Singapore Solar Report

Discover comprehensive insights into the statistics, market trends, and growth potential surrounding the solar panel manufacturing industry in Singapore

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  9. Energy Market Authority (EMA). (2023). Singapore energy statistics: Chapter 6. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.ema.gov.sg/resources/singapore-energy-statistics/chapter6
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  12. Wikipedia. (2024, August 2). Cost of electricity by source. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cost_of_electricity_by_source
  13. Energy Market Authority (EMA). (2023). Singapore energy statistics: Chapter 3. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.ema.gov.sg/resources/singapore-energy-statistics/chapter3
  14. Channel News Asia. (2023, July 29). Singapore’s electricity sources: Natural gas, renewable energy, and imports. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/singapore-electricity-sources-natural-gas-renewable-solar-energy-import-3252076
  15. Energy Market Authority (EMA). (2024). Singapore electricity market outlook. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.ema.gov.sg/resources/industry-reports/singapore-electricity-market-outlook
  16. Energy Market Authority (EMA). (2023). Number of grid-connected solar photovoltaic installations. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.ema.gov.sg/resources/statistics/number-of-grid-connected-solar-photovoltaic-installations
  17. Energy Now. (2021, July 6). Singapore unveils one of the world’s biggest floating solar panel farms. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://energynow.com/2021/07/singapore-unveils-one-of-the-worlds-biggest-floating-solar-panel-farms/
  18. Southeast Asia Infrastructure. (2023, July 23). Works to start on the largest floating solar farm in Singapore by 2025. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://southeastasiainfra.com/works-to-start-on-the-largest-floating-solar-farm-in-singapore-by-2025/
  19. Blackridge Research. (2024). Singapore solar power market. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.blackridgeresearch.com/reports/singapore-solar-power-market
  20. Mordor Intelligence. (2024). Singapore renewable energy market: Market trends. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/singapore-renewable-energy-market/market-trends
  21. Jooble. (2024). Solar salary in Singapore. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://sg.jooble.org/salary/solar
  22. CakeResume. (2024). Average salary in Singapore. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.cakeresume.com/resources/average-salary-in-singapore
  23. World Population Review. (2024). Singapore population. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/singapore-population
  24. (2024). Singapore population. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/singapore-population/
  25. Energy Market Authority (EMA). (n.d.). Electricity generation. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.ema.gov.sg/resources/singapore-energy-statistics#ElectricityGeneration
  26. Ember Climate. (2024, July 17). Regional grids key to Singapore’s energy future. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://ember-climate.org/insights/research/regional-grids-key-to-singapores-energy-future/
  27. Green Plan. (2024). Singapore Green Plan. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.greenplan.gov.sg/
  28. Energy Market Authority (EMA). (2024, July 20). Establishment of Future Energy Fund to support Singapore infrastructure investments. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.ema.gov.sg/news-events/news/media-releases/2024/establishment-of-future-energy-fund-to-support-singapore-infrastructure-investments
  29. Bird & Bird. (2024). Solar energy corporate PPAs in Singapore. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.twobirds.com/en/insights/2024/singapore/solar-energy-corporate-ppas-in-singapore
  30. First Solution. (2024). Solar panel subsidies and incentives in Singapore. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.firstsolution.com.sg/solar-panel-subsidies-and-incentives-in-singapore/
  31. Sembcorp Industries. (n.d.). Sembcorp Industries. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.sembcorp.com
  32. Sunseap Group. (n.d.). Sunseap Group. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.sunseap.com
  33. (n.d.). SolarHome. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.solarhome.com.sg
  34. Keppel Infrastructure. (n.d.). Keppel Infrastructure. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.keppel.com
  35. Tanjong Energy Holdings. (n.d.). Tanjong Energy Holdings. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.tanjongenergy.com
  36. Suntech Power. (n.d.). Suntech Power. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.suntech-power.com
  37. ET Solar. (n.d.). ET Solar. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.etsolar.com
  38. PacificLight Power. (n.d.). PacificLight Power. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.pacificlightpower.com
  39. Q CELLS. (n.d.). Q CELLS. Retrieved August 4, 2024, from https://www.q-cells.com
  40. Morgan McKinley. (2024). Singapore Salary Guide 2024. Retrieved from https://www.morganmckinley.com/sg/salary-guide
  41. Ambition Singapore. (2024, January). Singapore market insights 2024. Retrieved from https://www.ambition.com.sg/blog/2024/01/singapore-market-insights-2024

Key points

  • All figures have been converted into USD

Yearly sunshine (sun hours per year)

The country of Singapore averages 2,064 hours of sunlight annually, with about 5.7 hours of sunlight per day.1

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kWh per kWp installed

The average yield for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in Singapore is approximately 1,150-1,450 kWh per kept per year.2

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Average cost per kWh from utility company

Residential: The electricity tariff for residential consumers is approximately 32.57 cents per kWh, including GST. Without GST, the tariff stands at 29.88 cents per kWh​.

