Everything you need to know about rent-to-own (sewa beli) solar in Malaysia — how it works, what it costs, which providers offer it, how it compares to buying outright or using a bank loan, and whether it is the right choice for your home or business in 2026.
A simple financing model that lets any Malaysian homeowner go solar today — with no upfront capital.
Rent-to-own solar — known in Malay as sewa beli solar — is a financing arrangement where a solar company installs a fully functioning solar photovoltaic (PV) system on your roof at no upfront cost. You pay a fixed monthly fee, and after a defined contract period (usually 5 or 7 years), legal ownership of the entire system transfers to you.
Think of it like sewa beli kereta — hire purchase for a car. When you drive a car on hire purchase, Perodua or Proton effectively owns the vehicle until your last instalment. You use it daily, pay monthly, and then own it outright. Rent-to-own solar works on the same principle. The difference is that a solar system generates savings that typically exceed the monthly payment — so unlike a car, RTO solar puts money back in your pocket from month one.
In Malaysia, the RTO model gained traction around 2020–2022 when companies like GetSolar and Emit Solar introduced structured zero-upfront programmes. By 2026, it is one of the most popular ways for middle-income (M40) Malaysians to access solar without tying up their or seeking bank financing. The combination of rising TNB electricity tariffs and falling panel costs has made RTO economics highly compelling: a typical 5 kWp system costs RM210–260 per month on a 7-year RTO plan, while generating RM320–450 in monthly TNB savings.
Key distinction: RTO vs PPA
Rent-to-own is often confused with a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). They are different. In a PPA, you pay per unit of solar electricity consumed, and the provider never transfers ownership — they own the system for 15–21 years and harvest the export revenue. In RTO, your monthly payment is fixed regardless of how much solar you use, and you receive full ownership at the end of the term. RTO is almost always the better deal for residential owners.
From first contact to ownership transfer — the complete journey takes 6–12 weeks.
An engineer visits your property to evaluate roof orientation, shading, structural integrity, and TNB meter type. Takes 30–60 minutes.
The provider designs a system sized to your monthly bill. You review and sign the RTO agreement — typically 5 or 7 years at a fixed monthly rate.
A SEDA-certified team installs your panels, inverter, and cabling. Most residential installations complete within 2–3 working days.
The provider submits your NEM / Solar ATAP application to TNB and SEDA. Approval typically takes 4–8 weeks. Your system is activated once the bi-directional meter is installed.
You pay a fixed monthly fee — lower than your expected solar savings. Most customers see a net positive cash flow from month one.
At the end of your contract term (5 or 7 years), full legal ownership of the solar system transfers to you — at zero additional cost.
Timeline note: The longest step is TNB Solar ATAP approval — typically 4–8 weeks for residential systems. Your panels generate electricity immediately after installation; however, the full NEM export credit only begins once TNB installs the bi-directional meter. Your provider should manage this application on your behalf.
Indicative monthly payments by system size. Note that typical TNB bill savings exceed the monthly fee — producing a positive net cash flow for most customers.
| System | Monthly (5-yr) | Monthly (7-yr) | Bill Savings | Net Cash Flow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kWp | RM180 – RM220 | RM140 – RM175 | RM200 – RM300 | +RM20 – +RM120 |
| 5 kWpPopular | RM280 – RM340 | RM210 – RM260 | RM320 – RM450 | +RM40 – +RM170 |
| 6.6 kWp | RM360 – RM430 | RM270 – RM330 | RM420 – RM580 | +RM60 – +RM220 |
| 8 kWp | RM430 – RM520 | RM330 – RM400 | RM520 – RM700 | +RM90 – +RM270 |
| 10 kWp | RM530 – RM640 | RM400 – RM490 | RM650 – RM900 | +RM120 – +RM370 |
Monthly rates are indicative based on 2026 market rates from multiple providers. Actual pricing depends on system brand, provider, and site complexity. Net cash flow assumes average TNB savings at 45.40 sen/kWh tariff and 4–5 peak sun hours per day in Peninsular Malaysia. Sabah and Sarawak customers: add 10% to monthly rates.
