Summary Table: Solar Panel Types in Singapore (2025)
| Panel Type | Efficiency (%) | Lifespan (Years) | Typical Use in Singapore | Cost per Wp (S$) | ROI & Payback | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monocrystalline | 20 – 25 (up to 24.8) | 25 – 40 | Homes, SMEs, commercial rooftops | 1.30 – 1.80 | Fastest (3–5 years) | Highly recommended |
| Polycrystalline | 18 – 21 | 25 – 30 | Legacy systems only | Not available | Outdated technology | Discontinued since 2023 |
| Thin-Film | 7 – 13 | 10 – 20 | Boats, curved roofs, mobile installations | 1.20 – 1.60 | Lower returns | Niche applications only |
| Transparent Panels | 1 – 10 | 10 – 20 | Facades, skylights, architectural glass | 2.50 – 3.00+ | Not practical for energy | Experimental, aesthetic use |
| Solar Roof Tiles | 10 – 20 | 25 – 30 | High-end landed properties | 3.00 – 4.00+ | Long payback (10+ years) | Design-focused use cases only |
| Perovskite (Tandem) | 29 – 31 (lab only) | To be determined | Research and future commercial projects | Not available | Not yet applicable | Still under development |
Singapore is making strong strides towards a cleaner, more energy-resilient future. With the national solar capacity already exceeding 1,000 megawatt-peak (MWp) and a target of at least 2,000 MWp by 2030, rooftop solar installations are becoming a key solution to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. But not all solar panels are created equal.
Understanding the different types of solar panels available on the market can help homeowners, commercial property managers, and facilities decision-makers choose the best fit for their roofs and budgets. Here’s a detailed look at six major types of solar panels, their efficiencies, suitability in Singapore’s climate, and how each compares from a performance and durability perspective.
1. Polycrystalline Solar Panels (Obsolete)
Polycrystalline panels were once a common sight across residential rooftops. Made by melting together multiple fragments of silicon, these panels had a typical efficiency of around 18% to 21% and a lifespan of 25 to 30 years.
However, this type of panel has now been phased out of the mainstream market due to being bulkier, less efficient, and offering a lower energy yield per square metre compared to newer technologies. As of 2025, the majority of solar installers no longer offer polycrystalline panels, and they are no longer being installed on new projects across Singapore. Property owners with existing systems may still be benefiting from these older panels, but for new installations, they are no longer a viable option.
Verdict for Singapore: Obsolete and unavailable. New installations should avoid polycrystalline technology.
2. Monocrystalline Solar Panels (Most Popular)
Monocrystalline solar panels dominate the Singapore market — and for good reason. These are manufactured from a single-crystal silicon structure, giving them a uniform black appearance, and superior performance in high-temperature and low-light environments.
In real-world applications, monocrystalline panels achieve 20% to 25% efficiency, with some premium models hitting 24.8% efficiency or higher. They also have the longest operational lifespan among all commercially available options, with warranties ranging from 25 to 40 years.
Due to limited rooftop space in Singapore’s urban landscape, monocrystalline panels offer the best power-to-space ratio. Most homeowners and businesses aim to install between 3kWp and 10kWp of solar panels on their rooftops. Using high-efficiency monocrystalline panels allows more electricity to be generated from the same limited surface area.
Verdict for Singapore: Best-in-class for efficiency, lifespan, and aesthetics. Ideal for both residential and commercial rooftops.
3. Thin-Film Solar Panels (Lightweight, but Low Efficiency)
Thin-film solar panels are created by applying photovoltaic material onto substrates like glass, plastic, or metal. These can include materials such as cadmium telluride (CdTe), amorphous silicon (a-Si), and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). Their strength lies in their lightweight and flexible design, making them suitable for curved or non-traditional structures.
However, the trade-off is a significantly lower efficiency — usually between 7% and 13%, depending on the material. Their lifespan also tends to be shorter, typically ranging from 10 to 20 years. In Singapore’s hot and humid climate, thin-film panels are also more prone to faster degradation compared to crystalline silicon options.
