Registered Solar PV Investor (RPVI) in Malaysia
- Roger Pay
- Jul 21, 2025
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 22, 2025
RPVI in Malaysia Explained
Registered Solar PV Investor (RPVI) in Malaysia
In Malaysia, a Registered Solar PV Investor (RPVI) is a company that is registered with the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia to act as an investor in solar photovoltaic (PV) initiatives. RPVIs primarily offer Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) or Solar Leasing services to consumers (domestic, commercial, industrial, or agricultural).
Here's a breakdown of what it means to be an RPVI in Malaysia:
Role and Services of an RPVI:
Solar PV Investment: RPVIs finance and install solar PV systems on consumer premises (rooftops, land, etc.).
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Under a PPA, the RPVI owns and maintains the solar PV system, and the consumer agrees to purchase the electricity generated from the system at a fixed price over a specified period. This allows consumers to benefit from solar energy without upfront investment.
Solar Leasing: In a solar leasing arrangement, the consumer pays a fixed monthly fee to the RPVI for the use of the solar PV system. After the lease term, the consumer may have the option to purchase the system.
Maintenance and Performance: RPVIs are generally responsible for the operation and maintenance of the solar PV system throughout the agreement period.
Key Requirements to Become an RPVI:
The registration is managed by SEDA Malaysia. Here are some general requirements:
Company Registration: The company must be incorporated and registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).
Paid-up Capital:
Local Companies: A minimum total paid-up capital of RM 1,000,000.00.
Foreign Companies: A minimum total paid-up capital of RM 10,000,000.00.
Foreign Company Specifics: Foreign companies have additional conditions:
Can only participate in solar PV projects under the Net Energy Metering (NEM) program with a capacity exceeding 250 kWac.
At least 80% of the company's employees must be local workers.
Must utilize 100% local Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services by appointing a Registered PV Solar Service Provider (RPVSP) with SEDA Malaysia.
Online Application: The application process is typically done online via the SEDA portal.
Supporting Documents: A range of supporting documents are required, including company details, ownership structure, financial statements, and declarations related to the services offered (PPA, solar leasing, etc.).
Annual Fee: An annual fee is required for approved applications (RM3,000 for local companies and RM10,000 for foreign companies). The registration is valid until December 31st of the year and needs annual renewal.
Compliance: RPVIs must comply with relevant regulations, including the Electricity Supply Act 1990 and guidelines issued by the Energy Commission (Suruhanjaya Tenaga, ST) and SEDA.
Benefits of Being an RPVI:
Participation in Renewable Energy Growth: RPVIs play a crucial role in expanding solar energy adoption in Malaysia, contributing to national renewable energy targets.
Business Opportunities: The increasing demand for solar energy creates significant business opportunities for RPVIs to offer solar PV solutions to a wide range of consumers.
Net Energy Metering (NEM) Program: RPVIs can offer services under the NEM program (e.g., NEM 3.0), which allows consumers to offset their electricity bills by exporting excess solar energy to the grid.
Supply Agreement for Renewable Energy (SARE): RPVIs can enter into SARE agreements with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and consumers, which provides a tripartite framework for obligations related to the solar PV system, metering, billing, and collection. This can reduce counterparty risk for RPVIs.
Tax Incentives: Certain tax incentives, such as the Green Income Tax Exemption (GITE) on solar leasing services, may be available to RPVIs, offering tax exemptions on income derived from qualifying services.
RPVI Application Services and Charges
Being a Registered Solar PV Investor (RPVI) in Malaysia involves specific application services and associated charges set by the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia.
Here's a breakdown:
RPVI Application Services (What SEDA Provides/Manages):
Online Application Portal: SEDA provides an online portal (https://services.seda.gov.my/rpvi/rpvi/register) for companies to submit their RPVI applications. This is the primary channel for registration.
Application Review and Approval: SEDA's committee reviews submitted applications, verifying that all requirements and supporting documents are met.
RPVI Listing in Directory: Upon successful approval and payment of the annual fee, SEDA lists the company in its official "Registered Solar PV Investor (RPVI) Directory" on their website. This directory serves as a reference for interested consumers looking for solar PPA or leasing providers.
Issuance of RPVI Certificate: Successful applicants receive an RPVI certificate.
Information Updates: RPVIs can apply to update their company information listed in the directory, subject to SEDA's approval.
Renewal Process: SEDA manages the annual renewal process for RPVIs to maintain their registered status.
