Solar Rakyat Sabah 2026: Eligibility, 20MW Quota, 5kW/10kW Limit & Bill Credits
Solar Rakyat Sabah allows eligible residential electricity consumers to install rooftop solar for self-consumption and export surplus electricity to the grid under a Net Energy Metering mechanism.
Quick answer: Solar Rakyat Sabah has a total programme quota of 20MW. The maximum solar capacity is 5kWac for single-phase and 10kWac for three-phase residential connections. Excess exported solar energy can receive bill credits based on the prevailing gazetted domestic energy rate.
Programme
Solar Rakyat Sabah
Mechanism
Net Energy Metering (NEM)
Total Quota
20MW
Single Phase
Up to 5kWac
Three Phase
Up to 10kWac
Programme Deadline
30 June 2028 or when the quota is fully subscribed, whichever occurs first
Contract
12 years with Sabah Electricity
Quota is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Homeowners should check current quota availability before proceeding with an application.
Is Your Sabah Home Worth Checking for Solar Rakyat?
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What Is Solar Rakyat Sabah?
Solar Rakyat Sabah is a residential Net Energy Metering programme.
Solar electricity generated by your rooftop system is primarily used to power your own home.
When the solar system generates more electricity than the home is using, the excess can be exported to the electricity grid.
Eligible exported energy is then credited against the electricity bill according to the programme rules.
The basic idea is: use your own solar first, then export eligible surplus to the grid for bill credits.
Who Is Eligible for Solar Rakyat Sabah?
The programme is intended for Domestic Category consumers of a Distribution Licensee such as Sabah Electricity who occupy private residential premises and meet ECoS eligibility requirements.
Eligible applicants include:
- New domestic electricity consumers
- Existing consumers who have not participated in previous solar programmes
Previous programmes specifically identified in the ECoS FAQ include:
- Feed-in Tariff
- SELCO-PV SABAH
- NEM 1.0
Consumers who are currently participating in another solar programme must terminate that participation before applying for Solar Rakyat Sabah.
What Is the Maximum Solar System Size?
| Electricity Supply | Maximum Solar Capacity |
|---|---|
| Single Phase | Up to 5kWac |
| Three Phase | Up to 10kWac |
5kWac and 10kWac are maximum limits — they are not automatically the ideal system size for every home.
The appropriate system size should still depend on:
- Monthly electricity consumption
- Daytime electricity usage
- Roof area
- Roof orientation
- Shading
- Available electrical capacity
- Budget and financing structure
Where Can the Solar Panels Be Installed?
Under Solar Rakyat Sabah, PV panels may be installed on the rooftop or porch within the same residential premises.
Ground-mounted solar installations are not permitted under this programme.
How Does the 20MW Solar Rakyat Sabah Quota Work?
The programme has a total quota of:
20MW
Applications are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.
The programme is available until:
30 June 2028 or until the 20MW quota is fully subscribed, whichever happens first.
This means homeowners should not assume that the programme will remain open simply because the calendar has not yet reached June 2028.
Current quota availability should be checked before submitting the application.
How Do Solar Rakyat Sabah Bill Credits Work?
The electricity bill is based on imported electricity from the grid minus eligible exported solar electricity.
Net Charge Amount = (Imported Energy × Prevailing Rate) − (Exported Energy × Prevailing Rate)
Export credits are calculated using the prevailing gazetted domestic energy rate.
In simple terms:
- Solar electricity used directly by your home reduces the amount you need to import from the grid.
- Eligible surplus solar exported to the grid can generate electricity-bill credits.
What Happens to Unused Solar Credits?
Unused energy credits may be carried forward for up to:
12 months within the applicable settlement period.
Any unused credits remaining after the settlement period ends will expire.
The credits:
- Cannot be converted into cash
- Cannot be transferred to another account
- Can only be used for the registered electricity account
Solar Rakyat credits reduce electricity bills — they are not a cash-payment programme.
How Do You Apply for Solar Rakyat Sabah?
Consumers do not normally submit the technical application by themselves.
You are required to appoint an ECoS-registered Electrical Contractor Class PV (Grid Connected), or ECCPV-GC.
The contractor will manage and submit the application through the ECoS Energy Information System on your behalf.
The usual process is:
- Check programme quota availability
- Review your electricity usage and suitable solar size
- Appoint an ECoS-registered ECCPV-GC contractor
- Contractor submits the application through EEISy
- Wait for ECoS approval
- Receive Solar Rakyat Approval to Install (SRATI)
- Proceed with installation
- Complete Testing & Commissioning
- Obtain Solar Rakyat Approval to Operate (SRATO)
- Begin operation
How Long Does Solar Rakyat Sabah Approval Take?
ECoS states that applicants will be notified of the result within:
14 working days after ECoS receives a complete application, subject to complete documentation.
Successful applicants receive a Solar Rakyat Approval to Install (SRATI).
Installation must begin within three months from the date of approval.
