A quiet revolution is taking root on the rooftops of Shah Alam, transforming residential homes into miniature power stations. Sime Darby Property has unveiled the nation’s inaugural residential rooftop solar program, a cornerstone of the National Energy Transition Roadmap that turns homeowners into active energy producers. Launched by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, this groundbreaking initiative introduces a leasing model where residents can participate without any initial financial investment, marking a significant leap in Malaysia’s renewable energy evolution.
The pilot project, centered within the City of Elmina township, operates through the Community Renewable Energy Aggregation Mechanism. Homeowners simply lease their rooftop space to become part of a distributed energy network, earning rental income while their properties generate clean electricity. Sime Darby Property serves as the Local Energy Generator Aggregator, handling all installation and management in partnership with GSPARX, a Tenaga Nasional Berhad subsidiary providing technical expertise. This collaborative approach eliminates barriers for residents while creating a new revenue stream from previously unused rooftop areas.
The generated solar power flows directly into TNB’s grid system, supplying the nearby Innovation Park located within five kilometers of participating homes. This park functions as the Local Green Consumer, creating a closed-loop energy ecosystem within the community. Beyond this initial setup, expansion possibilities are already emerging with petrol stations, commercial centers, and educational institutions expressing interest as potential energy off-takers. This demonstrates the model’s scalability and potential for nationwide replication across various community types.
Sime Darby Property’s leadership emphasizes how this initiative transforms residential communities into active participants in the national energy transition. Group Managing Director Datuk Seri Azmir Merican noted that the program simultaneously reduces carbon footprints while enhancing property values and creating income opportunities for residents. He credited government agencies and strategic partners for making this community-focused approach possible, highlighting how public-private collaboration can accelerate sustainable development goals through practical, scalable solutions.
TNB’s Chief Executive Officer Datuk Megat Jalaluddin Megat Hassan reinforced their commitment to supporting NETR objectives through this pioneering project. The installation includes not only rooftop solar solutions but also Malaysia’s first Community Energy Storage System, enhancing grid flexibility and reliability while empowering communities with cleaner energy. With plans to expand this model across more townships, Sime Darby Property positions itself as a key private sector driver in supporting Malaysia’s ambitious target of achieving 70% renewable energy capacity by 2050, proving that sustainable energy transitions can begin right at home.