Solar adoption in Sabah and Sarawak is growing, but neither state uses Peninsular Solar ATAP. Sabah runs its own ECoS framework (Solar Rakyat Sabah domestic NEM, or SELCO-PV Sabah 2.0 for self-consumption), while Sarawak runs NEM Sarawak through Sarawak Energy (SESCO). Different grid operators (SESB/SESCO vs TNB), higher logistics costs, and distinct application processes apply. This complete guide covers everything you need to know.
SESB, SESCO, and TNB: Key Differences for Solar
| Feature | SESB (Sabah) | SESCO (Sarawak) | TNB (West Malaysia) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operator | Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd | Sarawak Energy Berhad | Tenaga Nasional Berhad |
| Solar Programme | Solar Rakyat Sabah / SELCO-PV Sabah 2.0 (ECoS framework, not Solar ATAP) | NEM Sarawak (Sarawak Energy's own scheme, not Solar ATAP) | Solar ATAP |
| Export Credit | 1:1 export, credits roll over 12 months (Solar Rakyat) | Not published by Sarawak Energy; confirmed by our local partner | Homes: Energy Charge, RM 0.2703/kWh (RM 0.3703 above 1,500 kWh a month); unused credit is forfeited each billing period |
| Capacity Cap | 5 kWac single-phase / 10 kWac three-phase (Solar Rakyat) | 10 kWac single-phase / 30 kWac three-phase (NEM Sarawak) | Homes: 5 kWac single-phase / 15 kWac three-phase (Solar ATAP) |
Sabah and Sarawak tariffs differ from TNB's RP4 tariff, so do not use TNB rates to estimate a Sabah or Sarawak bill. Your SESB or SESCO bill and your local partner's quote decide your savings.
Key Takeaway: Sarawak Export Credit
Sarawak Energy does not publish an export credit rate; our local partner confirms it for your account. Your payback depends on your bill, system size and the export terms in your NEM contract.
Sunlight in East Malaysia
We plan with about 3.5 peak sun-hours a day everywhere in Malaysia, so a 6.20 kWp system generates about 651 kWh a month. Your actual output depends on roof orientation, shading and local weather.
NEM Sarawak vs Solar ATAP TNB: Program Differences
NEM Sarawak (SESCO) Unique Features
- Higher Capacity Caps: Up to 10 kWac single-phase / 30 kWac three-phase under NEM Sarawak, vs 5 / 10 kWac under Solar Rakyat Sabah.
- Export Credit: Sarawak Energy does not publish an export credit rate; our local partner confirms it for your account
- Separate Application Portal: Apply via SESCO's portal, not SEDA (different forms, different process)
Solar Rakyat Sabah and SELCO-PV Sabah 2.0 (SESB)
- Capacity Cap: 5 kWac single-phase / 10 kWac three-phase (Solar Rakyat)
- Export Credit: 1:1 export, with credits rolling over 12 months
- SESB / ECoS Submission: Applications go through SESB under the ECoS framework, not SEDA
Verdict: NEM Sarawak's installation cap is higher than Sabah's Solar Rakyat scheme. If you're deciding between Sabah and Sarawak, Sarawak offers a higher installation cap under NEM Sarawak.
Solar Panel Pricing in Sabah & Sarawak (2026)
Solar systems in East Malaysia cost more than in Peninsular Malaysia because of freight, mobilisation and local-partner costs. Our East Malaysia pricing starts from RM 29,499 for a 5.58 kWp system. Ask for a quote for your exact system size.
Installation Challenges in Sabah & Sarawak
1. Fewer Local Installers
There are fewer solar installers in Sabah and Sarawak than in the Klang Valley, so waiting lists can be longer, it can be harder to compare several quotes, and some interior areas have no local installer.
2. Shipping Logistics & Lead Time
Panels and inverters shipped from China or Peninsular Malaysia take longer to reach Sabah and Sarawak, plus customs clearance, so lead times are longer than in Selangor.
3. Grid Stability (Sabah Interior)
Rural Sabah can see more frequent grid outages. Grid-tied solar systems without battery backup shut down during an outage (inverters need the grid reference voltage). A hybrid inverter and battery adds cost.
4. Access to Remote Areas
Interior Sarawak (Kapit, Belaga, Bario) and rural Sabah may need 4WD access or boat transport, which adds mobilisation cost.
Solar ATAP in Sabah & Sarawak
Solar ATAP (bill credit programme) is a Peninsular TNB scheme and does not apply in Sabah or Sarawak. Sabah runs its own ECoS framework (Solar Rakyat Sabah for domestic NEM, or SELCO-PV Sabah 2.0 for self-consumption); Sarawak operates under Sarawak Energy's (SESCO's) own NEM Sarawak scheme. In each case, you export surplus solar energy to the grid and receive credits that offset your electricity bill. Solar Rakyat Sabah has no cash subsidy; for Sarawak see the NEM Sarawak subsidy note below.