Compliance Monitoring: SEDA conducts ongoing monitoring to ensure RPVIs comply with the terms and conditions and code of ethics. Non-compliance can lead to de-listing.
RPVI Application Charges (Fees you can expect to pay):
The fees are primarily annual fees and are categorized based on whether the company is local or foreign:
Annual Registration/Renewal Fee for Local Companies:
RM 3,000.00 (Ringgit Malaysia Three Thousand Only)
This fee is for new registrations and annual renewals. The listing is valid until December 31st of the year and requires annual renewal to remain listed.
Annual Registration/Renewal Fee for Foreign Companies:
USD 2,500.00 (equivalent to RM 10,000.00 based on previous information)
Similar to local companies, this fee covers new registrations and annual renewals.
Update Data Fee:
RM 200.00 (Ringgit Malaysia Two Hundred Only) per access for updating company information in the directory.
Important Notes regarding the fees and application:
Non-Refundable: The application and annual fees are generally non-refundable, even if an application is rejected or if an RPVI is de-listed due to non-compliance.
Payment: Fees are typically paid after the application has been approved by SEDA, before the company is officially listed in the directory and the certificate is issued.
Complete Application: SEDA emphasizes that applications will only be processed if all information and supporting documents are provided at the same time. Incomplete applications may not be entertained.
Validity: The RPVI registration is valid until December 31st of the year of registration, regardless of when the registration was approved. Renewal is necessary to continue being listed in the directory for the following year.
For the most precise and up-to-date details on the application process, requirements, and charges, it is always recommended to refer directly to the official SEDA Malaysia website (www.seda.gov.my) and its RPVI section (e.g., https://services.seda.gov.my/rpvi/rpvi/register). You can also typically find downloadable manual forms and terms and conditions documents there.
Professional Fees
When discussing "professional fees" in the context of a Registered Solar PV Investor (RPVI) in Malaysia, it's important to distinguish between:
Statutory/Government Fees: These are the official charges levied by SEDA Malaysia for the RPVI registration itself. As discussed, these are primarily annual fees:
Local Companies: RM 3,000 per year
Foreign Companies: RM 10,000 per year (or USD 2,500)
Update Data Fee: RM 200 per access
Project-Specific Professional Fees (Ongoing Operations of an RPVI):
Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Services: While RPVIs might offer these services themselves, they often engage external EPC contractors.
Scope: Site surveys, system design, equipment procurement, installation, commissioning.
Fees: Typically a significant portion of the total project cost (e.g., RM3,000 - RM6,000 per kWp for residential, potentially lower per kWp for large commercial/industrial).
Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Services: For ensuring the long-term performance and reliability of solar PV systems.
Scope: Regular inspections, cleaning, performance monitoring, troubleshooting, repairs.
Fees: Often a recurring annual fee, calculated as a percentage of the initial installation cost or a fixed rate per kWp per year.
Technical Consultants (e.g., for Feasibility Studies, Due Diligence):
Scope: Assessing project viability, technical risk assessment, energy yield analysis.
Fees: Project-specific, based on the scope and duration of the study.
Bestar Professional Fees (Consulting, Advisory, etc.)
These are the costs a company might incur for engaging Bestar to assist them in the RPVI application process, business setup, project development, or ongoing operations. These fees are highly variable and depend on the scope of services required.
Here's a breakdown of Bestar fees:
A. Fees for RPVI Application Assistance:
Consultants/Advisors: If a company is new to the Malaysian renewable energy sector or wants to ensure a smooth application process, they might hire Bestar.
Scope: This includes guidance on eligibility, preparation of required documents, online application submission, and follow-up with SEDA.
Fees: These can range from a few thousand Ringgit for basic guidance to more substantial amounts (RM5,000 - RM15,000+) for comprehensive assistance, depending on the complexity of the company structure and the level of support needed.
B. Fees for Business Setup and Compliance:
Company Secretarial Services: For companies establishing a new entity in Malaysia or ensuring ongoing compliance.
Scope: Company registration with SSM, annual return filing, maintaining statutory records, advising on corporate governance.
Fees: Annual fees for company secretarial services range from RM1,500 to RM5,000, plus one-off setup costs.
Professional Fees: For drafting or reviewing Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), solar leasing agreements, joint venture agreements, and ensuring compliance with Malaysian laws (e.g., Electricity Supply Act, renewable energy regulations).