These panels are mostly used in mobile applications, such as solar-powered boats, temporary shelters, and small off-grid systems. They are rarely seen in permanent rooftop installations across Singapore.
Verdict for Singapore: Not ideal for rooftop use; better suited for niche or portable solar applications.
4. Transparent Solar Panels (Niche Use)
Transparent solar panels are a relatively new entrant into the market. These allow visible light to pass through while absorbing ultraviolet and infrared rays to generate electricity. They can be partially see-through, making them suitable for integration into windows, skylights, or facades of commercial buildings.
However, this innovation comes with significant efficiency trade-offs. Most transparent panels only achieve 1% to 10% efficiency, depending on their degree of transparency. A panel with 40% visibility may only convert 3–5% of sunlight into usable electricity.
While they are visually appealing and architecturally versatile, they are not practical for generating high energy outputs. For the average home or business in Singapore, these panels would not be able to supply enough electricity to offset a meaningful portion of the power bill.
Verdict for Singapore: Great for aesthetics and architectural integration, but unsuitable for primary energy generation.
5. Solar Roof Tiles (High-End, but Costly)
Solar roof tiles, or building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), combine the functions of roof covering and electricity generation. These systems are designed to blend in with the architecture of the property, offering a sleek and modern finish. With an efficiency of around 10% to 20%, they perform comparably to mid-range panels but without the need for separate panel mounting.
The downside? Solar roof tiles are expensive — typically costing 2 to 3 times more than conventional solar panels per watt installed. Their installation is also more complex and time-consuming, often requiring a full roof replacement. Given Singapore’s flat-roofed HDB blocks and limited use of sloped tiled roofing in landed homes, the market for solar roof tiles here is very small.
Verdict for Singapore: Suitable for landed homes prioritising aesthetics, but too costly and impractical for most urban buildings.
6. Perovskite Solar Panels (Future Technology)
Perovskite-based solar panels are at the forefront of photovoltaic research. Known for their exceptional light absorption and flexibility in manufacturing, these panels have demonstrated lab efficiencies as high as 31%, especially when used in tandem with silicon cells.
Despite this impressive performance, perovskite panels are not yet available for commercial installation. They face challenges such as environmental stability, lifespan, and sensitivity to moisture — factors that are especially relevant in Singapore’s humid and rainy conditions.
Over the next five years, commercial-ready versions of perovskite solar panels may begin to emerge. But for now, they remain a future-facing technology that isn’t yet suitable for local installations.
Verdict for Singapore: Not yet market-ready. Promising for the future, but not deployable today.
Efficiency Comparison Table
| Solar Panel Type | Efficiency (%) | Lifespan (Years) | Common Use in Singapore | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monocrystalline | 20 – 25 | 25 – 40 | Residential & commercial | Mainstream |
| Polycrystalline | 18 – 21 | 25 – 30 | Older legacy systems | Phased out |
| Thin-Film | 7 – 13 | 10 – 20 | Portable, marine, curved uses | Niche |
| Transparent Panels | 1 – 10 | 10 – 20 | Architectural, facades | Experimental |
| Solar Roof Tiles | 10 – 20 | 25 – 30 | Landed homes | High-end/limited |
| Perovskite (Tandem) | 29 – 31 (lab) | TBD | R&D phase | Not available |
Cost Per Watt and ROI in Singapore
In Singapore, the cost of solar panel installations typically ranges between S$1.20 to S$2.00 per watt-peak (Wp), depending on panel brand, efficiency, inverter quality, mounting structure, and installer reputation. For a standard landed residential home installing a 5kWp system, the total cost comes to around S$6,000 to S$10,000, inclusive of equipment, installation, permits, and testing.
The return on investment (ROI) depends on monthly electricity usage and system efficiency. A 5kWp system in Singapore generates approximately 20 to 22 kWh/day, or 7,300 to 8,000 kWh/year. At an average tariff of S$0.27 per kWh, the annual savings can exceed S$2,100.
