Sarawak Plans Up To RM15,000 Rooftop Solar Subsidy For Households In Malaysia

Sarawak is preparing to increase financial support for residential rooftop solar installations, with the subsidy expected to rise to as much as RM15,000 per household. Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the proposed increase on October 3, 2026, during the Program Sarawakku Sayang in Mukah. Detailed guidelines for the enhanced financial assistance are expected to be announced in mid-October.

The Premier said the high upfront cost of installing rooftop solar systems remains a challenge for many households. However, he highlighted the long-term savings that solar power can provide by reducing monthly electricity bills. Under the existing energy framework, homeowners can also benefit from selling excess electricity generated by their rooftop systems back to Sarawak Energy’s subsidiary, SESCo.

At present, Sarawak provides subsidies ranging from RM8,000 to RM12,000 for residential solar installations, depending on the size of the system. The support is available through Sarawak Energy’s Net Energy Metering (NEM) scheme. The proposed RM15,000 assistance would therefore represent an increase in the current level of support.

It is not yet clear whether the enhanced subsidy will be incorporated into the existing NEM programme or introduced through a separate scheme covering residential properties across Sarawak. Further details are expected when the state government releases the implementation guidelines later this month.

Under the current NEM arrangement, electricity generated by a household’s rooftop solar system is first used to meet the property’s electricity demand. Any surplus electricity is exported to the grid and credited against the household’s electricity bill. This allows consumers to reduce their dependence on grid electricity while gaining financial benefits from excess generation.

Sarawak Energy has been supporting residential solar adoption through dedicated subsidy funding. For 2026, the utility allocated RM10.24 million for residential solar subsidies, with assistance provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Demand for the programme has continued to increase. More than 800 applications had been submitted by May 2026, while 174 residential solar installations had been completed. The growing number of applications indicates increasing interest among households in using rooftop solar to manage electricity costs.

The proposed increase to RM15,000 is expected to make rooftop solar more affordable for a wider section of the population. By reducing the initial investment required from homeowners, the state government aims to encourage more households to adopt renewable energy.

The initiative is also part of Sarawak’s broader efforts to expand clean energy use and support its energy transition. Increased residential solar deployment could help households lower long-term electricity expenses while contributing to greater use of renewable power across the state.