Build your solar plan — no payment until you approve
Configure solarRent-to-Own Solar Panel Malaysia 2026: Complete Guide
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.
What This Guide Covers
- What is rent-to-own solar?
- Step-by-step how it works
- Pricing table by system size
- RTO vs Buy vs PPA vs Loan
- Top providers in Malaysia
- Benefits and risks
- Solar ATAP 2026 impact
- Who should choose RTO?
- 10-question FAQ
Trexon offers rent-to-own, through OKAPI — and we will not quote you a monthly on a web page
We place rent-to-own through OKAPI Technologies on a 7 or 10 year term, and you own the system outright at the end of it. Insurance and warranty included (12-year product and 30-year performance warranty on panels, 10-year on inverters); maintenance cover as set out in your OKAPI agreement. You keep the SuRIA rebate, and batteries cannot be included on rent-to-own. It is a lease, not a loan — OKAPI owns the system during the term and ownership transfers to you at the end.
Your monthly is quoted individually, never from a table. It comes out of OKAPI’s own calculator once we have your bill, your system size and your deposit, and it is subject to their credit assessment. Any monthly figures further down this page are market reference numbers for judging other providers — they are not our quote to you.
One condition worth knowing before you apply: OKAPI require the arrangement to be cashflow positive, meaning your bill saving must exceed the monthly payment. A small electricity bill can therefore be declined, because the payment does not shrink in proportion. We would rather tell you that now than after an application.
Also available: outright purchase, or a bank loan — Maybank, CIMB, RHB, Public Bank and BSN (check current terms with each bank), with the system yours from day one.
Our installed systems start at 5.58 kWp from RM15,999. Tell us your TNB bill and supply phase and we will size it honestly.
What Is Rent-to-Own Solar?
A simple financing model that lets any Malaysian homeowner go solar today — starting with a RM2,000 booking.
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 for a RM2,000 booking, credited in full to the system price. You pay a fixed monthly fee, and after a defined contract period (7 or 10 years with OKAPI), 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, the finance company 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, and OKAPI only approves plans whose monthly payment is lower than the estimated savings; the actual figure is quoted by OKAPI.
In Malaysia, several companies such as GetSolar and Emit Solar offer structured rent-to-own programmes. Whether RTO works for you depends on your bill and the monthly figure your provider quotes — compare the monthly payment with your estimated 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 the whole contract term 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 suits homeowners who want to own the system at the end of the term.
How Does Rent-to-Own Solar Work in Malaysia?
From first contact to TNB commissioning usually takes about 6–10 weeks; ownership transfers at the end of the 7- or 10-year term.
Site Assessment
An engineer visits your property to evaluate roof orientation, shading, structural integrity, and TNB meter type.
System Design & Agreement
The provider designs a system sized to your monthly bill. You review and sign the RTO agreement — typically 7 or 10 years with OKAPI, at a fixed monthly rate.
Installation
A SEDA-certified team installs your panels, inverter, and cabling. On-site installation usually takes 1–2 days.
TNB Solar ATAP Application
The provider submits your Solar ATAP application. From booking to TNB commissioning typically takes 6–10 weeks. Your system is activated once TNB completes the meter work.
Monthly Payments Begin
You pay a fixed monthly fee. OKAPI approves only plans whose monthly payment is lower than the estimated savings; the actual figure is quoted by OKAPI.
Ownership Transfer
At the end of your contract term (7 or 10 years with OKAPI), full legal ownership of the solar system transfers to you — with no buyout fee.
Timeline note: From booking to TNB commissioning typically takes 6–10 weeks. Your panels generate electricity once TNB completes the meter work. Your provider should manage this application on your behalf.
Rent-to-Own Solar Monthly Payments in Malaysia
With Trexon, the monthly payment is quoted by OKAPI after it reviews your TNB bill. We do not publish monthly figures, because they depend on your bill and system.
- Your monthly payment is quoted by OKAPI after it reviews your latest TNB bill.
- Approval requires positive cashflow: your expected solar savings must cover the monthly payment, so a small bill may not qualify.
- Terms are 7 or 10 years, and you own the system at the end of the term.
- Insurance and warranty are included; maintenance cover is as set out in your OKAPI agreement.
- You keep the SuRIA Home rebate. Batteries are not available on rent-to-own.
- Systems start from 5.58 kWp (RM15,999 outright on our catalogue), and every route starts with the RM2,000 booking.
Other rent-to-own providers set their own monthly rates and terms. Sabah and Sarawak customers: confirm availability with Trexon.