Estimated Payback Periods:
| System Size | Annual Output (kWh) | Annual Savings (S$) | Payback Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kWp | ~4,800 | ~S$1,296 | 5–6 years |
| 5 kWp | ~8,000 | ~S$2,160 | 4–5 years |
| 10 kWp | ~16,000 | ~S$4,320 | 3.5–4.5 years |
Monocrystalline panels offer the fastest payback period due to higher energy yield per square metre. Thin-film and solar roof tiles, despite sometimes lower upfront costs per panel, take longer to recover due to reduced efficiency and shorter lifespans.
Typical System Sizes in Singapore
Residential Landed Properties Solar Panel Installation in Singapore typically features system sizes between 3kWp and 10kWp, requiring 20–60 square metres of roof space, usually on pitched or flat concrete roofs; these systems use high-efficiency monocrystalline panels rated between 400 Wp and 600 Wp to maximise energy yield within limited rooftop areas.
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System sizes usually range from 3kWp to 10kWp
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Average roof space required: 20–60 sqm
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Roof type: pitched or flat concrete
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Panels used: high-efficiency monocrystalline, 400–600 Wp per panel
SMEs and Light Industrial Units
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System sizes range between 10kWp and 50kWp
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Rooftop space: 60–250 sqm
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Panels used: larger format monocrystalline or bifacial panels
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ROI can be accelerated with solar leasing or PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements)
Commercial and Factory Buildings Solar Panel Installation
Commercial and Factory Buildings Solar Panel Installation in Singapore typically involves large-scale systems ranging from 250kWp to 500kWp, installed on rooftops over 1,000 sqm using bifacial panels with string or centralised inverters, often integrated with battery storage and energy management systems (EMS).
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Systems exceed 100kWp, often in the range of 250kWp to 500kWp
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Rooftop space: 1,000 sqm or more
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Panels used: bifacial modules, string inverters or centralised inverter setups
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May integrate with battery storage and EMS (energy management systems)
Government Support & Solar Incentives in Singapore
While there are no direct cash rebates for solar panels, Singapore offers strong regulatory support and indirect incentives:
Open Electricity Market (OEM)
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Solar owners can sell excess electricity to the grid under Simplified Credit Treatment (SCT)
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Netted at prevailing wholesale market rates (~S$0.18 to S$0.22/kWh)
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Reduces payback period significantly
Building Permit Streamlining
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Homeowners in landed property do not require URA or BCA planning permission if systems are under 10kWp and comply with guidelines
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Solar PV installations are supported in Green Mark certification for commercial buildings
SolarNova Programme
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For public sector buildings, large-scale solar procurement is centrally coordinated
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Sets benchmarks for reliability, compliance, and long-term performance warranties
Maintenance & Longevity Considerations
Monocrystalline Panels
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Require minimal maintenance
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Output degradation rate: 0.3% to 0.5% per year
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25-year product and 30-year performance warranties are standard
Thin-Film Panels
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More susceptible to degradation in humid conditions
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Typically need faster replacement cycles (10–15 years)
Transparent and Perovskite Panels
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Maintenance schedules are still being defined
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Performance can degrade faster under tropical UV exposure and rainfall
Routine Maintenance Tasks:
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Bi-annual cleaning to remove bird droppings and dust
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Electrical inspection of connectors and inverters every 2–3 years
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Performance monitoring using smart apps or IoT-enabled systems
Solar Storage Integration (Optional)
For homeowners aiming for higher energy independence, solar battery systems are becoming more viable. A typical lithium battery system in Singapore costs S$5,000 to S$12,000 depending on capacity and brand. Common pairings include:
| Battery Size | Compatible Solar System | Backup Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kWh | 3–5 kWp | ~6–10 hours |
| 10 kWh | 5–10 kWp | ~12–20 hours |
| 15 kWh+ | 10+ kWp | ~24 hours+ |
Although current grid reliability in Singapore is high, battery storage may benefit properties with critical loads, electric vehicles, or participation in future VPP (Virtual Power Plant) schemes.
