When Singaporeans think about solar energy, some still associate it with off-grid living or rural applications. But in truth, the shift is happening right here in our own HDB estates, landed homes, and commercial rooftops. More residents in Singapore are installing solar panels not to disconnect from the grid, but to reduce their reliance on it, enjoy lower electricity bills, and build long-term energy resilience.
Unlike regions where power supply is inconsistent, Singapore enjoys a stable grid. Still, that hasn’t stopped a growing number of households from tapping into solar. Why? Because in a country with high urban density, rising electricity tariffs, and abundant sunshine, solar makes economic sense.
At First Solution Group, we’ve helped countless families across Singapore plan and install solar systems that fit their needs. In this first part of our detailed guide, I’ll explain how residential solar works, what installation looks like locally, and why more Singaporeans are making the switch.
Why Singaporeans Are Embracing Home Solar
The number one reason is cost savings. Electricity prices in Singapore have risen significantly over the past decade. In Q2 2025, SP Group’s tariff stands at around $0.32/kWh — a substantial cost for households running air-conditioning, water heaters, and multiple electronic appliances.
By installing a solar PV system, you generate your own electricity during the day. This reduces how much power you draw from the grid and lowers your monthly bill. For landed property owners, especially those with large roof space, the savings can be substantial — often several hundred dollars per month.
The second reason is sustainability. More Singaporeans are conscious of their carbon footprint, and solar offers a straightforward way to contribute to climate goals. You don’t need to overhaul your lifestyle. Simply add panels to your rooftop and continue using electricity as you normally would, but from a clean source.
The third reason is energy independence. While outages are rare in Singapore, some residents still want protection from unexpected supply interruptions. Adding battery storage gives your home the ability to keep essential loads running during power failures.
Solar Plus Battery Storage: Growing in Demand
Battery systems are becoming increasingly popular in Singapore. Although the country doesn’t face frequent blackouts, the idea of maintaining continuous power to critical devices — like security systems, fridges, or home medical equipment — has growing appeal.
With battery storage, excess solar energy generated in the day can be stored for use at night. During a grid outage, the system can operate independently and power your home without interruption. This is particularly useful for properties in more isolated areas such as Sentosa Cove or for businesses operating 24/7 where downtime is costly.
Though battery systems involve higher upfront costs, prices have been falling steadily. Many of our clients see it as a long-term investment in both convenience and peace of mind.
How Residential Solar Systems Work in Singapore
A typical home solar system in Singapore consists of three essential components:
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Solar panels – These convert sunlight into DC electricity.
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Inverter – Converts the DC power into AC electricity, which your household appliances can use.
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Mounting system – This attaches the panels securely to your rooftop.
For landed homeowners, the most common setup is a grid-tied system — one that stays connected to the SP Group grid. When your system generates more electricity than you use, the excess is automatically exported to the grid.
If you include a battery, a battery inverter and storage unit will also be integrated into the system, allowing you to store electricity for later use.
Rooftop Installations in Singapore
In Singapore, nearly all residential solar systems are roof-mounted, especially in landed homes. Whether your roof is tiled, metal, or concrete, modern racking systems can be adapted for secure installation. East-, west-, or south-facing roofs offer good solar potential, with south-facing being the most optimal.
Before we install, we conduct a detailed site assessment. The most important factor? The condition of your roof. Solar systems typically last 25 years or more, so we advise ensuring your roof won’t need replacing during that period. While panels can be removed and reinstalled later, it adds to labour and downtime.
It’s also worth noting that HDB residents in Singapore are currently not allowed to install private solar systems on their flats. However, HDB blocks themselves often feature solar panels installed under the SolarNova programme, managed by the Housing & Development Board and EDB. These help offset the building’s common services like lifts and lighting.
Ground-Mounted Solar in Singapore
Unlike in larger countries where space is abundant, ground-mounted solar systems are rare in Singapore. That said, for landed homes with sizable gardens or for businesses with empty land in industrial zones like Tuas or Sungei Kadut, ground-mounted systems can offer some benefits.
