Can harnessing the sun’s power completely transform Singapore’s residential landscape by 2030? The future of solar energy in Singapore looks bright, as the country leads in adopting renewable energy solutions. The government aims to achieve at least 2 gigawatts-peak of solar energy by 2030, which will power the electricity needs of about 350,000 homes annually.
This goal shows Singapore’s dedication to green energy, despite its crowded spaces and limited land. The city is looking into new ways to use solar power, like rooftop panels and floating systems. Our 60 megawatt-peak floating solar system at Tengeh Reservoir, for example, will potentially help to power up to 16,000 four room HDB flats for 1 year..
With new technologies like perovskite solar cells, Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), solar roofs, being on the rise, these advancements promise a bright future for solar energy in Singapore.
Singapore has seen a big jump in solar power use in recent years. As of 1H 2024, grid-connected installed capacity grew significantly from 210 MWp in 2018 to 1,348 MWp. This growth is thanks to its big plans for renewable energy and smart use of space for solar power.
Despite having little land, Singapore’s location near the equator means it gets a lot of sunlight. This makes it perfect for solar panels. Solar technology has also gotten better and cheaper. This makes solar panels a more affordable and efficient energy source. As technology keeps improving, Singapore is set to meet its renewable energy goals.
Singapore’s solar energy growth is clear in its current capacity. It started with just 0.4 MWp in 2008 and now has about 1 GWp by mid-2023. Most of this growth is from homes, with 38.6% of new installations in the first half of 2023 being residential. In the first six months of 2023, there were 7,698 new solar panel installations, a 16% increase from 2022.
Singapore wants to reach at least 2 GWp of solar capacity by 2030. This goal shows the country’s commitment to using more renewable energy and fighting climate change.
Using solar panels at home brings many benefits. One key advantage is lower electricity bills, as solar energy is cheaper than traditional fuels. This highlights the promising future of solar energy as a sustainable and cost-effective power source. Homeowners can save 20-100% on their energy costs while contributing to a greener planet.
Also, installing solar panels can potentially boost your home’s value, which can be easily observed in countries such as the US. In the US, landed homes equipped with solar panels have shown an average of 6.8% increase in price, according to a 2019 study conducted by Zillow
Solar panels also last for around 25 years, making them a smart investment. They often work well beyond that, giving homeowners long-term savings. This means you can save money, while also potentially increasing your home’s value for years.
Another big plus, undeniably,is the environmental benefit. Solar panels can cut carbon emissions by three to four tons a year for a small household. This helps reduce harmful emissions, making our planet greener.
Singapore is undoubtedly moving towards a solar-powered future. New technologies, combined with emerging policies and incentives, shaping the future of solar energy in the country.
New solar technologies are changing the game. While traditional solar panels have an efficiency of 15-20%, perovskite solar cells have shown efficiencies of up to 25%.
However, there are many limitations imposed on perovskite solar cells which prevent its mass adoption within private residential spaces. One major challenge of mass adoption of perovskite is its stability, which is influenced by environmental factors such as heat & moisture. Especially in a hot and humid country like Singapore, perovskite solar cells in its current stage of development might not be able to withstand our gruelling weather conditions.
As Singapore continues to drive forward its clean energy goals, the solar industry is set to undergo several enhancements and initiatives to tackle key challenges and boost deployment.
These upcoming enhancements and initiatives will address the current constraints in the solar industry and create a more efficient, flexible environment for consumers and businesses alike. As Singapore works towards a sustainable future, these steps mark significant progress in enhancing solar energy deployment across the nation.
BIPVs are photovoltaic systems that are integrated into the building’s architecture, replacing conventional building materials like roofing tiles, facades, or windows. This integration eliminates the need for additional land or space for solar panels, making it an ideal solution for densely populated urban areas like Singapore. BIPVs generate clean energy while simultaneously serving as the building’s construction material.
While not widely available for private landed property yet, BIPV as a solution has been commonly used in many of Singapore’s renowned architecture, such as Singapore Sports Hub.
A propiertary solution piloted by Tesla, the Tesla Solar Roof is a system where the roof tiles themselves are solar panels. Unlike traditional solar panels that are mounted on top of a conventional roof, the Tesla Solar Roof integrates photovoltaic cells into the roof tiles, making the whole roof a solar energy system.
These tiles are designed to resemble traditional roofing materials like slate or clay, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic. Built with tempered glass, the tiles are durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions. The system works efficiently to produce renewable energy, which can be stored in a Tesla Powerwall for later use, reducing reliance on the electrical grid. The Solar Roof seamlessly integrates with other Tesla products and is ideal for homeowners needing a complete roof replacement. Though more expensive upfront, it provides a long-term solution for sustainable energy production and energy savings. Currently, Tesla Solar Roofs are not available in Singapore.
Singapore is moving forward with solar energy, aiming for a sustainable future.Solar panel costs have dropped, making solar energy a strong choice against traditional energy.
New technologies like transparent solar panels are shaping the future of solar energy in cities. Building-integrated photovoltaics are becoming more common, seamlessly integrating solar tech into our daily lives. Innovations like bifacial solar panels and perovskite solar cells continue to improve, making the future of solar energy more efficient, accessible, and affordable.
Singapore is investing in solar power, showing its dedication to a greener future. Solar energy will keep growing, thanks to a growth in incentives and solar research, helping Singapore move away from fossil fuels and towards a cleaner future.