Emerging Solar Panel Innovations for Singapore
Bifacial Panels
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Capture sunlight from both front and back
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Gain boost of up to 15% in energy yield
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Well-suited for flat rooftop installations with reflective surfaces
Floating Solar (FPV)
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Deployed on reservoirs and water bodies
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Helps reduce land use, evaporation, and panel overheating
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Already deployed at Tengeh Reservoir and other sites
Building-Integrated PV (BIPV)
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Includes solar glass facades and tiles
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Currently limited to luxury buildings due to cost
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Expected to scale up as technologies mature
Hybrid PV-T Panels
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Combine solar electricity with thermal heating
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Suitable for properties needing both hot water and electricity
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Yet to gain adoption locally, but viable for resorts or high-end villas
Which Type Should You Choose in Singapore?
| Scenario | Recommended Panel Type |
|---|---|
| Homeowner with limited rooftop space | High-efficiency monocrystalline (≥24%) |
| Business with large roof area | Monocrystalline or bifacial |
| Architect designing green building | Transparent or BIPV tiles |
| Mobile or marine applications | Thin-film (CIGS or a-Si) |
| Landed property with pitched roof | Solar tiles (if budget allows) |
| R&D enthusiasts | Wait for perovskite tandem releases |
In almost every category, monocrystalline panels stand out for their balance of cost, efficiency, and long-term reliability. For most Singaporean homeowners and SMEs, this remains the most practical and future-proof solution today.
Final Thoughts
Singapore’s limited landmass makes rooftop solar technology essential for meeting clean energy targets. As the industry evolves, solar panels are becoming more efficient, smarter, and architecturally adaptable. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or property developer, choosing the right panel type can influence your long-term savings, aesthetics, and energy independence.
In the current market, the best path forward is high-efficiency monocrystalline solar panels — with innovations like bifacial or perovskite options on the horizon. For those ready to invest, the time to switch to solar is now.
References
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Energy Market Authority (EMA). (2025, August 5). Number of grid‑connected solar PV installations in Singapore. As of Q1 2025, there were 11,119 grid‑connected solar PV installations in Singapore.
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EMA: Solar PV Capacity by Planning Region. As of June 2024, Western Singapore accounted for 589 MWp out of a total 1,348 MWp capacity. Energy Market Authority
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EMA: Solar Capacity (2025). Singapore has now far exceeded its 2025 target of 2 GWp, achieving 631.1 MWp by late 2024 and prompting a revision of projections.
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Wikipedia: Energy in Singapore (February 2025). Singapore had reached 774 MW of installed solar capacity by 2023, and aims for 2 GWp by 2030.
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ScienceDirect: Singapore solar cap target. Government aims for 2 GWp by 2030. seris.nus.edu.sg
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Renewables Affairs (June 2025). Renewable energy accounted for 2.58% of electricity usage in Singapore as of May 2025. Renewable Affairs
- EMA: Solar installation guide (2023). Typical rooftop PV cost ranges S$1–1.4/Wp; 10 kWp system ~S$1,540/kWp; 1,000 kWp system ~S$940/kWp. Energy Market Authority
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EMA FAQs (Solar PV Roadmap, 2021). Average payback period is around 7 years; for high daytime consumption, payback can be 4–5 years; panel lifespans typically 25–30 years; warranties: product 5–10 years, output 20–30 years.
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Reddit user discussion (ca. 2023). Solar panel wholesale price dropped to US$0.10–0.12/Wp; 2020 peak at US$0.30/Wp.
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JTC News (2025). Solar capacity increased more than 17‑fold since 2014.
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Ember Energy (April 2024). Under Green Plan 2030, Singapore to triple solar capacity from 0.6 GW to 2 GW by 2030.
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Wikipedia: Rooftop solar power (June 2025). Residential systems typically 5–20 kW; commercial 100 kW–1 MW; industrial 1–10 MW.