Can Condominiums in Singapore Go Solar? A Guide for MCSTs

Across Singapore, more condominiums are exploring solar as a way to earn extra income and boost sustainability efforts. From roof space requirements to MCST regulations, solar for condominiums comes with a set of unique challenges. In this guide, we’ll walk through what every MCST needs to know before considering solar, so you can make an informed choice that truly benefits your community.

Why Solar Makes Sense for Condominiums

Solar can bring significant benefits to condominiums in Singapore, but not always in the way landed homes experience it.

• Generate extra income – With the right system size, solar can be a reliable revenue stream for the estate.
• Boost property value – Green features are attractive to eco-conscious buyers and tenants. For a broader view of Singapore’s solar landscape, read Solar Energy in Singapore: A Complete Guide (2025).
• Show visible commitment – Rooftop panels are a strong, visible signal of sustainability leadership.

Important note: Unlike landed homes, most condominiums cannot directly use solar to offset every unit’s bills. We explain why in the Master-Sub Metering section below.

What to Consider Before Installing

Not every condominium roof is suitable for solar. Feasibility depends on a few key factors:

1. Roof Design and Space

Large, continuous rooftops are the most cost-effective for solar. Smaller or fragmented roofs with many obstructions may deliver limited returns.

2. Metering and Cabling

Condominiums often use master–sub metering, which means additional cabling and switchboard modifications may be required. Larger solar arrays can absorb these costs more efficiently.

Beyond technical feasibility, another key factor is decision-making authority. That’s where the MCST comes in.

The Role of the MCST

The Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) oversees common property — including rooftops — and plays a key role in deciding whether solar is suitable.

At GetSolar, we provide MCSTs with a no-cost rooftop assessment to evaluate your estate’s solar potential and give you a clear, honest view of whether it makes sense financially and architecturally.

If solar doesn’t make sense for your estate, we’ll be upfront. Doing what’s right for the customer always comes first.

Understanding Master-Sub Metering in Condominiums

Most condominiums in Singapore fall under a master-sub metering arrangement. Here’s how it works:

• The master meter (under the MCST’s name) records total electricity use.
• Each sub-meter tracks the consumption of individual units so SP Group or other retailers can bill residents separately.
• The MCST pays the master bill after deducting the sub-meter readings.

Two easy ways to identify if a building is master-sub are if:

1. The building has multiple units or tenants. If there’s more than one SP account, and your tenants are paying the electricity bills through to the retailers themselves, it’s likely to be a master-sub metering arrangement.
2. In the electrical room, there is a large master meter and rows of smaller submeters labeled by unit numbers. The master records all incoming electricity from the grid. Submeters (by SP) record how much each unit consumes.

Solar Integration Challenges

When solar is added, the system generates power at the master meter level. Allocating this to individual households is technically complex and expensive.

This makes the most practical option today a Direct Export, Extra Income model:

• Direct Export – All solar electricity generated is exported back to the grid at prevailing Uniform Singapore Energy Price (USEP) rates, overseen by the Energy Market Authority (EMA).
• Additional Revenue – For estates with large, suitable roofs, this can create extra long-term income. If purchased upfront, MCSTs may also benefit from selling Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

For a deeper dive, read SP Group’s Solar Power Info Sheet.

Conclusion: Is Solar Right for Your Condominium?

Solar is about making smart, green, and practical choices for your estate. By turning a sizeable unused rooftop into a source of clean energy, condominiums can generate extra income while showing residents a clear commitment to sustainability. The result is a win-win: extra income today and a greener community for the future.

With our zero upfront cost Rent-to-Own solar models, MCSTs can explore solar without heavy capital outlay. Your estate starts generating clean energy from day one, while residents see the value of living in a greener, future-ready community.

Not sure if solar is right for your condo? Try our free Solar Power Calculator for an instant, no-obligation estimate. If your roof looks promising, we’ll prepare a tailored proposal to guide your MCST through the next steps.

Curious to learn more? Check out our earlier guide on Solar Panels for Condos, where we break down common misconceptions and FAQs.