Failure to start within that period may result in the application being withdrawn or cancelled.
Can You Turn On the Solar System Immediately After Installation?
No.
The system can only operate after ECoS issues the:
Solar Rakyat Approval to Operate (SRATO)
SRATO is issued after successful Testing & Commissioning and submission of the required documents.
Do You Need a New Meter?
Yes.
A new bi-directional Smart Meter is used to measure:
- Electricity imported from the grid
- Solar electricity exported to the grid
A separate PV meter is also required to measure the total electricity generated by the solar PV system.
| Solar Rakyat Meter | Published Charge |
|---|---|
| Smart Meter – Single Phase | RM400 |
| Smart Meter – Three Phase | RM450 |
| Smart Meter – LV CT (0.5S) | RM450 |
Meter charges shown above are based on the current ECoS Solar Rakyat Sabah FAQ. Other equipment, installation, metering and related costs are borne by the consumer.
Is There an ECoS Application Fee?
ECoS states that there is no application fee charged by ECoS for Solar Rakyat Sabah.
However, this does not mean the solar installation is free.
Consumers remain responsible for applicable costs involving:
- Solar equipment
- Installation
- Metering
- Electrical works
- Other related works
Do You Have to Pay the Full Solar Cost Upfront?
Not necessarily.
ECoS states that consumers may choose between:
- Direct Purchase
- A zero-upfront-payment arrangement provided by a Sabah Registered PV Investor (SaRPVI)
SaRPVI is an ECoS registration mechanism for companies involved in activities such as solar leasing, Power Purchase Agreements and other qualifying PV investment arrangements.
Compare the total long-term cost, contract conditions, ownership terms and savings — not only the upfront payment.
How Long Is the Solar Rakyat Sabah Contract?
Participants sign a:
12-year contract with Sabah Electricity.
Homeowners should therefore review the contract structure carefully, especially if the property may be sold or transferred during the contract period.
Can Solar Rakyat Sabah Include a Battery?
Yes, a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) can be installed.
However, the battery must be configured for self-consumption.
Electricity stored in the battery is not allowed to be exported to the grid.
Whether a battery is financially worthwhile is a separate calculation from whether rooftop solar itself is worthwhile.
Is Solar Rakyat Sabah Worth It?
The programme creates a clearer route for Sabah homeowners to use rooftop solar and receive value for eligible excess generation.
But the maximum 5kW or 10kW limit does not mean every homeowner should automatically install the maximum capacity.
Solar suitability depends on:
- Monthly Sabah Electricity bill
- Actual monthly kWh
- Daytime electricity consumption
- Roof size and orientation
- Shading
- Single-phase or three-phase supply
- System price
- Direct purchase or financing arrangement
The best system is usually not “the biggest system allowed”. It is the system that best matches your actual electricity profile and economics.
High Sabah Electricity Bill? Start With Your Actual Usage
If your electricity bill is consistently high, you do not need to guess whether you should install 3kW, 5kW or 10kW.
Start with:
- Your latest electricity bill
- Monthly kWh
- Single-phase or three-phase supply
- Whether most electricity is used during the day or at night
From there, you can compare an appropriate solar size, expected generation and installer proposals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Solar Rakyat Sabah quota?
The total programme quota is 20MW. Applications are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until 30 June 2028 or until the quota is fully subscribed, whichever occurs first.
What is the maximum solar size for a single-phase home?
The maximum permitted capacity for a single-phase connection is 5kWac.
What is the maximum solar size for a three-phase home?
The maximum permitted capacity for a three-phase connection is 10kWac.
Can Solar Rakyat Sabah export electricity to the grid?
Yes. Surplus eligible solar electricity can be exported to the grid and credited against the electricity bill according to the programme rules.
How long can unused solar credits be carried forward?
Unused energy credits may be carried forward for up to 12 months within the settlement period. Remaining unused credits expire at the end of that period.
Can Solar Rakyat Sabah credits be converted to cash?
No. Energy credits can only be used to offset electricity bills and cannot be redeemed for cash.
Can I install solar panels on the ground?
No. Under Solar Rakyat Sabah, solar PV panels may be installed on rooftops or porches within the same residential premises. Ground-mounted installations are not permitted.
Can I install a battery?
Yes. A battery may be installed for self-consumption, but energy stored in the battery is not allowed to be exported to the grid.
Is there a zero-upfront option?
ECoS states that consumers may choose direct purchase or a zero-upfront-payment arrangement offered by a Sabah Registered PV Investor (SaRPVI).
How long is the Solar Rakyat Sabah contract?
Participants sign a 12-year contract with Sabah Electricity.
Important Note
Solar Rakyat Sabah rules, quota availability, charges, procedures and technical requirements may be updated by the Energy Commission of Sabah. Homeowners should confirm the latest programme conditions and quota availability before signing an installation or financing agreement. Solar100 provides general information and initial solar suitability guidance only.
