The papers are in. What are the plans for solar PV? Sent. But the big question is: How long does it take to get your shiny new nem rakyat app approved? People who have gone through the process in Malaysia will say things like “Eh, cepat je!” or the more common “Lama jugak, bro.” So, what’s going on?
Let’s start with the basics. The Sustainable Energy Development Authority of Malaysia (SEDA Malaysia) handles NEM Rakyat applications. You get in line online, just as you would for tasty roti canai on a Sunday morning, when your digital forms, technical drawings, and proof of property paperwork come.
On paper, the approval process should be rapid. Most applications that are accepted go through in less than 30 business days. That’s not quite lightning speed, but it’s faster than getting through some traffic jams in Malaysia. SEDA’s goal is to keep things moving so that no one has to wait months with nothing to do.
Of course, the details are what matter. If your application is clear, your house paperwork is in order, and the solar installer you choose knows what they’re doing, you might get that golden clearance email in as little as two weeks. You should expect delays if you don’t have all the appropriate documentation, your IC and TNB invoices don’t match, or your solar contractor uploads technical language. SEDA will ask you for more information, and every time you go back and forth, it might add days or even weeks to your wait time.
Here’s some “kopitiam” advice: pick a good solar dealer to handle submissions. A number of people watch the whole thing, check the paperwork twice, and make sure nothing is overlooked. A well-prepared application is like a well wrapped nasi lemak: neat, simple to look at, and ready to go.
Don’t forget that the permission is just one part of the whole. Once you get the “yes,” you will still need TNB’s permission to connect to the grid and put the meter on site. This might happen in two to three weeks if your installation is on the ball. If all goes well, it should take six to eight weeks from start to finish.
To sum up, it’s not next-day delivery, but it’s still a miracle in the Malaysian government. You could have just enough time to clean your roof and think about how much money you’ll be saving soon.