Solar Energy in Singapore: A Complete Guide (2025)

Solar Panels

Solar Energy Benefits

Solar Installation Guide

Jamie Gomez

August 4, 2025

Solar panels — what exactly is the buzz surrounding these environmentally friendly solutions? With Singapore's constant heat and record-breaking temperatures, it's no surprise that more homeowners are turning to solar to power their homes. In this article, we'll break down why solar energy is gaining momentum and how solar panels actually work.

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With rising electricity prices and increasing climate concerns, more Singaporean are seeing solar not just as a green choice, but a smart one. Whether you're looking to cut costs, reduce your carbon footprint, or future-proof your energy use, solar panels for home use are becoming a practical and popular solution.

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Why Are Singaporeans Considering Installing Solar Panels?

According to the latest figures from the Energy Market Authority (EMA), Singapore had 9,763 installed solar systems in the first half of 2024 — a clear jump from 8,756 in the same period of 2023, marking an 11.5% year-on-year.

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Even more notable? Most of these were residential installations. In just six months, 3,974 homes installed solar panels, compared to 3,467 in the previous year. That’s a strong sign that more Singaporeans are embracing solar power at home — not just for the planet, but for practical savings too.

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So, what’s driving this shift?

Electricity bills keep climbing
Government support and net metering reduce long-term costs
Solar panels prices are lower than ever
Environmental awareness is growing

Put simply: solar isn't just a green choice — it’s a smart, long-term investment in your home and future.

What Are The Benefits Of Installing Solar Panels?

1. Lower Electricity Bills, Month After Month

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, which directly reduce the amount you need from the grid. The less you rely on traditional power, the lower your electricity bill.

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If your systems generates more power than you use, the extra electricity can be sent back to the grid. Through Singapore's net metering schemes, you’ll earn credits on your SP Group bill.

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2. Solar Panels Are More Affordable Than Ever

Between 2009 to 2019, the cost of solar electricity dropped by nearly 89%. Today, homeowners can expect to pay around $0.15/kWh over the lifespan of a typical solar panel system, which lasts 25 years or more.

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That means real long-term savings. Solar has become an affordable, accessible way to meet your energy needs while reducing your environmental impact.

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3. Solar Panels Can Boost Your Property Value

Beyond savings, solar panels may also help increase your home's market value.

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A PropertyGuru analysis compared two similar semi-detached homes and found that one with solar panels had an asking price about 4% higher than the other.

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A Forbes article, citing Zillow data, found the same: homes with solar panels typically sell around 4% more.

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For homeowners planning to sell, that can mean meaningful returns, on top of energy savings.

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Landed home in Singapore with rooftop solar panels

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Is Solar Really Worth It? Here’s the Math.

When weighing your energy options, it’s important to look beyond upfront costs — and consider the total cost over time. That’s where the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) comes in.

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LCOE calculates how much it actually costs to generate electricity from various sources, including solar. It factors in the fulltakes the total cost of your solar panel system cost (installation included) and divides it by the total energy produced over the system's lifetime.

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The result? A simple, like-to-like comparison with other energy sources like gas or coal — and one that often shows that solar power is not just cleaner, but more cost-effective in the long run.

How Solar Power Works: Day and Night

Phase 1: What Happens During the Day

This is when the real work begins. Solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it into clean, usable energy to then power your home in real time. Any excess energy can be stored (if you have a battery) or exported back to the grid for credits. It's like having your own mini power station on your roof.

Phase 2: What Happens at Night

When the sun goes down, your solar panels rest, but the benefits continue. Energy generated during the day is either stored in solar batteries for night-time use, or exported to the grid during the day so you can earn credits to offset evening usage.

That said, solar batteries remain costly in Singapore and may not be worth the investment for most homeowners. Net metering often provides a better return.

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How Much Do Solar Panels Normally Cost?

Now that we’ve covered the benefits, let’s talk numbers. The cost of a solar panel system depends on your roof size, energy usage, and installation conditions — which is why it’s best to start with a quick, personalised estimate using our Solar Calculator. In under a minute, you’ll see your estimated system size, cost, and projected savings.

