Jurong Island is Singapore’s industrial powerhouse—home to over 100 leading petrochemical and energy companies. As the government pushes for greener practices even in heavy industries, solar panel installation has become a viable and strategic option for factories, refineries, and chemical plants operating in Jurong Island.
This guide covers everything you need to know about solar panel installation in Jurong Island: from the benefits and challenges to major contractors and cost expectations.
Why Solar Power on Jurong Island Makes Sense
1. High Energy Demand
Facilities on Jurong Island are energy-intensive by design—ranging from continuous manufacturing lines to chemical distillation plants. Installing solar panels helps offset peak demand, especially during daylight hours when solar output is highest.
2. Large Rooftop and Land Space
Unlike dense urban areas, many factories and process plants on the island have wide, flat rooftops and unused adjacent land—ideal for large-scale solar deployment. The average solar potential of a 1,000 m² rooftop can support up to a 160 kWp system, producing around 208,000 kWh annually, assuming 1,300 kWh/kWp/year performance.
3. Carbon Offset and Compliance
Companies such as Shell, ExxonMobil, and Nouryon are under increasing pressure to meet ESG reporting requirements. A solar PV system helps reduce Scope 2 emissions and contributes to a lower carbon intensity per unit of output—boosting sustainability credentials.
Jurong Island Solar Initiatives
The Singapore government has launched targeted schemes to increase solar adoption in industrial areas like Jurong Island:
– JTC SolarLand Programme
SolarLand allows solar developers to install modular PV systems on underutilised land within Jurong Island for up to 15 years. These are quick-to-deploy and removable, making them ideal for interim usage before land redevelopment.
Notable Solar Installations on Jurong Island
Nouryon Singapore
In 2025, Nouryon commissioned two 250 kWp rooftop solar systems on its facilities in Jurong Island, under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with EDP Renewables (Sunseap). These systems offset about 14% of their annual energy usage, equivalent to over 600 tonnes of CO₂ avoided over 20 years.
Jurong Port
One of the largest solar projects in Singapore, Jurong Port’s 9.5 MWp rooftop solar system spans more than 35,000 m² and produces enough energy to power 2,500 HDB homes annually. This proves the scalability of solar even in heavy industrial zones.
Top Solar Panel Contractors for Jurong Island
If you’re planning a solar panel installation in Jurong Island, choosing a provider with industrial experience is crucial. Here are some reliable contractors with a proven track record:
1st Solution Group
1st Solution Group is a trusted Singapore-based solar installer with experience in both commercial and industrial projects, including factories, warehouses, and large rooftop systems. Their engineering team has decades of combined experience and offers full design-to-installation services tailored for complex environments like Jurong Island.
Why Choose 1st Solution Group:
-
Turnkey solutions: Feasibility study, solar design, LEW submissions, and EMA/SP Group liaison
-
Customised for factories, chemical plants, and warehouses
-
Real-time solar monitoring app and 25-year performance warranty
-
Competitive pricing with flexible financing (outright or rent-to-own)
Notable Projects:
Installed solar systems for warehouses and commercial facilities across western Singapore. The company also provides bundled services, including CCTV, fire safety systems, and energy optimisation—ideal for facilities upgrading multiple systems at once.
Costs and ROI for Solar on Jurong Island
Solar panel installation costs in Singapore vary depending on the system size, panel brand, and financing model. Here’s a general guide for industrial systems:
| System Size | Estimated Cost | Annual Output (kWh) | Payback Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 kWp | S$130,000 – S$160,000 | 130,000 kWh | 4.5 – 6 years |
| 250 kWp | S$280,000 – S$380,000 | 325,000 kWh | 4 – 5 years |
| 500 kWp | S$550,000 – S$750,000 | 650,000 kWh | 3.8 – 5 years |
| 1,000 kWp | S$950,000 – S$1.4 million | 1.3 million kWh | 3.5 – 4.5 years |
Note: Payback is faster under PPAs or rent-to-own schemes, where upfront costs are minimal.
Common Financing Models
-
Outright Purchase
-
Full ownership of the solar system
-
Eligible for accelerated capital allowance (IRAS)
-
Best ROI over 20–25 years
-
-
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
-
Pay only for solar energy used (e.g., S$0.14–S$0.16/kWh)
-
No CAPEX needed
-
Provider owns, maintains, and monitors the system
-
-
-
Fixed monthly lease
-
Ownership transferred after 8–12 years
-
Includes servicing and inverter replacement
-
Challenges of Installing Solar on Jurong Island
-
Zoning & Regulatory Approvals
Jurong Island is under special industrial zoning with strict SCDF and EDB oversight. Installers must handle Fire Safety Certificates, SP Group submissions, and grid-tie approvals. -
Chemical Hazards & Fire Safety
Sites with volatile compounds must use solar panels and mounting structures that meet Class 0 fire resistance and have earthing systems to prevent electrical discharge. -
Load and Shading Constraints
Rooftops with chimneys or vents may reduce effective PV coverage. Professional assessment is critical to optimise layout.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Started
-
Energy Audit
Evaluate your facility’s load profile to determine the right system size. -
Site Assessment
Installer conducts rooftop or land survey to assess usable space, shading, and structural integrity. -
Proposal & ROI Calculation
A full proposal with system design, output estimate, and financial projection is provided. -
Regulatory Submission
Includes EMA, SCDF, SP Group, and LEW approvals. -
Installation & Commissioning
Depending on complexity, system installation takes 4–12 weeks. -
Monitoring & Maintenance
Real-time app dashboards, preventive maintenance, and 25-year panel warranties are standard.
Why Act Now?
The solar industry in Singapore is backed by strong policy support, rising energy costs (S$0.25/kWh average), and ESG disclosure requirements. By adopting solar today, Jurong Island businesses can:
-
Lower utility bills by up to 35%
-
Achieve ROI in 4–5 years
-
Offset over 1,300 kg of CO₂ per kWp per year
-
Strengthen their green brand image to clients, investors, and regulators
Conclusion
Solar panel installation in Jurong Island is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a present-day strategy for cost savings, carbon reduction, and operational resilience. With large rooftops, open interim land, and heavy energy consumption, industrial facilities in the area are prime candidates for solar adoption.
Whether you choose to own, lease, or buy power via PPA, installing a solar system with a qualified contractor like EDP Renewables, Terrenus Energy, or 9 Helios can help futureproof your business against rising costs and stricter environmental regulations.