Malaysia has launched an exciting new program that allows homeowners to rent out their rooftops for solar panel installations. This first-of-its-kind initiative, called the Community Renewable Energy Aggregation Mechanism (CREAM), aims to help more people benefit from solar energy—even if they don’t install the system themselves.
Under this program, homeowners can lease their unused rooftop space to third-party companies. These companies, known as Local Energy Generators and Aggregators (LEGA), will install and manage solar panels on multiple rooftops in a neighborhood. The electricity generated will then be sold to nearby homes and businesses within a 5 km radius.
All the electricity will be distributed through Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)’s network. TNB will also be in charge of making sure the electricity supply remains stable, even when solar energy production varies due to weather.
The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) says this program is built on the idea of open grid access—meaning it will not lead to higher electricity tariffs. The goal is to make renewable energy more accessible without putting extra cost on consumers.
This rooftop leasing model creates opportunities for homeowners to earn passive income while helping the country move towards a greener, cleaner future. It also supports Malaysia’s energy goals of reaching 40% renewable energy by 2035 and 70% by 2050.
The CREAM program follows the earlier CRESS initiative launched in 2024, which lets businesses purchase green electricity directly from renewable energy developers.
Malaysia’s solar energy capacity continues to grow, reaching 2,306 MW by the end of 2024, up from 2,146 MW the year before.
This new approach is another big step toward making clean energy more mainstream in Malaysia—starting right on our rooftops.
