As of 2025, Malaysia’s Net Energy Metering (NEM) program has reached its quota limit, leaving many to wonder, is solar still worth it for houses of worship such as mosques, temples, and churches without NEM?

The short answer is: Yes. Absolutely.

Even though NEM is no longer available for new applicants, installing a solar PV system remains a strategic and impactful investment for worship buildings. Here’s why:
 

1. Significant Long-Term Electricity Cost Reduction
Without NEM, the solar energy generated is used directly through self-consumption or the new Solar ATAP Program, reducing dependence on TNB during the day. For buildings that operate mostly in daylight hours, this can cut monthly electricity bills by 30–60%, depending on system size and usage patterns.


 

þ 2. Sustainable Operation for Houses of Worship
Solar energy reflects the shared spiritual value of caring for creation. By adopting clean energy, houses of worship (mosques, temples, and churches) become symbols of sustainability, inspiring their communities to protect and preserve the environment.


 

3. Energy Independence & Predictability
With solar, religious institutions gain greater control over rising energy costs.
Since electricity tariffs may increase over time, generating your own clean energy ensures stable, predictable expenses, ideal for organisations managing tight or donation-based budgets.


 

4. Community Leadership in Renewable Energy
When a house of worship goes solar, it becomes a beacon of environmental leadership. It raises awareness among congregants and the local community, encouraging wider adoption of sustainable practices and setting an example of responsible stewardship.
 

ùð 5. Low Maintenance & Long Lifespan
Solar PV systems are durable and low-maintenance, typically lasting 25 years or more. This allows worship buildings to benefit from clean energy with minimal upkeep and operational disruption.
 

6. Eligible for Donation, CSR & Green Funding
Even after NEM, there are various alternative funding options available, such as:

• Waqf (Wakaf) Solar contributions

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives

• Green technology grants or ESG-linked financing
  These opportunities can significantly reduce or cover installation costs.
  
  

þ 7. Better Use of Daytime Energy
Solar energy is especially beneficial for facilities that operate mainly during the day, such as:

• Administrative offices

• Religious schools and classes

• Community activities and events

• Air conditioning and lighting in multipurpose halls

This makes solar an excellent fit even without exporting excess energy back to the grid.
 

8. PRODUCT SPECS

TRINA SOLAR 620W N Vertex (N-type i-TOPCon bifacial dual glass)

High customer value

• Lower LCOE , reduced BOS cost, better ROI
• Lowest guaranteed first year and annual degradation
• Optimized compatibility with existing mainstream system components

High power up to 620W

• Up to 23.0% module efficiency
• High density interconnection provides improved power density
• MBB technology improves light trapping effect and current collection, while lowering series resistance

High reliability

• Minimized micro-cracks with innovative non-destructive cutting technology minimizes micro-cracking
• Ensured PID resistance through improved cell process and module material control
• Resistant to harsh environments
• Mechanical performance up to +5400/-2400 Pa

High energy yield

• Excellent IAM and low irradiation performance, validated by 3rd party certifications
• The unique design provides optimized energy production under inter-row shading conditions
• Lower temperature coefficient (-0.29%/°C) and operating temperature
• Up to 30% additional power gain from back side

-Product Warranty: 15 Years
-Performance Warranty: 30 Years  
 

CANADIAN SOLAR 620W TOPBiHiKu6

Feature

• Module power up to 620 W
• Module efficiency up to 23.0 % 620 W• Lower temperature coefficient (Pmax): -0.29%/°C,
• increases energy yield in hot climate
• Excellent anti-LeTID & anti-PID performance.
• Low power degradation, high energy yield
• Up to 85% Power Bifacially,
• more power from the back side
• Lower LCOE & system cost
• Minimizes micro-crack impacts• Heavy snow load up to 5400 Pa, wind load up to 2400 Pa*

-Product Warranty: 15 Years
-Performance Warranty: 30 Years  
 

SOLIS Single Phase Inverter-Non Hybrid (S6-EH3P12KH) 

Feature:

• Max Performance efficiency: 97.7%
• Safety standards: IEC-62109-1, IEC-62109-2
• String current up to 14A
• Super high frequency switching technology
• Wide voltage range and low startup voltage
• 2 MPPT design with precise MPPT algorithm
• Integrated Export Power Manager (EPM)
• AFCI protection, proactively reduces fire risk
• Compact and lightweight
• Friendly and adaptable connection to the grid

-Product Warranty: 10 Years

Final Thought
While the NEM incentive was once a major driver, solar energy remains a powerful, cost-saving, and sustainable solution for houses of worship across Malaysia. By going solar, these sacred spaces not only lower their operating costs but also take the lead in building a greener, more responsible, and spiritually aligned community.