Singapore is set to expand its industrial solar capacity with an innovative pilot project allowing rooftop solar installations to extend beyond building edges, maximizing space and increasing energy production. This creative approach to urban solar deployment aims to bolster Singapore’s solar output as the nation continues to make significant strides in renewable energy.
Maximizing Rooftop Space with Singapore overhang solar
In a move to overcome the physical saturation of conventional solar sites, the pilot project — announced by the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) — allows companies to extend rooftop solar installations up to 4 meters beyond a building’s edge and 2 meters above the rooftop. This initiative tests the viability of installing photovoltaic (PV) panels on overhang structures that span the void spaces between existing industrial buildings.
The Industrial Solarisation Pilot, launched in collaboration with state industrial developer JTC, will initially be available at six industrial estates: Cleantech Park, Kranji Green, Lorong Halus, Punggol Digital District, Sungei Kadut Eco-District, and Woodlands North Coast. JTC has already launched a tender for the first installation at 15 Woodlands Loop, targeting a minimum capacity of 250 kilowatt-peak (kWp) across approximately 4,300 square meters of space. Companies can apply for the pilot starting in the first quarter of 2025, with the program set to run until March 2028.
This pilot is a critical component of Singapore’s broader efforts to increase solar energy adoption, which is essential for its transition to a low-carbon economy. These efforts are already paying off, as the Singapore solar target for 2025 was achieved ahead of schedule. As of Q1 2025, JTC has deployed 875 MWp of solar capacity across its estates, contributing significantly to the national goal of 2 gigawatt-peak (GWp) by 2030 and underscoring the necessity of this impressive 2024 surge in Singapore’s solar growth.
Addressing Safety and Design Concerns for Singapore overhang solar
To ensure safety and compliance, the pilot project requires participants to adhere to stringent design, construction, and maintenance requirements. These guidelines address the unique engineering challenges of overhang PV systems, such as ensuring structures can safely carry panel weight and resist wind loads at height. They are also designed to maintain proper ventilation and fire-safety standards for the existing buildings.
The initial phase for each installation will involve a 15-month period for design, construction, and testing, followed by a 10-year operational period. The pilot will provide invaluable insights into the potential for expanding these installations across other dense industrial areas. If successful, it could lead to a broader rollout of overhanging solar systems, further increasing Singapore’s solar capacity by unlocking previously unusable space. A deep understanding of the basics of solar panel manufacturing is crucial for developing these robust and efficient systems.
Regulatory Changes to Support Singapore overhang solar Expansion
In addition to the physical infrastructure pilot, the EMA has announced key changes to the regulation of third-party aggregators. Starting in 2025, aggregators will be permitted to pool excess solar energy generated by multiple companies and export it to the national grid. This change will enable companies to monetize any surplus energy they produce, creating a stronger financial incentive for more businesses to install solar panels.
The new rules will allow aggregators to consolidate solar energy from multiple sources, making it easier and more efficient to sell this power back to the grid. This policy is expected to reduce wasted solar energy and increase the overall efficiency of Singapore’s solar ecosystem, reinforcing the nation’s position as a leader in the region’s clean energy transition. This kind of policy innovation is a key reason for the remarkable 2024 growth in Southeast Asia’s solar sector.
The pilot project and regulatory changes are part of Singapore’s comprehensive strategy to increase renewable energy adoption and reduce carbon emissions. By creatively tackling land scarcity and fostering a supportive regulatory environment, alongside strategic initiatives like the $10 billion solar manufacturing partnership with Indonesia, Singapore is poised for significant growth in its solar capacity in the coming years.
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