Note: In Sarawak, Sarawak Energy offers the NEM Sarawak subsidy (RM8,000 to RM12,000 by inverter band, until 31 December 2026); submit the subsidy form within 7 days of signing your NEM contract. In Peninsular Malaysia, the SuRIA Home rebate (residential) pays RM600/kWac up to RM3,000. Sabah's Solar Rakyat has no cash subsidy.
Trexon's Coverage in Sabah & Sarawak
Trexon Energy serves East Malaysia through local partner installers. Confirm availability at your location before you book:
Sabah Coverage
- Kota Kinabalu: Partner installer network
- Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu: Partner installer network
- Keningau, Ranau, Tenom: On request, subject to partner availability
Sarawak Coverage
- Kuching, Miri, Sibu: Partner installer network
- Bintulu, Sri Aman: On request, subject to partner availability
- Interior (Kapit, Belaga): Case-by-case basis
Pricing & Warranty (East Malaysia)
- System Cost: East Malaysia prices are higher than Peninsular (from RM29,499 for 5.58 kWp) because of freight, mobilisation and local-partner costs
- Warranty: Same 30/10/5 years (panel performance/inverter/workmanship)
- After-Sales: Monitoring app + local partner support
Solar Panel Systems for the East Malaysia Climate
Panel Brands (market references; Trexon installs Jinko)
- Longi Hi-MO 7 (not stocked by Trexon): Suits high humidity (dual-glass construction resists moisture)
- Trina Vertex S+ (not stocked by Trexon): Coastal-resistant (anti-corrosion frame, tested for salt spray)
- Jinko Tiger Neo (installed by Trexon through local partners): Good value (22.3% efficiency; in our packages, 30-year performance and 12-year product warranty)
Inverter Brands We Install (through local partners)
- Huawei SUN2000: IP65 rating (dustproof, waterproof), 98.6% efficiency, 4G monitoring
- Sungrow SG-RS: Anti-corrosion coating (ideal for coastal Sabah/Sarawak), 98.4% efficiency
Mounting Considerations
- Coastal areas (Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Miri): Stainless steel mounting to resist salt corrosion
- Interior areas: Standard aluminum rail (no corrosion risk)
- High wind zones: Reinforced mounting with extra bracing
FAQ: Solar Panels in Sabah & Sarawak 2026
Can I use TNB's Solar ATAP program in Sabah and Sarawak?
No. Sabah uses SESB's own ECoS framework — Solar Rakyat Sabah (domestic NEM) or SELCO-PV Sabah 2.0 (self-consumption). Sarawak uses SESCO's NEM Sarawak (a separate scheme). You must apply through SESB/SESCO, not TNB, and Solar ATAP does not apply in either state.
Why are solar panels more expensive in Sabah and Sarawak?
Freight from Peninsular Malaysia, mobilisation and local-partner costs add to the price, and limited installer competition also keeps prices higher.
Is Solar ATAP available in East Malaysia?
No — Solar ATAP is a Peninsular TNB programme and is not available in Sabah or Sarawak. Sabah runs its own ECoS framework (Solar Rakyat Sabah or SELCO-PV Sabah 2.0); Sarawak operates under SESCO's own NEM Sarawak scheme. Your payback depends on your SESB or SESCO bill, system size and local scheme terms.
Does Trexon install solar panels in Sabah and Sarawak?
Yes. Trexon covers Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, Kuching, Miri, and Sibu through local partner installers, who handle the NEM Sarawak (SESCO) or ECoS Sabah (SESB) applications. We offer the same 30/10/5-year warranty (panel performance/inverter/workmanship). East Malaysia prices are higher than Peninsular (from RM29,499 for 5.58 kWp) because of freight, mobilisation and local-partner costs.
Which is better for solar: Sabah or Sarawak?
Both states have strong sun hours. The better choice depends on your bill, system size and the local scheme terms.
Conclusion: East Malaysia is Solar's New Frontier
Solar works in Sabah and Sarawak, but the schemes, tariffs and costs differ from Peninsular Malaysia. Upfront costs are higher because of logistics.
If you're in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Kuching, or Miri, ask for a quote. Interior areas can also benefit from solar, though logistics costs are higher.
Ready to go solar in Sabah or Sarawak? Get a free quote — Trexon and its East Malaysia partners will provide a customized quote with SESB/SESCO-specific calculations. Our local partners handle the SESB/SESCO applications and the installation.
Not sure what size system you need? Use our solar savings calculator to estimate your monthly savings based on your actual bill — it uses TNB's RP4 tariff, so treat the result as a rough guide for SESB or SESCO bills. For location-specific pricing and installer availability, visit our Sabah solar installation page or our Sarawak solar installation page.
Get your free quote today.
