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Education5 March 20267 min

NEM Explained: How to Sell Solar Energy Back to TNB

NEM Explained: How to Sell Solar Energy Back to TNB

What is Net Energy Metering (NEM)?

Net Energy Metering (NEM) is a program by the Malaysian government that allows solar panel owners to sell excess electricity back to TNB (Tenaga Nasional Berhad). It's one of the key reasons solar panels are such a great investment in Malaysia.

How NEM Works

  • 1During the day: — Your solar panels generate electricity. What you use in your home is consumed directly.
  • 2Excess energy: — Any electricity your panels produce beyond your immediate use flows back to the TNB grid.
  • 3Energy credits: — TNB credits you on a 1:1 basis — every kWh you export offsets 1 kWh you import at night.
  • 4Monthly billing: — Your bill reflects the NET difference between what you consumed and what you exported.

    • Real Example

    Without NEM:

  • Daytime usage: 15 kWh
  • Solar production: 25 kWh
  • Excess: 10 kWh (wasted without NEM)
  • Night usage: 15 kWh (full charge from TNB)

    • With NEM:

  • Daytime usage: 15 kWh (from solar)
  • Solar production: 25 kWh
  • Excess: 10 kWh (exported to TNB as credit)
  • Night usage: 15 kWh - 10 kWh credit = **5 kWh billed**

    • Monthly savings: 300+ kWh = RM100-200 additional savings

    NEM Categories

  • NEM Rakyat — For residential customers (up to 72kW). This is what most homeowners use.
  • NEM GoMEn — For government buildings
  • NOVA — For commercial/industrial customers

    • How to Apply for NEM

    SolarKita handles the entire NEM application process:

    1. Site assessment and system design

    2. Application to SEDA/TNB

    3. Approval (2-4 weeks)

    4. Installation and grid connection

    5. Bi-directional meter installation by TNB

    Maximize Your NEM Benefits

  • Size your system correctly — match solar output to daytime usage
  • Shift heavy loads to daytime — run washing machine, AC during peak solar hours
  • Monitor production — use the monitoring app to track daily generation
  • Regular maintenance — clean panels ensure maximum production

    • Ready to Go Solar?

    Get a free consultation and personalized quote for your home. We handle everything from SolaRIS rebate to installation.

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