Solar energy is clean, generates no emissions, and is Singapore's most promising renewable energy source. We aim to increase our solar deployment to 1.5 gigawatt-peak (GWp) by 2025, and at least 2GWp by 2030.

Deploying solar power comes with challenges too. Solar power fluctuates depending on weather conditions such as the amount of sunlight, cloud movement and shade. Its intermittent nature could also affect our power system’s stability as we introduce more solar power into the grid. 

There are potential trade-offs to consider as well. For example, when deploying floating solar panels on reservoirs, we need to minimise the impact on biodiversity. This could also mean forgoing reservoir space for recreational activities.

How is Singapore facilitating solar deployment?

Singapore is facilitating deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on:

Rooftops and Infrastructure

• The SolarNova programme is a Whole-of-Government effort to aggregate demand for solar PV across government agencies. This includes installing solar PV systems on the rooftops of public sector buildings.
• By reaching out to private developers and industry players, the Government seeks to co-create solutions to maximise solar deployment on the rooftops of private industrial and commercial buildings.

Reservoirs and Offshore Spaces

• Singapore opened its first large-scale floating solar PV system at Tengeh Reservoir in 2021. With a capacity of 60 megawatt-peak (MWp), the Sembcorp Tengeh Floating Solar Farm is one of the world’s largest inland floating solar PV systems.
• Two 1.5MWp solar PV systems are deployed on Bedok and Lower Seletar reservoirs. These floating solar PV systems can collectively generate enough electricity to power around 800 four-room HDB flats.

Buildings

• Investing in R&D efforts to develop and help bring down the costs of innovative solar applications. For example, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) has the could potentially of replace conventional building materials for building facades and vertical surfaces (e.g. noise barriers and fences) to generate solar power.

Land

• The SolarLand programme by JTC uses modular solar PV systems that allows ease of deployment at alternative locations, if the current plot of land needs to be developed.

Overcoming Solar Intermittency

Energy Storage Systems (ESS) allow us to address the intermittent nature of solar energy. ESS are large-scale batteries which can store energy and dispense it for later use.

Deploying ESS will also ensure that our power system remains stable, as more solar power is integrated into our energy mix.

On 2 Feb 2023, EMA and Sembcorp Industries officially opened the Sembcorp ESS. This is Southeast Asia's largest ESS and has a maximum storage capacity of 285 MWh. It also marked the achievement of Singapore’s ESS target to have a capacity at least 200 megawatt-hours ahead of time.

What is the Government doing to help you?

Solar

To facilitate the deployment of solar energy, EMA has made enhancements to our market and regulatory framework by streamlining processes. These include the Enhanced Central Intermediary Scheme (ECIS) and the Solar Generation Profile (SGP). More enhancements will be introduced in the coming years.

We have also completed the trial for a Solar Forecasting Model. First of its kind, the model is able to forecast Singapore’s island-wide solar irradiance up to one hour ahead, with an average error rate lower than 10%, one of the lowest for solar forecasting in the tropics. This would help to anticipate solar intermittency and enhance Singapore’s power grid resilience.

ESS

EMA has introduced initiatives to facilitate ESS deployment. In addition to the ESS for Singapore policy paper, we have also established a technology roadmap, technical standards and a handbook for ESS.

We have also worked with various organisations to build sustainable energy solutions and capabilities. These include:

• The ACCelerating Energy Storage Systems for Singapore (ACCESS) programme to pilot use cases, design business models and facilitate regulatory and market approvals to operate ESS.
• Partnership with Shell in nurturing local energy start-ups in capability-building and funding for solutions in areas such as ESS.
• Partnership with Keppel Offshore & Marine to develop innovative solutions such as the first floating ESS in Singapore and the first-of-its-kind battery stacking solution.
• Partnership with PSA Singapore to explore smart grids and energy storage to reduce overall energy usage, costs and carbon footprint at ports.PSA Singapore deployed its first ESS to enable more energy efficient port operations at the Pasir Panjang Terminal in 2022.
• Partnership with SP Group to deploy Singapore's first utility-scale ESS. The ESS has a capacity of 2.4 megawatt-hour, which can power more than 200 four-room HDB flats for a day.
• Worked with Sunseap and HDB to deploy distributed ESS at electrical switchrooms for five HDB blocks in Punggol.

What can individuals do?

• Consider opting for green electricity plans.
• If you live in a landed property, consider installing solar PV systems and use solar energy to power your home. Check out our Guide to Solar PV to get started.
• Share ideas on how we can deploy more solar PV systems in Singapore. Suggestions could include possible locations and areas where we can install solar PV systems.

What can businesses do?

• Consider installing solar PV systems to power common facilities and amenities in the premises. Check out our Guide to Solar PV to get started.
• Share suggestions on how businesses can be more energy-efficient or adopt clean energy technologies. 

 

Other Resources

• Understanding how solar PV systems work
• Solar Generation Profile
• Solar Irradiance Map
• Upcoming enhancements to solar policies and regulations