The amount of solar power generated depends on the intensity of sunlight hitting a particular location, also known as solar irradiance. Solar irradiance decreases when sunlight is blocked by clouds or the urban environment.

Solar panels generate the most solar electricity when the sun is directly overhead (also referred to as “solar noon”) and less in the early morning and late afternoon hours when the sun’s position is lower in the sky.

Interestingly, solar noon in Singapore is at 1pm (and not at noon), being the mid-point between the typical sunshine hours from 7am to 7pm.

Concerns over aesthetics often arise with solar PV systems. However, this is not necessarily the case with newer solar panels that can actually enhance a building’s appearance.

You may have enjoyed the shaded area under the stunning pergola in front of Guoco Tower or admired the graceful curves of South Beach Tower – both are installed with solar panels too!

But the most stylish solar panels might just be the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore’s “Peranakan modules”. They come in different design motifs and can be seamlessly integrated into the sides of a building. By using another technique called 'pointillism', SERIS can also make solar panels that show portraits or flowers.

Creativity is key when it comes to maximising space in land-scarce Singapore for solar deployment. Rooftops are used for a variety of purposes such as housing water tanks, lift shafts, air-conditioning systems, car parks and even recreation areas such as rooftop gardens. Thus, we have to carefully balance these competing needs.

As for creative deployment of solar installations, a pilot has been initiated at Sentosa’s pedestrian bridge, Siloso Skywalk, to trial innovative solar pavement technologies. Elsewhere, you can find solar installations at various locations ranging from water bodies (e.g. the 60-MWp Sembcorp Tengeh Floating Solar Farm) to temporary vacant industrial land (under JTC’s SolarLand programme).

A common concern with solar panels is the possibility of glare which could inadvertently affect your home. Glare happens when sunlight reflects off the surface of solar panels. However, solar panels are actually designed to absorb light – which means they typically cause less glare compared to a regular glass window.

Glare from solar panels also only occurs when the sun is at a certain angle and if your home falls within the reflection path. Even in such scenarios, it is a manageable issue as solar panels can be positioned to minimise glare. Thus, the likelihood of your home being affected is low!

Singapore’s solar deployment has grown significantly over the years, from 0.4 MWp in 2008 to around 1 GWp as of the second quarter of 2023.

As costs of solar installations continue to decline over time, solar power has become increasingly cost-efficient compared to purchasing electricity from the grid. Our hope is that more consumers such as commercial and industrial (C&I) building owners and landed homeowners will be more receptive to installing solar energy.

EMA has taken proactive steps such as introducing regulatory enhancements to facilitate deployment of solar installations. Our approach is to price energy right and encourage the adoption of solar in a sustainable manner.

Find out how you, as a consumer, can install solar panels and potentially sell excess electricity generated.