These include easier access for maintenance, optimal tilt angles for higher energy production, and reduced roof load. However, they usually involve additional cost due to structural supports and land usage.
Understanding Net Metering (SEGS Scheme)
Singapore doesn’t have a full net metering programme like in some Western countries. Instead, we have the Simplified Energy Market Participation (SEMP) and Solar Energy Gross Settlement (SEGS) framework managed by EMA and SP Group.
Under SEGS, when your system produces more electricity than you consume, the excess is sold back to SP Group at the half-hourly wholesale electricity rate. The rate fluctuates based on supply and demand, so it’s less predictable than fixed retail tariffs.
Our role is to help homeowners size their solar systems to closely match their energy usage. That way, you use most of the electricity you generate instead of exporting it — which maximises your savings. The goal for many is to achieve near net-zero consumption on a monthly or yearly basis.
Sizing Your Solar System
When we design a system, we first analyse your electricity bills to understand your average monthly usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A typical 3,500 square foot landed home might use between 1,200 to 1,600 kWh monthly. Based on this, we calculate the optimal system size.
For example, a 10 kWp solar PV system in Singapore can generate around 1,200 to 1,400 kWh/month, depending on panel placement and orientation. Installing this would offset most, if not all, of your monthly usage — potentially reducing your bill to just SP’s minimum service charges.
It’s important to know that oversizing your system provides diminishing returns unless you include battery storage or participate actively in the energy market.
Costs of Going Solar in Singapore
The price of residential solar has become much more affordable. As of 2025, most residential systems in Singapore range from:
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3 kWp system (terrace houses): $6,000 to $10,000
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5 kWp system (semi-detached homes): $10,000 to $18,000
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8 to 10 kWp system (bungalows or large villas): $18,000 to $30,000
These prices include installation, equipment, and warranties. If you add battery storage, expect an additional cost starting around $8,000 to $15,000 depending on battery capacity and brand.
Many homeowners are also choosing green financing options from local banks or signing up for rent-to-own solar programmes, where they pay a monthly fee instead of a large upfront investment.
How Long Will Your Solar System Last?
One of the most common questions we get is about system durability. Thankfully, solar panels are built to last. Most Tier-1 panels installed in Singapore today come with a performance warranty of 25 years. This means your panels are expected to produce around 80–85% of their original output even after two and a half decades.
Panels have no moving parts, which means there’s minimal wear and tear. They’re constructed from durable materials like tempered glass, aluminium frames, and silicon cells, all built to withstand Singapore’s tropical climate — including intense UV, monsoon rains, and humidity.
The inverter, which converts solar energy from DC to AC, has a shorter lifespan. Most inverters come with a warranty of 5 to 10 years, although high-end hybrid inverters can last longer. Battery storage systems typically last 10 to 15 years, depending on usage cycles and technology.
How Much Maintenance Is Needed?
Contrary to popular belief, solar systems are very low-maintenance. In Singapore’s urban environment, rain naturally washes away most dirt and debris from the panels. For systems installed at a slight tilt, cleaning is usually unnecessary for several years.
That said, we recommend scheduling a professional inspection every 1 to 2 years, just to check for issues like:
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Loose mounting components
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Cable wear or corrosion
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Inverter fault alerts
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Dust buildup or shading from nearby construction
First Solution Group offers maintenance plans that include performance tracking, system checks, and cleaning where needed. A well-maintained system can operate efficiently throughout its intended lifespan, delivering optimal savings.
Common Risks and How to Avoid Them
While solar is a proven, mature technology, there are still some risks involved — most of which can be mitigated with proper planning and installation.
1. Roof Damage
If the installer drills into the roof without proper flashing or sealing, water can leak through over time. This is why choosing a licensed contractor who understands local building structures is essential. At First Solution Group, our installations follow BCA-approved waterproofing procedures to prevent such issues.
2. Poor Energy Yield
Installing panels in shaded areas or incorrect angles will result in lower energy production. We use solar simulation tools to model your site conditions in detail before installation to avoid this.
