hour TNB usage

• Improved self-consumption

• Compatibility with the Solar ATAP program

Common battery brands:

• BYD Premium LVS / HVS / LVL

• Sungrow SBR

• Huawei LUNA

• Dyness Powerbox

• Pylontech

The battery is mounted securely with proper ventilation and wiring.
 

Step 5: AC & DC Electrical Work + Safety Systems

This includes:

• Installing AC/DC isolators

• Cable routing from inverter to DB

• Installing grounding/earthing systems

• Connecting surge protection devices

• Integrating the inverter with your home’s electrical system

Safety testing is then performed:

• Voltage tests

• Continuity tests

• Earth resistance tests

• Insulation tests

Only qualified technicians are allowed to perform these tasks.
 

Step 6: System Testing, Commissioning & App Setup

This is when your system officially comes alive.

The team will:

• Power up the inverter

• Check solar production

• Connect the system to WiFi

• Setup your monitoring app (SolisCloud, FusionSolar, iSolarCloud, etc.)

• Test export limits (depending on TNB approval)

• Verify safety shutdown mechanisms

You will learn how to:

• Read your energy production

• Monitor real-time generation

• Check system health

• Track battery charging/discharging

• Understand grid export and savings

3. After Installation: What Happens Next?

The installation may be done, but your solar journey continues with several important post-installation steps.

3.1 Cleanup & Site Handover

The team will clean:

• Roof area

• Work zone at driveway/backyard

• Any packaging materials

• Dust from drilling or cutting

A professional company leaves the site spotless before leaving.
 

3.2 TNB Meter Replacement (Bi-Directional Meter)

Your system cannot export to TNB yet until you receive a bi-directional meter.

TNB typically takes 7–21 working days to:

1. Inspect your system (if needed)

2. Replace your old meter

3. Activate solar export

Once completed, you will:

• Start exporting excess solar

• See reduced TNB bills

• Begin earning export credits (depending on scheme)

3.3 Warranty, Documentation & After-Sales Support

You will receive:

• Panel warranty (usually 25–30 years)

• Inverter warranty (5–10 years)

• Battery warranty (10–15 years)

• Workmanship warranty

• System diagram & certificate

• TNB approval letter

Good installers offer long-term support including:

• Remote monitoring

• Performance reporting

• Maintenance services

• Troubleshooting assistance

4. Conclusion: Your Solar Installation Day Should Be Smooth, Fast & Transparent

A well-planned solar installation day is straightforward and stress-free. A professional installer ensures:

• Your roof is protected

• Your system is installed safely

• Your inverter and battery are set up correctly

• Your monitoring app is fully functional

• Your home is clean when the work is done

With proper installation and TNB approval, you’ll begin generating clean, renewable energy immediately, and enjoy long-term bill savings for decades.