Scope: Contract drafting, professional advice on regulatory matters, due diligence.
Fees: Highly dependent on the complexity of the contracts and legal issues. Can range from a few thousand Ringgit for standard agreements to tens of thousands or more for complex, large-scale projects. Bestar charges hourly rates (e.g., RM250 - RM800+ per hour) or fixed project fees.
Accounting/Tax Consulting Fees: For setting up accounting systems, tax planning (e.g., utilizing Green Income Tax Exemption - GITE, Green Investment Tax Allowance - GITA), and financial reporting.
Scope: Financial modeling for PPA projects, tax advisory, audit services.
Fees: Varies based on company size and complexity of financial transactions. Could be monthly retainers or project-based fees.
Financial Advisory Fees: For securing financing for solar projects (e.g., bank loans, green financing).
Scope: Preparing financial proposals, liaising with banks, financial modeling.
Fees: A percentage of the financing secured or a fixed fee based on project value.
Factors Influencing Professional Fees:
Complexity of the Project: Larger, more complex solar projects (e.g., industrial rooftops vs. residential) will incur higher fees.
Scope of Services: The more comprehensive the services required, the higher the fees.
When setting up and operating as an RPVI in Malaysia, it's crucial to budget not only for the statutory fees but also for these various external professional services to ensure legal compliance, financial viability, and successful project execution.
It's important for interested parties to consult the official SEDA Malaysia website and the Energy Commission (Suruhanjaya Tenaga) for the most up-to-date and detailed requirements and guidelines for RPVI registration.
How Bestar can Help
Engaging professionals is highly beneficial, and often essential, for companies seeking to become a Registered Solar PV Investor (RPVI) in Malaysia and to successfully operate in the solar energy sector. Here's how Bestar can help:
Expertise in Regulatory Landscape: We possess in-depth knowledge of SEDA's requirements for RPVI registration, the Net Energy Metering (NEM) program, Supply Agreement for Renewable Energy (SARE), and other relevant policies (e.g., Green Income Tax Exemption - GITE, Green Investment Tax Allowance - GITA).
Application Guidance: We can guide companies through the entire RPVI application process, from eligibility assessment to document preparation and online submission, ensuring all criteria are met. This minimizes the risk of rejection or delays due to incomplete or incorrect applications.
Compliance Advice: We advise on ongoing compliance requirements to ensure the RPVI maintains its registered status and avoids penalties or de-listing.
Market Insights: We can offer valuable insights into the Malaysian solar market, including opportunities, challenges, and competitive landscape.
Contract Drafting and Review: Crucial for drafting and reviewing Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Solar Leasing Agreements. These contracts are complex and need to protect the RPVI's interests while complying with Malaysian law and SEDA/Energy Commission guidelines.
Regulatory Compliance: We ensure that the RPVI's business operations, contracts, and practices adhere to the Electricity Supply Act, renewable energy regulations, and consumer protection laws.
Due Diligence: For large-scale projects or partnerships, Bestar conducts due diligence to assess legal risks.
Financial Modeling: Developing robust financial models for PPA and solar leasing projects to assess profitability, return on investment (ROI), and payback periods.
Accessing Incentives: Advising on how to maximize benefits from government incentives like GITE and GITA, and assisting with the application process for these incentives.
Tax Planning: Structuring the RPVI's operations to optimize tax liabilities.
Fundraising: Assisting in securing financing from banks, private equity, or other investors for solar projects. This includes preparing compelling financial proposals and engaging with potential funders.
Accounting and Reporting: Setting up proper accounting systems and ensuring compliance with financial reporting standards.
Overall Benefits of Engaging Professionals:
Reduced Risk: Mitigating legal, financial, and technical risks associated with solar PV investments.
Increased Efficiency: Streamlining processes, from application to project execution, saving time and resources.
Maximized Returns: Optimizing project design, financial structures, and incentive utilization to enhance profitability.
Compliance Assurance: Ensuring adherence to complex and evolving regulatory frameworks.
Quality and Reliability: Guaranteeing the installation of high-quality, high-performing solar PV systems.
Strategic Guidance: Providing expert advice for strategic decision-making in a dynamic industry.
In essence, while the statutory fees are for the formal registration, the professional fees paid to external experts are an investment that can significantly de-risk, optimize, and accelerate an RPVI's entry and success in Malaysia's rapidly growing solar energy market.
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