A new model for residential solar energy has been introduced in Malaysia, marking a significant step in the country’s shift toward renewable power. This initiative, the first of its kind in the nation, allows homeowners to lease their rooftops for solar panel installation without any initial financial outlay. Launched at the Elmina Sales Gallery by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, the program is part of the National Energy Transition Roadmap and operates under the Community Renewable Energy Aggregation Mechanism.
Under this pilot project in the City of Elmina, Sime Darby Property acts as the Local Energy Generator Aggregator, overseeing the installation and management of solar infrastructure. The company is working with GSPARX, a Tenaga Nasional Bhd subsidiary, which provides technical expertise for the solar systems. The clean energy produced will be supplied to the nearby Innovation Park, located within five kilometers of the participating homes, which serves as the designated Local Green Consumer.
The initiative not only provides participating households with a source of income but also directly supports Malaysia’s broader environmental objectives. According to Sime Darby Property’s group managing director, Datuk Seri Azmir Merican, the program demonstrates how residential communities can actively contribute to national energy transition targets. He emphasized that the collaboration between government bodies, strategic partners, and local communities has been essential to the project’s success, showcasing the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in advancing sustainable development.
Looking ahead, there are plans to extend this model to other townships and explore additional off-takers such as commercial centers, schools, and petrol stations. TNB’s chief executive officer, Datuk Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan, noted that the project also includes Malaysia’s first Community Energy Storage System, enhancing grid reliability and supporting a cleaner energy future. This expansion aligns with the government’s goal of reaching 70% renewable energy capacity by 2050, positioning Sime Darby Property as a key contributor to Malaysia’s long-term sustainability agenda.