Thinking of going solar in Singapore but feeling overwhelmed? You’re definitely not the only one. Loads of people are curious about installing solar panels but don’t know where to start. So here’s a detailed yet casual guide answering the most frequently asked questions about solar systems, based entirely on local know-how. It’s everything you need, without the jargon.
Solar FAQ Summary Table
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Getting Started | Hire a Qualified Person and Licensed Electrical Worker; OEM contract does not affect solar setup; Use National Solar Repository to find vendors |
| Costs | 10 kWp system ~ S$15,400; 1000 kWp ~ S$940,000; Maintenance 1–1.45% annually |
| Financing Options | Lease via PPA (20–25 years); Loans from UOB, DBS, OCBC; No government grants |
| Selling Excess Power | Sell via SCT or ECIS; May use estimated solar generation profile if no M1 meter |
| Payback Period | Average ~7 years; High usage/daytime users ~4–5 years |
| System Lifespan | Panels: 25–30 years; Inverters: 5–12 years |
| Maintenance | Minimal; Maintenance often included in lease |
| Warranties | Product: 5–10 years; Performance: 20–30 years; Inverter: 5–12 years |
| Installation Time | Homes: 1–2 weeks; Commercial: Several weeks/months |
| Roof Suitability | Most roofs OK; Steep or complex roofs may pose issues |
| Pre-Install Works | Not usually needed; redo waterproofing if maintenance is due |
| Asbestos Check | Survey required for pre-1991 buildings; removal by licensed contractor if asbestos is found |
| Glare Considerations | Use <15° tilt, east/west orientation, dark panels, and anti-reflective coating to minimise glare |
| Solar Trackers | Not commonly used in Singapore due to limited solar angle variation |
Getting Started: What to Know First
I’ve got a landed property and I’m thinking about installing solar panels. What’s my first move?
Start by getting a Qualified Person (usually an engineer or architect) to check your roof. They’ll ensure your setup is safe and in line with Singapore’s building codes. Once installed, a Licensed Electrical Worker (LEW) will handle the commissioning and officially switch on your system.
I’m already under contract with a retailer through the Open Electricity Market (OEM). Can I still go solar?
Absolutely. Your OEM contract doesn’t stop you from adding solar to your home. You can install panels anytime, no matter who your current power provider is.
Where do I find someone to install solar panels?
Check the National Solar Repository. It lists various solar vendors in Singapore. It’s not a government endorsement, but it’s a solid place to start.
Money Talk: Costs, Financing and Payback
How much does a solar setup cost in Singapore?
That depends on your setup size. A typical 10 kWp rooftop system for a house might cost around S$15,400. Larger commercial systems (e.g., 1,000 kWp) can come in closer to S$940,000. Maintenance costs are low – between 1% to 1.45% of the upfront price annually. Over time, solar becomes cheaper than grid power. For context, solar costs about S$0.11 to S$0.15 per kWh, while grid power is about S$0.25 per kWh.
Do I need to buy the system outright?
Not if you don’t want to. You can lease the system through a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). That means the vendor pays for, installs, and maintains the system. You just buy the electricity at a discount – no big upfront payments.
How long do PPAs usually last?
Most run for 20 to 25 years.
Can I sell extra electricity I generate?
If you own the system, yes. You can sell back excess electricity through schemes like the Simplified Credit Treatment (SCT) or Enhanced Central Intermediary Scheme (ECIS). You’ll need a LEW to help with the paperwork. Alternatively, you can register directly with the Energy Market Company or appoint a third party to manage it.
What if I don’t have special meters?
You can go with an estimated generation profile based on national solar irradiance data. This means you don’t need to install a specific M1 meter – the Energy Market Authority has you covered.
Any loan or instalment plans for residential solar?
Yes. Some banks offer green financing options. For example:
- UOB has the U-Solar Programme
- DBS offers a Green Renovation Loan
- OCBC provides a Solar Panel Loan These plans help reduce upfront costs and make going solar more accessible.
Any government grants or subsidies for solar in Singapore?
No direct grants right now. But the tech has become so cost-effective, it usually beats the retail tariff anyway, so subsidies aren’t really necessary.
When will I recover the cost of my system?
On average, it takes about 7 years to break even. But if your electricity usage is high during the day and you’ve got a big enough system, you might see payback in 4 to 5 years.
System Life and Maintenance
How long will my solar system last?
Solar panels are built to last 25 to 30 years. Inverters don’t last quite as long – they usually hold up for 5 to 12 years.
Do solar panels need much maintenance?
Not really. They’re made from strong tempered glass and can handle Singapore’s weather. If you’re leasing your system, maintenance is often bundled into your agreement.
What about warranties?
There are two types:
- Product warranties cover defects – usually 5 to 10 years.
- Performance warranties guarantee output – often 20 to 25 years, and up to 30 years for some glass-glass panels. Inverters typically come with a 5 to 12 year warranty.
Who handles warranty claims?
Your installer usually deals with the manufacturer. But if they’re no longer around, you may need to go straight to the manufacturer yourself.
Installation Process: How It Works
How long will the installation take?
For homes, it’s usually done in 1 to 2 weeks, depending on weather. For larger buildings, it could stretch into several weeks or even months.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels?
Most are, but steep or oddly shaped roofs can make things trickier. A good solar installer will do a site assessment and let you know.
Do I need to fix my roof before installing panels?
Not always. But if your roof needs waterproofing soon, it’s smart to handle that before installation, so you don’t need to take down the panels later.
What if my house has asbestos?
If your building was built before 1991, you’ll need to do an asbestos survey. If asbestos is found, a licensed contractor must remove it before any solar work can start. This is required by law.
Will solar panels cause glare problems?
Generally, no. Panels are designed to absorb light. But you can reduce the risk of glare by:
- Installing panels at less than a 15° tilt
- Facing them east or west
- Choosing darker panels
- Applying anti-reflective coating
Do solar panels in Singapore use solar trackers?
Nope. Trackers aren’t common here. Because Singapore is close to the equator, the sun’s path doesn’t change much, so the extra energy gain isn’t worth the added cost.
Going solar in Singapore is easier than you might think. With falling costs, low maintenance, and plenty of vendors around, there’s never been a better time to make the switch. Whether you choose to buy or lease, you’ll likely save money in the long run. Contact us today for a free quote.