RTO vs Buy vs PPA vs Bank Loan
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 | RM2,000 booking | RM15,999 – RM40,499 | Set by the provider | RM2,000 booking |
| Monthly payment | Fixed, quoted by OKAPI | None | Per kWh consumed | Loan instalment |
| System ownership | After contract term | Immediate | Never (provider owns) | Immediate |
| Maintenance | Insurance and warranty included; maintenance per OKAPI agreement | Owner | Per PPA agreement | Owner |
| Contract lock-in | 7 or 10 years (OKAPI) | None | 10–21 years | 3–10 years |
| Total cost | Per OKAPI quote | From RM15,999 (5.58 kWp) | Variable | Price + bank interest |
| Credit check required | OKAPI approval (positive cashflow) | None | Yes (income) | Full credit assessment |
| Best for | Limited capital available | Best long-term ROI | Commercial, high usage | Good credit, long tenure |
When RTO wins
- You prefer to keep your capital invested
- You do not qualify for a bank green loan
- You want insurance and warranty included during the contract
- You want to avoid long PPA lock-ins (10–21 years)
When cash purchase wins
- You have savings available for upfront payment
- You want maximum lifetime ROI (no monthly cost after payback)
- You plan to stay in the property long-term
- You want to avoid any contract obligations
Top Rent-to-Own Solar Providers in Malaysia
The Malaysian RTO solar market is led by a small number of specialist providers. Here is an honest breakdown of what each offers.
GetSolar
Rent-to-own provider with broad residential coverage.
Emit Solar
Strong in Klang Valley and tech-savvy customers. Offers both RTO and Power Purchase Agreement models.
SOLS Energy
Focus on rural and B40/M40 households. Strong CSR mission.
Trexon Energy
This siteRent-to-own through OKAPI Technologies, outright purchase, and help preparing bank loan applications. SEDA-registered installer.
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.
6 Key Benefits of Rent-to-Own Solar
For Malaysian homeowners without a large upfront payment, RTO solar offers a compelling combination of immediate savings and long-term asset building.
Start With a RM2,000 Booking
You start with a RM2,000 booking, credited in full to your system price. No need to liquidate savings, apply for a bank loan, or wait years to afford solar. The system generates savings from day one.
Insurance & Warranty Included
Insurance and warranty included; maintenance cover as set out in your OKAPI agreement.
Positive Cash Flow from Month 1
OKAPI approves rent-to-own only when your expected bill savings cover the monthly payment, so the plan is designed to be cash-flow positive from the first month — before you own anything.
Fixed Monthly Payments
Your monthly RTO fee is fixed for the full term, so you know what you pay each month. Your TNB savings depend on your consumption and the tariff.
Full Ownership at Contract End
Unlike a PPA — where you never own the system — RTO gives you full title at contract end. After that, the savings are yours for the rest of the system's life.
Lighter Credit Check
RTO providers usually run a lighter check than a bank loan, with no collateral. OKAPI approval still requires positive cashflow, so a small bill may not qualify.
Risks and Considerations
Rent-to-own is the right model for many Malaysians — but it is not without trade-offs. Here is what to consider before signing.
Contract Lock-In Period
7- or 10-year commitment (OKAPI)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.
Total Cost Exceeds Cash Price
Higher lifetime costBuying outright (from RM15,999 for 5.58 kWp) will always cost less in total than paying for the same system over 7 or 10 years, because rent-to-own payments include financing, insurance and warranty cover. RTO trades total cost for a RM2,000 booking instead of a large upfront payment — that is the premium you pay.
What If You Sell Your Home?
Property transfer complicationIf 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.
Solar ATAP System Sizing Limit
Solar ATAP size cap may limit savingsUnder Solar ATAP, homes are capped at 5 kWac on single phase and 15 kWac on three phase, and unused export credit is forfeited at the end of each billing period. 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.
Provider Financial Stability
What if the provider shuts down?Ask the provider in writing what happens to your contract if it ceases operations, and who would service the system, before signing.
Questions to ask before signing any RTO contract
- What is the exact buyout formula if I want to exit early?
- What happens to the contract if I sell the property?
- Who services the inverter if it fails, and how long does a repair take?
- Is the system sized to my Solar ATAP limit?
- What entity holds the contract — is it securitised or held by the operating company?
Solar ATAP 2026 and Its Impact on RTO
Malaysia's new Solar ATAP programme replaced NEM 3.0. Here is what it means for rent-to-own customers.
Key Solar ATAP 2026 Rules
- Homes: export credit at the TNB Energy Charge — RM0.2703/kWh (RM0.3703 above 1,500 kWh a month)Credit rate
- Contract up to 10 years; capacity is allocated first-come-first-servedProgramme
- Homes: up to 5 kWac on single phase and up to 15 kWac on three phaseSize limit
- Larger systems need a TNB Connection Confirmation Check (RM1,000)Cost note
- Unused export credit is forfeited at the end of each billing periodBilling
Why System Sizing Matters Under Solar ATAP
Under Solar ATAP, homes are capped at 5 kWac on single phase and 15 kWac on three phase. Larger systems need a TNB Connection Confirmation Check (RM1,000).
If your RTO provider installs a system larger than your daytime consumption, the excess generation earns only the Energy Charge export credit, and unused credit is forfeited each billing period. 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 supply phase — not just the maximum panels your roof can physically hold.
Recommended RTO System Sizes by TNB Bill (Solar ATAP 2026)
| Monthly TNB Bill | Typical Usage (kWh/mo) | Recommended RTO Size | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| RM150 – RM250 | 300–500 kWh | 5.58 kWp | Smallest package; positive cashflow needed for approval |
| RM250 – RM400 | 500–800 kWh | 5.58–7.44 kWp | Largest single-phase size is 7.44 kWp |
| RM400 – RM600 | 800–1,200 kWh | 8.06–9.92 kWp | Three-phase supply |
| RM600 – RM900 | 1,200–1,800 kWh | 9.92–12.40 kWp | Three-phase supply |
Who Should Choose Rent-to-Own Solar?
