Government Introduces SolaRIS, A Solar For Rakyat Incentive Scheme

In an effort to incentivize and promote the shift towards renewable energy, the Malaysian government has introduced the Solar for Rakyat Incentivize Scheme (SolaRIS).

Introduced by the deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, the scheme is designed to encourage Malaysians to install solar photovoltaic systems on their homes.

According to a New Straits Times report, Fadillah stated that in order to generate more interest from the people in renewable energy generation, the government has also decided to approve an additional quota of 100 megawatts (MW) under the Net Energy Metering (NEM) Programme, which will increase the allocated quota to 350MW.

Fadillah stated this in a statement released two days ago, on the 27th of March. 

Rebate up to RM4000 under SolaRIS

In the statement, Fadillah explained that under the new SolaRIS scheme, a rebate of RM1,000/kWac up to a maximum of RM4,000 will be given to new NEM applicants.

To qualify under the new SolaRIS scheme, the NEM applications will have to be submitted to the Sustainabale Energy Development Authority (SEDA) on or after April 1 this year.

The scheme is also only open to to first-time NEM applicants who are Malaysian citizens, and there is a one-time-claim limit per Tenaga Nasional Bhd account holder.

However, Fadillah also stated that there is a quota for the SolaRIS scheme, and the scheme will operate on a ‘first come first serve basis’.

He also added that for approved applicants, their solar PV systems has to be operational no later than March 31 next year or until all the SolaRIS rebate quotas are distributed, whichever comes first.