A TOTAL of 12,374 households have benefited from RM36.2 million in solar installation rebates under the government's SuRIA Home programme as efforts continue to make renewable energy more accessible to the B40 and M40 income groups.
The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA) said the programme, backed by a RM150 million allocation, offers eligible households rebates of RM600 per kilowatt (kW), capped at RM3,000 for a 5kW solar installation.
In a written parliamentary reply to Dato' Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin), the ministry said SuRIA Home targets between 45,000 and 50,000 households, subject to the fulfilment of its 250-megawatt (MW) allocation, and is scheduled to end on Dec 31, 2026.
To further reduce the financial barriers to adoption, consumers can also opt for market-based financing arrangements, including solar leasing and rent-to-own schemes, which reduce the need for substantial upfront payments.
PETRA said it would continue reviewing the programme's performance, installation costs and suitable financing options to widen access, particularly among lower- and middle-income households.
Any improvements would take into account the effectiveness of assistance, the government's fiscal capacity and the need to ensure benefits are distributed transparently to eligible consumers.
Separately, the ministry reported strong growth in the Solar ATAP programme, with 24,291 applications involving an approved capacity of 391.85MW as at Sept 15.
Introduced on Jan 1, 2026, Solar ATAP operates without a specific quota, allowing domestic, commercial, industrial and other consumers to install solar systems for their own use.
Its approved capacity increased by nearly 190 per cent from 135.92MW as at April 30, reflecting an expansion in participation over four-and-a-half months.
PETRA said it would also work with relevant agencies, utilities and industry players to facilitate installations and improve public awareness of available financing options and solar business models. - November 11, 2026