RTO is not the right model for everyone. Use this guide to decide.
RTO is a great fit if you...
- Have a monthly TNB bill above RM200 and want to reduce it immediately
- Do not have RM15,000–40,000 in readily accessible savings
- Prefer not to tie up large cash reserves in upfront equipment costs
- Do not qualify for a bank green loan due to income or credit constraints
- Want insurance and warranty included during the contract
- Plan to stay in your property for the 7- or 10-year term
- Are a first-time solar adopter who wants minimal paperwork
Consider alternatives if you...
- Have savings available and want maximum long-term ROI (choose cash purchase)
- Qualify for a bank loan on good terms (a loan can cost less overall)
- Plan to sell or rent out the property within 3–4 years
- Are renting your current home (you need the landlord's consent for RTO)
- Have a TNB bill below RM150 (system may be too small to be economically viable)
- Want to avoid any ongoing contractual obligation
Real Malaysian profiles well-suited for RTO
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 Business Owner
Business route insteadCommercial premises
Rent-to-own is for homes only. For a shophouse or SME office, Trexon offers outright purchase or hire purchase (Mitsubishi HC Capital).
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 the end of the term is a legacy asset.
Rent-to-Own Solar Malaysia: Frequently Asked Questions
1What is rent-to-own solar in Malaysia?
Rent-to-own (RTO) solar — also known as sewa beli solar — is a financing model where you start with a RM2,000 booking instead of paying the full system price upfront. A provider installs and owns the solar system on your roof, you pay a fixed monthly fee, and legal ownership transfers to you at the end of the term. It is the solar equivalent of hire purchase (sewa beli kereta) for a car.
2How much does rent-to-own solar cost per month?
Monthly fees depend on system size, contract term and the provider. With Trexon, your monthly is quoted individually by OKAPI from your bill, system size and deposit; the monthly figure comes from OKAPI only. OKAPI requires the arrangement to be cashflow positive, so your bill savings must exceed the monthly payment.
3Do I own the panels during the RTO contract?
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.
4Can I buy out the system early?
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.
5What happens if I move house during the RTO contract?
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.
6Who maintains the system during the RTO period?
Insurance and warranty included; maintenance cover as set out in your OKAPI agreement. Check the exact coverage in your agreement before signing.
7Is rent-to-own solar eligible for Solar ATAP?
Yes. RTO systems are connected under TNB's Solar ATAP (formerly NEM 3.0) programme just like any owned system. Export credits flow to your TNB account, reducing your bill; unused credit is forfeited at the end of each billing period.
8Does RTO affect my ability to get a home loan?
A RTO solar contract is not a bank loan. Whether OKAPI reports RTO contracts to CCRIS/CTOS is for OKAPI to confirm, so check with them before you sign. Some lenders may also factor in the monthly commitment during DSR assessment. Consult your banker if you plan to refinance during the RTO period.
9Which is better — rent-to-own or a bank solar loan?
If you can qualify for a bank loan on good terms, a loan can cost less overall because you own the system immediately and pay less total interest than RTO. However, loans require income verification and DSR headroom, and some require collateral. Check current terms with each bank. RTO is better for those who do not qualify for favourable loan terms or prefer to start with only the RM2,000 booking.
10How do I apply for rent-to-own solar in Malaysia?
Contact a provider like Trexon, GetSolar, Emit Solar, or SOLS Energy. The process is: (1) Submit your latest TNB bill for sizing, (2) roof review from your photos (no site visit needed to quote), (3) receive a proposal with monthly fee and savings estimate, (4) sign the agreement and schedule installation. On-site installation usually takes 1–2 days once approvals are in place.
Get Your Free Rent-to-Own Solar Quote
Trexon's engineers will review your roof information remotely, calculate your bill savings, and present a transparent proposal with projected savings; the rent-to-own monthly figure comes from OKAPI after it reviews your bill. No obligation, no pressure. We also compare RTO against cash purchase and bank loan options so you choose what is truly best for you.
Explore More Solar Resources
Solar Panel Cost Malaysia 2026
Complete price guide — system sizes, per kWp benchmark, and hidden costs
Solar ATAP Malaysia Guide
Export tariff rules, sizing caps, and TNB application steps
Best Solar Panels Malaysia 2026
Compare JinkoSolar, LONGi, JA Solar for Malaysian conditions
Solar Battery Storage Malaysia
SolisStorage IntelliHome and Huawei LUNA residential battery options
Solar Incentives Malaysia 2026
GITA tax allowance (companies), Solar ATAP bill credits and SuRIA Home — all solar incentives explained
Residential Solar Systems
Pre-configured home solar packages with transparent all-in pricing
Solar System Sizing Guide Malaysia
How to choose the right system size for your home or business
Commercial Solar Malaysia
Factory, warehouse and office solar — outright purchase or hire purchase