CIMB Bank is one of Malaysia's most active lenders for residential and commercial solar financing. If you are comparing banks for your solar loan, this guide covers CIMB's current green financing products, interest rates, eligibility criteria, and a detailed step-by-step application process — so you walk in fully prepared.
Why CIMB Is a Strong Choice for Solar Financing in Malaysia
CIMB Group has committed to channelling RM 65 billion into sustainable finance by 2024–2030 under its CIMB Forward sustainability agenda. Solar energy loans sit at the centre of this commitment. For homeowners and businesses, this translates into competitive interest rates, flexible tenure options, and dedicated relationship managers trained in green financing products.
Unlike some banks that treat solar loans as personal loans with higher rates, CIMB structures solar financing as a green term loan or as part of its home improvement loan product — both carry significantly lower effective interest rates than personal financing.
CIMB Solar Loan Products: What Is Available in 2026
CIMB offers solar financing through three main channels depending on the loan amount and property type:
1. CIMB Green Personal Financing (Residential, Below RM 100,000)
For homeowners financing a residential solar system up to RM 100,000, CIMB's green personal financing product offers:
- Effective interest rate: 3.5% to 4.5% per annum (flat rate), depending on credit profile and tenure
- Loan tenure: 3 to 10 years
- Minimum loan amount: RM 5,000
- Maximum loan amount: RM 100,000
- Processing fee: Nil (waived for green financing products as of 2026)
- Early settlement penalty: None after 12 months
2. CIMB Home Equity / Refinancing for Solar (RM 50,000+)
Homeowners with sufficient equity in their property can refinance a portion to fund their solar system. This typically unlocks the lowest effective interest rate:
- Effective interest rate: Base Rate (BR) + 0.85% to 1.25% (currently ~4.0%–4.5% p.a.)
- Loan tenure: Up to the remaining tenure of your mortgage, maximum 35 years
- Minimum refinance amount: RM 50,000
- Security required: Property title
3. CIMB SME Green Financing (Commercial / Industrial Solar)
For businesses, CIMB offers SME-specific green term loans aligned with Bank Negara Malaysia's Low Carbon Transition Facility (LCTF):
- Effective interest rate: As low as 3.5% p.a. (subsidised under BNM LCTF)
- Loan tenure: Up to 10 years
- Maximum loan amount: RM 10 million (LCTF facility cap)
- Eligible borrowers: SMEs registered with SSM, operating for at least 2 years
Pro Tip: If your solar system is for a commercial property and your business has been operating for 2+ years, always ask CIMB specifically about the BNM Low Carbon Transition Facility (LCTF). The subsidised 3.5% rate is significantly below standard commercial loan rates of 5%–7%.
CIMB Solar Loan Interest Rates 2026: Current Rate Comparison
Interest rates fluctuate with Bank Negara Malaysia's Overnight Policy Rate (OPR). As of February 2026 (OPR at 3.00%), here is where CIMB's solar financing rates sit relative to the market:
| Bank | Product | Effective Rate (p.a.) | Max Tenure | Max Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIMB | Green Personal Financing | 3.5% – 4.5% | 10 years | RM 100,000 |
| CIMB | SME Green Loan (LCTF) | 3.5% | 10 years | RM 10 million |
| Maybank | Personal Financing-i (Green) | 4.0% – 5.0% | 8 years | RM 100,000 |
| RHB | Green Home Financing | BR + 1.0%–1.5% | 10 years | RM 150,000 |
| Bank Islam | Solar Personal Financing-i | 3.99% – 4.99% | 10 years | RM 150,000 |
| HSBC | Green Loan | 3.75% – 4.75% | 10 years | RM 200,000 |
| AmBank | Personal Loan (Standard) | 5.5% – 7.5% | 7 years | RM 150,000 |
Rates are indicative as of February 2026 and subject to individual credit assessment. LCTF rates require BNM approval and may change with policy review.