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Paying for a solar system upfront can feel out of reach, — but with Rent-to-Own, you don’t have to. You can install solar panels with zero upfront cost and start saving from day one.

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Under the GetSolar’s Rent-to-Own (RTO) plan, you pay a fixed monthly rate, often less than your current electricity bill, and own the system fully after 5 or 10 years. It’s a cashflow-friendly way to go solar without the financial strain.

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Want to see what solar might cost for your home?

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Try our free Solar Calculator or chat with our team for a tailored quote.

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For quicker estimates, here are some rough prices to guide you:

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Solar cost estimate chart for Singapore homes

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Financial Incentives for Solar Panels in Singapore

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Solar Power Is a Smart Financial Move

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Solar panels aren't just about going green, they make strong financial sense. With Singapore’s consistent sunshine and rising electricity prices, solar has become a practical, cost-effective solution for both homeowners and businesses.

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Lower monthly bills, long-term savings, and higher property value are just the start. Add in government schemes, and solar is now a smart, strategic investment — not a luxury.

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Government Support That Makes Solar More Accessible

While Singapore doesn't offer direct cash grants for residential solar, several well-structured initiatives can boost your returns and ease the transition to clean energy. These schemes focus on reducing long-term operating costs, supporting energy-efficient building upgrades, and rewarding solar energy export and carbon reduction efforts.

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Here are the key programmes available:

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1. Net Metering Credit Schemes (EMA)

When your solar system generates more electricity than you use, the excess is exported to the grid. Through Energy Market Authority (EMA) regulated schemes, you receive credits that offset your electricity bill:

Simplified Credit Treatment (SCT) for residential users
Enhanced Central Intermediary Scheme (ECIS) for most businesses
Market Participant (MP) Scheme for large commercial systems

These schemes help you maximise the return on your solar investment. See our full guide here.

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2. Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)

Each RECs proves that 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable energy has been generated. Individuals and businesses can use RECs to:

Offset carbon emissions
Meet sustainability goals
Show environmental leadership

They're a flexible way to support clean energy even if you don't own a solar system. More on RECs here.

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3. Green Building and Efficiency Grants

Looking to go beyond solar? These programmes support energy-efficient upgrades that complement solar systems:

Green Mark Incentive Scheme (GMIS-EB 2.0) - BCA:
- Co-funds up to 50% of qualifying costs (capped at S$1.2M) for upgrades that reduce carbon emissions (e.g., lighting, cooling systems).
Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) - EnterpriceSG:
- Offers up to S$30,000 for SMEs using pre-approved energy-saving equipment, or S$350,000 for higher-impact carbon reduction projects.

These grants enhance overall building performance — helping your solar system work even more efficiently.

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Who Can Install Solar Panels in Singapore?

HDB Flats

HDB rooftops are managed centrally by town councils. This means individual flat owners can't install their own solar panels, but you can still make other green upgrades within your home, like energy-efficient appliances or lighting.

Condominiums

Solar installation is only possible for penthouse units with direct rooftop access — and even then, MCST approval is required. Most condo developments don't allow grid export from solar systems.

Landed Property Owners

If you live in a terrace, semi-detached, or bungalow unit, you're in the best position to install solar panels. These homes typically have the roof space and energy needs to support a cost-effective solar installation.

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How Customers Are Thriving with GetSolar

From family homes to small businesses, solar energy is helping Singaporeans cut costs, solve problems, and build a more sustainable future. Here are two real stories from homeowners who partnered with GetSolar.

Brandon's Solar Shift

Brandon was dealing with a structural issue at home, a cracked support beam meant he needed to replace his heavy roof with a lighter one. That challenge turned into an opportunity. The new metal roof was perfect for solar panels, and Brandon decided it was the right time to make the switch.

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With GetSolar's flexible pricing and personalised support, he upgraded his home into an energy-efficient haven without hassle.

Kenny's Cost-Cutting Breakthrough

Kenny, a business owner, was battling high electricity bills. He tried multiple fixes, including surge suppressors but nothing worked. Then, on the advice of his interior designer, he explored solar power.

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With expert guidance and smooth installation from the GetSolar team, Kenny's switch to solar become a smart investment that delivered both savings and sustainability.

See more real stories from our customers.