3. Fire Risk from Faulty Wiring
Though extremely rare, poor-quality installations with loose wiring or subpar components can pose electrical hazards. We only use tested and certified equipment and follow Singapore’s EMA and SP Group guidelines for safety compliance.
4. Unexpected Roof Renovations
If your roof needs major repair in the next few years, removing and reinstalling panels can add costs. Before installation, we assess the roof’s condition to ensure it will outlast the panels. If repairs are needed, it’s best to do them before installing solar.
The Role of Battery Storage in Singapore Homes
Battery systems in Singapore are still considered optional but are growing in popularity — especially among homeowners who want full control of their energy.
The most common home battery in the market now is the lithium-ion type, and models like the Tesla Powerwall or Huawei LUNA have become more common in landed homes. The average battery size for residential use ranges from 5 kWh to 13.5 kWh, enough to power lights, fans, and refrigerators during the night or during outages.
Batteries also unlock self-consumption benefits. Instead of exporting your excess solar to the grid at wholesale rates, you store and use it at night, which improves your overall return on investment.
While the initial cost is high, falling battery prices and improvements in battery efficiency are making this a more viable option year after year.
Installation Timelines and What to Expect
Once you’ve decided to go solar, the process in Singapore usually looks like this:
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Site Assessment
A professional team visits your property to check roof size, angle, shading, structural integrity, and electrical setup. -
System Design & Proposal
We provide a customised layout, projected output, and ROI analysis based on your energy consumption history. -
SP Group Notification & LEW Submission
Your installer will handle all the regulatory paperwork. In Singapore, a licensed electrical worker (LEW) must submit plans to SP Group and secure approval. -
Installation
The actual installation takes 1 to 3 days depending on system size and complexity. -
Testing & Commissioning
We perform a full system test and hand over the monitoring app so you can track your system’s output in real time.
From start to finish, most projects are completed in 3 to 5 weeks, including regulatory processing time.
How to Choose the Right Solar Contractor
Solar is a long-term investment. The contractor you choose will directly influence how well your system performs — and how much trouble you’ll avoid in the future.
When selecting a solar provider in Singapore, always consider:
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Track Record: Look for a company with real local projects. At First Solution Group, we’ve completed installations across Bukit Timah, Seletar, Changi, and Tuas.
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Engineering Expertise: Installers should have experience with both residential and industrial setups, as well as complex electrical and structural requirements.
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Warranty Support: Choose providers that offer long-term support and are financially stable enough to honour 10–25 year warranties.
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Component Quality: Not all solar panels and inverters are equal. Ensure your provider uses Tier-1 panels and branded inverters from names like LONGi, Trina, Huawei, or SMA.
Is Solar Right for Your Home?
In most cases, yes — if you live in a landed property with a roof that gets decent sunlight throughout the day. Solar isn’t recommended for homes shaded by tall buildings, trees, or future construction sites.
That’s why we conduct detailed solar simulations during the assessment stage. We evaluate shading, tilt angle, roof material, and load capacity — all factors that affect the viability and return of a solar project.
If your home checks the boxes, solar can deliver:
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Long-term energy savings
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Greater energy independence
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Higher property value
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Positive environmental impact
Final Thoughts: Why Now?
Solar adoption in Singapore is no longer a fringe movement. It’s a practical, government-backed pathway to energy security and financial savings.
With panel prices at historic lows, financing options widely available, and SP Group’s ongoing support for residential solar through the SEMP/SEGS framework, there has never been a better time to take control of your energy future.
At First Solution Group, our mission is to make solar simple, reliable, and cost-effective for every homeowner. Whether you’re just starting your research or ready to install, we’re here to guide you from first consultation to final kilowatt.
Ready to explore solar for your home?
Get a free site assessment with First Solution Group — Singapore’s trusted residential and industrial solar specialist. Our team will help you design a system tailored to your energy needs and budget. Visit https://www.firstsolution.com.sg or book a consultation today.