Small Roof? Solar Still Works for SMEs

As more Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore explore solar to cut cost and reduce emissions, one question keeps coming up:

“My roof’s too small. Can I even install solar panels?”

‍

The short answer: yes — but with a few key considerations.

‍

At GetSolar, we hear from business owners with compact rooftops every week. Many assume solar only makes sense if you have a large facility or big energy bills and it's easy to see why. Most solutions in the market today are designed for big roofs or big budgets. Even in sunny Singapore, a smaller roof limits how many panels you can install, which in turn limits how much electricity you can generate. That's why traditional Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) tend to favour larger systems, and Direct Purchase can be too costly for smaller SMEs.

‍

But here’s the good news: solar technology has come a long way. High-efficiency panels now produce nearly double the output compared to a decade ago. So, with the right setup and financial model, solar is still well within reach, even on smaller roofs.

‍

In this article, we’ll walk through how to assess if solar could work for your building and why our Rent-to-Own (RTO) model is built to make solar practical for SMEs with limited space.

‍

1. How Much Space Can You Actually Use?

Most solar panels take up around 2.7 square metres each. But when planning a solar system, it’s not just about how much surface area you have — what matters is how much usable roof space you can actually work with.

‍

Several factors can reduce usable space, such as:

• Clearances required for Mechanical and Electrical (M&E)
• Obstacles like aircon units, vents, or hatches
• Shading from nearby trees
• Roof shape and layout complexity

‍

As a rough guide, commercial roofs should have at least 200- 300 sqm (2152 sqft - 3229 sqft) of uninterrupted space to qualify for a viable solar setup (subject to other factors). In comparison, residential homes will require much less roof space than commercial buildings to qualify for solar.

‍

Not sure how big your roof area is? You can try using the measuring tool on Google Earth or better yet, book a complimentary site assessment with a solar provider to get accurate sizing and design recommendations.

‍

‍

2. Does Building Height Matter?

Yes! Your building's height can significantly affects both installation complexity and cost. If your roof space is already limited, adding height-related logistics may reduce the overall return on investment.

• Low-rise buildings (1–3 storeys) are usually simpler and more cost-effective to install solar on.
• Taller buildings may require additional equipment, scaffolding, or special permits — all of which can increase project costs.

‍

That doesn't mean tall buildings can't go solar, just that it's worth understanding the potential trade-offs early. A professional site survey will help you get a clear picture of what's feasible and what it might cost.

‍

3. What’s Your Electrical Metering Setup?

If your business uses a direct metering arrangement, installing solar is generally straightforward, even with a smaller rooftop.

‍

However, if your site falls under a master-sub metering setup — common in commercial buildings, industrial parks, and shared-use premises — things can get more complicated.

‍

With this type of setup, you may need to coordinate with landlords, facility managers, or neighbouring tenants, and there may be additional approval steps or infrastructure requirements. Combined with limited roof space, this can reduce the feasibility of installing solar especially for smaller SMEs.

‍

Not sure what setup you have? Just reach out, we're happy to guide you through.

‍

4. Do the Dollars and Cents Make Sense?

Ultimately, solar is a financial investment — and for  SMEs, affordability and ROI are just as important as sustainability. If we foresee that the investment won't offer meaningful savings for your business, we'll tell you so. But when there's clear potential, our job is to make that opportunity accessible without large upfront costs or long payback periods.

‍

That’s why GetSolar offers a Rent-to-Own (RTO) model designed with SMEs in mind:

✅ $0 or minimal upfront cost

✅ Fixed monthly payments you can plan for

✅ You own the system at the end of the term

‍

This lets you start saving from day one — while enjoying the long-term benefits of solar ownership. And with our performance guarantee, if your system underdelivers, we reimburse the shortfall. So, you’re not just going solar. You’re making a smart investment for your business.

‍

Rooftop Solar Benefits: Small Footprint, Big Impact

Solar doesn't just cut costs, it gives your business control over rising energy prices and long-term cash flow. By generating your own electricity, you reduce your reliance on the fossil-fueled grid, protect against tariff hikes, and build resilience into your operations all while contributing to Singapore's clean energy future.

‍

Singapore has never let its size limit its ambition. Your roof shouldn't either. For more on what makes a roof suitable, check out our blog on rooftop criteria.

‍

No Time to Calculate?

We get it — you're busy running a business. Use our free Solar Power Calculator for an instant, no-obligation estimate. If the results look promising, we'll follow up to learn more about your energy needs and building setup and prepare a tailored solar proposal just for you.

‍

Your small roof might just be the start of your steady, long-term savings.

‍