CIMB Solar Loan Eligibility Requirements
Before applying, confirm you meet CIMB's standard eligibility criteria. Meeting all criteria does not guarantee approval, but falling short of any one criterion is typically grounds for rejection.
For Individuals (Personal Financing)
- Age: 21 to 60 years old at point of application (loan must be fully settled before age 65)
- Nationality: Malaysian citizen or Permanent Resident
- Minimum gross income: RM 2,000/month (salaried) or RM 3,000/month (self-employed)
- Employment status: Confirmed employee (minimum 6 months with current employer) or self-employed with 2+ years of business
- CCRIS/CTOS: No active bankruptcy, no more than 2 months arrears in the past 12 months
- Debt service ratio (DSR): Total loan commitments must not exceed 60% of gross income (70% for income above RM 10,000/month)
For Businesses (SME Green Financing)
- Business registration: Registered with SSM as Sdn Bhd, Enterprise, or LLP
- Operating history: Minimum 2 years in operation
- Annual turnover: Does not exceed RM 50 million (SME definition)
- CCRIS: Clean credit record for the business entity and principal directors
- Purpose: Solar system must be installed at the business premises
Documents Required for CIMB Solar Loan Application
Preparing your documents in advance dramatically speeds up the approval process. CIMB's turnaround time is 3–7 working days once all documents are received.
Individual Applicants — Salaried Employee
- NRIC (front and back, colour copy)
- Latest 3 months' salary slips
- Latest 3 months' bank statements (the account where salary is credited)
- EA Form or latest EPF statement (confirmation of income)
- Employment confirmation letter (if less than 1 year with current employer)
- Solar installation quotation from a SEDA-registered contractor
- Property title or tenancy agreement (proof of installation address)
Individual Applicants — Self-Employed
- NRIC (front and back)
- Business registration documents (Form 9, Form 24, Form 49 or equivalent)
- Latest 6 months' business bank statements
- Latest 2 years' income tax returns (Form B) with LHDN acknowledgement
- Solar installation quotation from a SEDA-registered contractor
Business Applicants (SME)
- SSM registration certificate
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Latest 6 months' business bank statements
- Latest 2 years' audited financial statements
- Management accounts (if audited accounts are older than 12 months)
- Director's NRIC and CCRIS
- Solar installation quotation with system specifications
- TNB supply account details for the installation address
Pro Tip: Get your solar quotation from Trexon first. We prepare SEDA-compliant technical documentation that banks — including CIMB — specifically require for green financing applications. Request a free quotation here and receive a bankable proposal within 48 hours.
Step-by-Step CIMB Solar Loan Application Process
Here is the complete application journey from initial inquiry to loan disbursement and solar system installation.
Step 1: Get Your Solar Quotation (Days 1–2)
Before approaching CIMB, obtain a detailed quotation from a SEDA-registered solar contractor. The quotation must include system size (kWp), panel brand and model, inverter specifications, total installed cost, and estimated annual generation. Use our solar savings calculator to estimate system size before requesting quotes.
Step 2: Check Your Credit Profile (Day 2–3)
Run a CCRIS report through BNM's eCCRIS portal (free, instant) and a CTOS report (RM 25.90, instant). Review for any unresolved derogatory entries. If anything looks incorrect, raise a dispute with the respective bureau before applying — a clean profile means faster approval and better rates.
Step 3: Visit CIMB Branch or Apply Online (Day 3–5)
For personal financing up to RM 50,000, CIMB's online application via CIMB Clicks is available. For larger amounts or SME applications, visit a CIMB branch with Business Banking facilities. Bring all documents listed above. Request to speak specifically with the Wealth Management or Business Banking team, as they are trained in green financing products.
Step 4: Credit Assessment (Days 5–10)
CIMB's credit team reviews your application. They may request additional documents. Typical turnaround is 3–7 working days for personal financing and 7–14 working days for SME applications. Stay responsive to calls from CIMB — delayed responses from applicants are the most common cause of extended timelines.
