As solar adoption grows in Malaysia, many business owners wonder, “Can I just install solar panels without TNB approval?” The short answer: if you're on the grid, you need it.

Grid-Tied Means You’re Under Grid Rules

If your business operates in any TNB-served area (most urban and industrial zones), your system will interact with the national grid. Legally, that means you must obtain TNB approval before installation.

• This ensures safety (preventing backfeed during grid maintenance).
• It maintains grid stability and load management.
• And it's mandated under the Electricity Supply Act 1990.

Off-Grid Only for Remote Applications

Off-grid solar is only legal when there’s no grid access; for example, in rural estates, island camps, or isolated telecom sites. Urban businesses usually don’t qualify, and going off-grid typically incurs higher costs due to batteries and generators.

What TNB Approval Involves

Here's a typical process when working with TNB for commercial setups:

1. Proof of eligibility.
2. Submission of technical documents (Single Line Diagrams, inverter specs, SLD, etc)
3. NEM or SELCO application, including connection studies for systems over 72 kW
4. Inspection and commissioning, followed by meter installation

i2 Energy: Your Compliance Partner

i2 Energy handles everything:

• End-to-end TNB paperwork and technical compliance.
• Accurate & fast NEM submissions.
• System design meets TNB’s technical standards.
• You get a fully legal, hassle-free installation.

Conclusion
‍If you're in a TNB-served area (i.e., most commercial spaces in Peninsular Malaysia), TNB approval isn’t optional; it’s mandatory for safety, legality, and export eligibility.
‍At i2 Energy, we don’t just install solar, we ensure your setup is fully compliant, safe, and optimized for long-term ROI.

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Source:

• MALAYSIA: Electricity Supply Act 1990 (2016 Ed.) (Act No. 447 of 1990)
• Net Energy Metering (NEM) 3.0
• Guidelines For Solar Photovoltaic Installation Under The Programme Of NEM Rakyat And NEM GoMEn In Peninsular Malaysia (open PDF)

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