Commercial: Commercial electricity tariffs can vary based on the contract and the retailer chosen. For example, the tariffs for commercial consumers can range from about 28.80 cents to 29.88 cents per kWh, including GST, depending on the specific energy provider and plan selected​.345

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Reliability of electrical power supply grid

Urban Areas: Singapore’s urban power grid is highly reliable, with an average annual system availability of 99.9999% (measured by the System Average Interruption Duration Index, SAIDI). The use of advanced technologies such as the Grid Digital Twin and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) ensures minimal disruptions and swift restoration during outages​.678

Rural Areas: Though predominantly urban, Singapore’s rural areas benefit equally from the high reliability standards of the national grid. The System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) for these areas is similarly low, maintaining consistent power supply across the island.

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Detailed Information

  • All figures have been converted into USD
  • Total solar panel production capacity (installed)

    As of the first half of 2023, Singapore’s total installed solar panel production capacity is approximately 1,005.7 megawatt-peak (MWp).91011

    Total solar panel production capacity (projected)

    Singapore’s total projected solar panel production capacity is set to reach 1.5 gigawatt-peak (GWp) by 2025 and at least 2 GWp by 2030.91011

    Average costs of various electricity generation sources (coal, natural gas, solar, etc)

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    Natural Gas: The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for natural gas is generally low, ranging from approximately $0.05 to $0.07 per kWh, depending on the type of gas turbine used and the efficiency of the plant.

    Biomass and Municipal Water: The LCOE for biomass and waste-to-energy plants is higher, typically around $0.10 to $0.15 per kWh, due to the higher capital and operational costs associated with these technologies​.

    Solar Power: The LCOE for solar PV systems in Singapore is approximately $0.08 to $0.12 per kWh. This range takes into account the high initial capital costs and the relatively low operating costs over the system’s lifetime​.

    Coal: The LCOE for coal-fired power plants generally ranges from $0.06 to $0.09 per kWh. However, the use of coal is limited due to its higher carbon emissions and environmental impact​.

    Petroleum: The LCOE for diesel and other petroleum products can be quite high, ranging from $0.15 to $0.20 per kWh, primarily due to the high fuel costs​.

    Percentages of various electricity generation sources (coal, natural gas, solar, etc)

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    Solar, Biomass, and Municipal Water: 2.9%

    Natural Gas: 94.3%

    Thermal (Coal): 1.2%

    Petroleum: 1%

    Average daily availability of electricity from the national grid (measured in hours)

    131415

    Urban Areas: Singapore’s urban areas experience an extremely high level of electricity reliability, with the grid typically providing power 24 hours a day. The city-state’s infrastructure and energy policies ensure a consistent and uninterrupted supply of electricity to its dense urban population, contributing to an average daily availability of nearly 100%​.

    Rural Areas: Even in the less populated or rural areas of Singapore, the electricity supply reliability is remarkably high, matching that of urban regions. The robust national grid infrastructure extends throughout the entire country, ensuring that rural areas also benefit from near-constant electricity availability, approximately 24 hours a day​.

    Number of residential solar panel installations

    As of the first half of 2023, there are approximately 3,311 residential solar panel installations in Singapore.916

    Total number of solar farms (installed and projected)

    Installed Solar Farms: As of 2024, there are 4 operational solar farms in Singapore at a capacity of approximately 1.2 Gigawatt-peak (GWp).17

    Projected Solar Farms: Additional Farms are to be added such as the Kranji Reservoir Floating Solar Farm. Singapore expects a capacity of 2 GWp by 2030.18

    Off-grid market demand for solar panels (current and projected)

    Current Demand: As of 2023, the off-grid solar market size was valued at approximately USD 2.62 billion. This market has seen an increase in demand for renewable-based electricity, particularly in residential complexes and housing societies.19

    Projected Demand: By 2031, the market size is expected to reach USD 5.45 billion, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.60% from 2023 to 2031.20

    On-grid market demand for solar panels (current and projected)

    Current Demand: As of 2023, the installed capacity of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Singapore reached approximately 572 megawatt-peak (MWp), up from about 487 MWp in 2022.19

    Projected Demand: The demand for on-grid solar panels in Singapore is projected to continue growing robustly over the coming years. By 2030, Singapore aims to achieve a total installed solar capacity of at least 2 gigawatt-peak (GWp).21

    Average monthly income of workers in solar industry (labor cost)