Choosing the right solar financing model is as important as choosing the right system size. Here is a comprehensive comparison.
| Feature | Rent-to-Own | Cash Purchase | PPA | Bank Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | RM0 | RM15,000 – RM40,000 | RM0 | RM0 – RM5,000 |
| Monthly payment | Fixed (e.g. RM280/mo) | None | Per kWh consumed | Loan instalment |
| System ownership | After contract term | Immediate | Never (provider owns) | Immediate |
| Maintenance | Provider | Owner | Provider | Owner |
| Contract lock-in | 5–7 years | None | 10–21 years | 3–10 years |
| Total cost (5 kWp) | RM16,800–24,000 | RM15,000–25,000 | Variable | RM18,000–30,000 |
| Credit check required | Soft check only | None | Yes (income) | Full credit assessment |
| Best for | No capital available | Best long-term ROI | Commercial, high usage | Good credit, long tenure |
When RTO wins
When cash purchase wins
The Malaysian RTO solar market is led by a small number of specialist providers. Here is an honest breakdown of what each offers.
Pioneer of zero-upfront RTO in Malaysia. Strong marketing presence, broad residential coverage.
Strong in Klang Valley and tech-savvy customers. Offers both RTO and Power Purchase Agreement models.
Focus on rural and B40/M40 households. Strong CSR mission; installation quality varies by region.
Flexible provider offering RTO, outright purchase, and bank loan facilitation. Transparent pricing and SEDA-certified installations.
Why Trexon offers all models
Unlike providers that only sell one financing product, Trexon assesses your situation first — income, property type, monthly bill, and long-term plans — then recommends the model that maximises your return. For some customers, a bank green loan is genuinely better than RTO. We will tell you that upfront.
For Malaysian homeowners without upfront capital, RTO solar offers a compelling combination of immediate savings and long-term asset building.
You pay RM0 upfront. No need to liquidate savings, apply for a bank loan, or wait years to afford solar. The system generates savings from day one.
During the contract period, the provider is responsible for repairs, inverter replacement, and panel cleaning. You are protected against unexpected maintenance costs.
Because your monthly payment is lower than your typical bill savings, most RTO customers save money from the very first month — before owning anything.
Your monthly RTO fee is fixed for the full term. As TNB electricity tariffs rise (they increased 13.6% in 2026), your savings grow larger each year.
Unlike a PPA — where you never own the system — RTO gives you full title at contract end. After that, all electricity savings are pure profit for 15–20 more years.
Most RTO providers require only a soft credit check or proof of bill payment history. No need for DSR calculations or collateral that bank loans require.
Rent-to-own is the right model for many Malaysians — but it is not without trade-offs. Here is what to consider before signing.
You are contractually bound for the full term. Early termination usually requires paying a buyout fee — typically the remaining monthly payments or a lump sum. Review the exit clause carefully before signing.
A 5 kWp system bought for RM20,000 cash will always be cheaper in total than 7 years of RTO payments (roughly RM21,840 at RM260/mo). RTO trades total cost for zero upfront — that is the premium you pay.
If you sell your home before the contract ends, you have three options: transfer the contract to the new owner (most common), buy out the system and include it in the sale price, or pay the exit fee and terminate. Communicate early with your provider and property agent.
Under Solar ATAP 2026, the maximum exported capacity is capped at 60% of your sanctioned load. An oversized RTO system will produce energy you cannot fully monetise. Ensure your provider sizes the system to your actual bill — not the maximum possible.
RTO contracts are typically backed by securitised receivables, meaning your contract survives even if the original provider folds — a new servicer takes over. However, confirm this in writing and ask about the provider's servicing arrangement before signing.
Questions to ask before signing any RTO contract
Malaysia's new Solar ATAP programme replaced NEM 3.0 in 2026. Here is what it means for rent-to-own customers.
Under Solar ATAP, your maximum exported capacity is limited to 60% of your TNB sanctioned load. For a typical home with a 6 kVA single-phase supply, this means a maximum export of 3.6 kWp.
