Solar ATAP vs SELCO: Which Saves You More?

Key Takeaways:
With the Solar Accelerated Transition Action Programme (ATAP) launching on 1 December 2025, Malaysian homeowners will soon be able to export unused solar energy back to the grid and earn credits for every kilowatt-hour produced. While battery-only (SELCO) systems help store power for self-use, their high cost often means slower returns.

The smarter move? Go solar now with GetSolar’s Rent-to-Own (RTO) plan, start saving immediately, and be ready to enjoy even greater benefits once ATAP and Time-of-Use (ToU) tariffs take effect.

With energy costs steadily rising and solar technology becoming more accessible, many homeowners are asking the same question:

Should I wait for the new ATAP scheme or invest in solar with batteries right now?

The truth is, both ATAP and battery-based systems offer unique benefits — but their financial outcomes are very different. As Malaysia moves toward a more open and export-friendly solar market, understanding how these options compare can help homeowners make smarter, faster decisions.

This article explains how ATAP works, how it differs from battery (SELCO) setups, and why combining ATAP with a Rent-to-Own (RTO) solar plan offers the best balance between immediate savings and long-term returns.

What ATAP Means for Solar Homeowners

Malaysia’s Solar Accelerated Transition Action Programme (ATAP) marks a major milestone in the nation’s renewable energy roadmap. Scheduled to launch on 1 December 2025, ATAP is designed to accelerate solar adoption by making it easier and more rewarding for homeowners to go solar.

Under this programme, homeowners can install solar systems and export surplus energy back to the grid, earning credits for every unit of unused electricity generated. These credits are based on the System Marginal Price (SMP) — a dynamic rate that reflects real-time market demand for electricity. The more the grid needs energy, the higher the value of your exported solar power.

Curious about how the export mechanism works? Check out our Quick Guide to ATAP Malaysia for a simple breakdown of the policy.

Why ATAP matters:

• A direct pathway to earn from solar generation
• A replacement for Net Energy Metering (NEM) with a transparent, market-based export mechanism
• When paired with TNB’s Time-of-Use (ToU) tariff, homeowners can use cheaper electricity off-peak and export when prices are higher

In short, ATAP redefines solar ownership. It transforms homeowners from passive energy consumers into active producers, creating both savings and revenue opportunities within one system.

Battery Systems — Still Useful, But Not Always Cost-Effective

Before ATAP, many Malaysians turned to battery-based systems, also known as SELCO (self-consumption), to maximise the value of their solar energy. Excess power is stored in batteries for later use — especially at night or during blackouts.

But while the concept sounds appealing, the economics tell a different story.

A typical 10 kWp solar system paired with a 10 kWh lithium battery adds RM30,000–RM40,000 just for storage — often nearly half the cost of the entire solar setup. And because batteries degrade over time (usually 8–10 years), most homeowners will eventually face another replacement cost.

Key downsides of battery-only systems:

• High upfront cost with slower payback
• No export credit — excess energy earns nothing
• Storage losses of 5–10%
• Longer break-even period, often 7–8 years or more

While batteries are helpful in areas with unreliable supply, most urban homeowners will see faster and stronger returns with ATAP export credits — without the heavy cost of storage.

ATAP vs Battery: Real Savings From a Malaysian Homeowner’s Example

To see the difference clearly, here’s a real-world example based on Mr. A’s 16.24 kWp ATAP system.

Takeaway:
‍ATAP systems achieve faster payback and stronger long-term gains — especially when paired with ToU tariff optimisation.

Why ATAP + RTO Outperforms Battery Systems

When comparing total costs and long-term value, the combination of ATAP and Rent-to-Own (RTO) consistently delivers the strongest outcome for most Malaysian homes. With RTO, homeowners avoid large upfront costs and start saving from their very first month — even before ATAP’s export credits begin.

Under GetSolar’s 10-year RTO plan, monthly payments are fixed, maintenance is included, and system performance is guaranteed. This removes the biggest barriers to going solar and ensures your system stays optimised without unexpected expenses.

A Real Example: Mr. A Shows Why RTO Is The Smartest Move

Consider Mr. A, a landed homeowner with a monthly electricity bill of around RM900. By choosing a 16.24 kWp ATAP system through the 10-year RTO plan, he immediately offsets up to 95% of his usage — with zero upfront cost.

Compared to purchasing a SELCO (battery-based) system outright — which is significantly more expensive and takes over four years to break even — Mr. A enjoys stronger monthly savings, lower risk, and much better cash flow.

Once ATAP begins, his system becomes even more profitable. Every unit of excess solar exported to the grid earns credits based on the System Marginal Price (SMP), accelerating his long-term returns with no additional investment.

In other words, RTO now + ATAP later gives Mr. A the ideal combination of immediate bill reduction and future export income — without the cost or risk of owning batteries.

Future-Ready Savings

Rent-to-Own users are already set up to benefit when ATAP begins. Their systems are installed, producing energy, and ready to export under ToU-based pricing, delivering higher returns with zero delay.

Peace of Mind Built In

All RTO systems come with full maintenance, performance guarantees, and active monitoring — removing the technical and financial risks associated with battery ownership.

Together, ATAP and RTO deliver a powerful two-step advantage:

• RTO gives you immediate savings from Day One.
• ATAP multiplies those returns once export credits start flowing.

Why It’s the Right Time to Go Solar

Going solar now locks in your installation timeline, lowers your energy bills, and positions your home to immediately benefit once ATAP launches. Waiting offers no advantage — but acting early ensures your system is ready when policy incentives arrive.

Solar is no longer just a home upgrade — it’s a smart, future-proof energy strategy. With ToU optimisation, ATAP export income, and affordable RTO plans, going solar has never been more practical or rewarding.

Conclusion: Solar Now, Save More Later

The comparison is clear: ATAP systems reward every extra unit of solar power generated, while battery (SELCO) setups offer backup but come with higher costs and slower payback. With GetSolar’s Rent-to-Own plan, you can start solar immediately with no upfront cost and be perfectly positioned to benefit when ATAP goes live.

ATAP marks a new chapter for Malaysian homeowners — one where every ray of sunlight can turn into real, measurable savings. With ToU optimisation and export credits on the horizon, there has never been a better time to switch to solar.

Start saving with GetSolar’s Rent-to-Own plan today — and get ready to earn even more when ATAP begins.