Step 5: Loan Offer Letter (LOL) Review (Days 10–14)
If approved, CIMB issues a Loan Offer Letter. Review the offered rate, tenure, monthly installment, and any conditions attached. You have 7 working days to accept. Do not accept without confirming the effective interest rate matches what was quoted — compare the flat rate against the Effective Lending Rate (ELR) disclosed in the LOL.
Step 6: Disbursement and Installation (Days 14–21)
Once you sign and return the LOL, CIMB disburses the loan — either directly to your account or directly to the solar contractor depending on the product type. Your contractor (Trexon or otherwise) will then commence installation. Most residential installations complete within 1–3 days.
Step 7: SEDA Registration and TNB Meter Upgrade (Days 21–45)
After physical installation, the contractor submits your Solar ATAP application to SEDA and coordinates with TNB for the bidirectional meter installation. This administrative process typically takes 3–6 weeks. Your solar system begins exporting to the grid and earning Solar ATAP credits once TNB installs the new meter.
CIMB Solar Loan: Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Competitive rates: 3.5%–4.5% effective rate is among the lowest for unsecured solar financing
- Long tenure: Up to 10 years keeps monthly installments manageable
- No processing fee: Waived for green financing products
- Nationwide branches: CIMB has over 200 branches across Malaysia
- SME LCTF access: BNM-subsidised rates as low as 3.5% for qualifying businesses
- No early settlement penalty after 12 months: Allows flexible repayment if you receive ATAP grant or windfall
Disadvantages
- Income threshold: RM 2,000/month minimum may exclude lower-income households
- SME documentation burden: Audited accounts requirement can slow applications for newer SMEs
- Not fully Islamic: The green personal financing product is conventional, not Shariah-compliant (see Bank Islam guide for Islamic alternatives)
- Property security for large amounts: Loans above RM 100,000 typically require property collateral
Frequently Asked Questions: CIMB Solar Loan Malaysia
Can I use CIMB solar loan for a commercial property I rent, not own?
For tenanted commercial premises, CIMB will require the property owner's consent in writing and a minimum tenancy agreement of 5 years remaining. Some branches will decline without a property charge as security. Discuss your specific situation with a CIMB Business Banking officer.
Does CIMB offer a grace period before repayment starts?
Personal financing products typically begin repayment the month following disbursement — there is no grace period. Some SME products offer a 3-month moratorium. Confirm this with your CIMB officer during the application stage.
Can I combine a CIMB solar loan with Solar ATAP?
Yes. The government's Solar ATAP programme lets you export excess solar energy to TNB and earn bill credits. This does not affect your loan eligibility or terms. Solar ATAP is an ongoing export credit programme — not an upfront rebate. Your monthly bill savings from self-consumption plus export credits help offset your loan payments.
What happens to my loan if my solar installer goes out of business?
Your loan obligation remains regardless of the installer's status. This is why choosing an established, warranty-backed contractor like Trexon matters — our systems carry manufacturer warranties (25 years on panels, 10 years on inverters) that remain valid independently of any single installer.
Is a CIMB Solar Loan Right for You?
CIMB's green financing products are well-suited for: salaried employees with a household income above RM 4,000/month financing a residential system of RM 15,000–RM 80,000; and SMEs with clean credit and 2+ years of operations looking for commercial solar at subsidised LCTF rates.
If you require Islamic (Shariah-compliant) financing, consider Bank Islam's solar financing products instead. If your system cost exceeds RM 200,000, HSBC's corporate green loan or Maybank's project finance desk may offer more flexible structures.
The best starting point is a firm quotation from your solar contractor. Use our financing comparison tool to see estimated monthly payments across banks, or browse our solar packages to identify the right system size before approaching any bank.
Ready to move forward? Trexon prepares bank-ready solar proposals that CIMB and other Malaysian banks accept without additional technical queries. Get your free quote today — our team will guide you through the financing process from system design to loan approval.