If your RTO provider installs a 10 kWp system on a home with a 6 kVA supply, the excess generation above the export cap earns nothing — it is wasted. Your monthly savings will not match the projections, but your monthly RTO payment stays the same.
Always ask your provider to show you the Solar ATAP sizing calculation before signing. A reputable provider sizes to your bill and your sanctioned load — not just the maximum panels your roof can physically hold.
| Monthly TNB Bill | Typical Usage (kWh/mo) | Recommended RTO Size | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| RM150 – RM250 | 300–500 kWh | 3 kWp | Optimal for single-phase, low usage |
| RM250 – RM400 | 500–800 kWh | 5 kWp | Most popular RTO size |
| RM400 – RM600 | 800–1,200 kWh | 6.6 kWp | Check export cap at your supply rating |
| RM600 – RM900 | 1,200–1,800 kWh | 8–10 kWp | May require 3-phase supply upgrade |
RTO is not the right model for everyone. Use this guide to decide.
The M40 Homeowner
Ideal fitBill: RM300–450/mo
Family of 4 in a terrace house. Household income RM8,000–12,000. No spare savings but wants solar before TNB tariffs rise further.
The Small Business Owner
Strong fitBill: RM500–900/mo
Shophouse or SME office. Does not want capital tied up in a fixed asset. Prefers operational expense over capex for tax treatment.
The Retiree
Good fitBill: RM200–350/mo
Fixed income, home fully paid off. No bank loan eligibility but wants to cut electricity cost. Ownership at year 5–7 is a legacy asset.
Rent-to-own (RTO) solar — also known as sewa beli solar — is a financing model where you pay zero upfront. A provider installs and owns the solar system on your roof, you pay a fixed monthly fee, and legal ownership transfers to you after 5–7 years. It is the solar equivalent of hire purchase (sewa beli kereta) for a car.
Monthly fees in 2026 range from RM180 to RM640 depending on system size and contract term. A typical 5 kWp system on a 7-year RTO runs RM210–260 per month. Because your TNB bill savings typically exceed this amount, most customers are net positive from month one.
No. During the contract period, the solar system legally belongs to the provider. You are renting it with the right to purchase. Full legal ownership transfers to you only at the end of the contract term, at no extra cost.
Yes, most providers allow early buyout. The buyout price is usually the net present value of remaining payments. Some providers offer a discounted buyout after year 3. Check the specific terms in your contract — these vary by provider.
You have three options: (1) Transfer the contract to the new property buyer — most buyers accept this as it is cash-flow positive. (2) Perform an early buyout and include the system value in your sale price. (3) Pay the exit fee and terminate. Option 1 is most common and usually has no additional cost.
The provider is responsible for all maintenance — including inverter failure, panel defects, and system monitoring. This is one of the main advantages of RTO over outright purchase. You bear no maintenance risk until after ownership transfers.
Yes. RTO systems are connected under TNB's Solar ATAP (formerly NEM 3.0) programme just like any owned system. The export tariff credits flow to your TNB account, reducing your bill. The solar provider does not capture the export value — you do.
A RTO solar contract is not a bank loan and does not appear as a liability on your CCRIS/CTOS report. However, some lenders may factor in monthly commitments during DSR assessment if the lender is aware of the contract. Consult your banker if you plan to refinance during the RTO period.
If you can qualify for a bank green loan at SBR + 2.62% (BSN) or similar, a loan is cheaper overall because you own the system immediately and pay less total interest than RTO. However, loans require income verification, DSR headroom, and some require collateral. RTO is better for those who do not qualify for favourable loan terms or prefer zero paperwork.
Contact a provider like Trexon, GetSolar, Emit Solar, or SOLS Energy. The process is: (1) Submit your latest TNB bill for sizing, (2) site visit for roof assessment, (3) receive a proposal with monthly fee and savings estimate, (4) sign the agreement and schedule installation. Most installations complete within 2–4 weeks of signing.
Trexon's engineers will assess your roof, calculate your bill savings, and present a transparent RTO proposal — including exact monthly fee, projected savings, and net cash flow. No obligation, no pressure. We also compare RTO against cash purchase and bank loan options so you choose what is truly best for you.
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