    22234041

    Solar Engineer: $2,800 per month

    Solar Project Manager: $4,707 per month

    Solar Installation Technician: $2,500 per month

    Solar Sales Representative: $3,000 per month

    Solar Maintenance Technician: $2,600 per month

    Renewable Energy Consultant: $4,200 per month

    Solar Energy Analyst: $3,644 per month

    Solar Panel Installer:  $3,700 per month

    Population of the country

    As of 2024, the population of Singapore is approximately 6,052,709 people24

    Average overhead costs of solar panel production (with a brief breakdown)

    Overhead costs in solar panel production typically include several components which are 22232425

    Factory Rent in Singapore:

    • The average rent for warehouse spaces in Singapore varies significantly based on location and facilities.
    • High: $3.70 to $4.50 per square foot per month; Low: $2.00 to $3.00 per square foot per month.

    Industrial Electricity Rates:

    • The industrial electricity rate in Singapore is approximately $0.180 per kWh

    Water Costs:

    • The cost of water for industrial use in Singapore is around $1.83 per cubic meter (m^3)

    Salaries and Wages:

    • The average annual salary for a Solar Photovoltaic Installer in Singapore is around:
    • High: $42,000; Low: $31,000

    Office Supplies and Equipment:

    • The cost for office supplies such as stationery in Singapore ranges from:
    • High: $25.00 per item; Low: $5.00 per item.

    Rent for Office Space:

    • The rent for office spaces in cities like Singapore ranges from:
    • High: $8.50 to $10.00 per square foot per month; Low: $5.50 to $7.00 per square foot per month

    Insurance:

    • The average spending per capita in the property insurance market in Singapore is estimated to be around $6.00 in 2024. Essential for the business’s operation but are not directly tied to the production of goods.

    A summary of the energy infrastructure

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    Total Installed Capacity

    • Current Capacity: Singapore’s total installed electricity capacity is predominantly driven by natural gas, which accounts for about 95% of the electricity generation. As of 2023, the installed solar capacity stands at around 0.6 gigawatt-peak (GWp), with a target to reach 2 GWp by 2030.
    • Future Projections: By 2035, Singapore aims to import up to 4 gigawatts of low-carbon electricity, further integrating renewable energy sources into its energy mix.

    Electricity Generation

    • 2023 Data: In 2023, natural gas accounted for about 92% of the total electricity generation. The contribution from solar and other renewables is steadily increasing, although it remains a smaller portion of the total generation mix.
    • Renewable Energy Targets: Singapore aims to have 30% of its electricity supply come from renewable energy imports by 2035.

    Electricity Consumption

    • 2023 Data: The total electricity consumption in Singapore for 2023 was projected to be approximately 55 terawatt-hours (TWh). Industrial and commercial sectors are the largest consumers, accounting for 41% and 39% of total consumption, respectively.
    • Future Demand: Electricity demand is expected to grow by an average of 2.8% to 3.2% annually, reaching around 82 TWh by 2035.

    Grid Infrastructure

    • Grid Management: The Energy Market Authority (EMA) oversees Singapore’s grid infrastructure, which includes advanced technologies such as the Grid Digital Twin and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). In 2023, Singapore launched a 285 megawatt-hour ESS on Jurong Island, the largest in Southeast Asia.
    • Reliability: The grid is highly reliable, supporting the country’s dense urban population and growing energy needs with minimal disruptions.

    Clean Energy Transition

    • Goals: Singapore is committed to increasing the share of renewable energy in its national energy mix. The country aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with significant contributions from solar power and imported renewable energy.
    • Initiatives: The Future Energy Fund, with an initial investment of S$5 billion, supports infrastructure investments necessary for the energy transition towards a low-carbon future.

    Investment in Renewable Energy

    • Government Support: Significant investments are being made to boost renewable energy capacity, including policies such as feed-in tariffs, subsidies, and grants to encourage private sector participation.
    • Emerging Technologies: Singapore is exploring low-carbon alternatives like hydrogen, with plans for new and repowered power plants to be at least 30% hydrogen-compatible from 2024.

    Some of the government regulations surrounding solar panel production

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    Electrical Installation License (EI License):

    • Non-residential electrical installations, including solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with a load demand of more than 45kVA, require an Electrical Installation License. This is to ensure that all installations meet safety and regulatory standards.

    Electricity Generation License:

    • Any company generating electricity with a unit capacity of 10MW or more must obtain an Electricity Generation License. This license ensures that the electricity generation facilities comply with national standards and regulations.

    Wholesaler License:

    • Companies or contestable consumers who wish to sell electricity in the Singapore Wholesale Electricity Market (SWEM) for generating units with capacities between 1MW and 10MW need to obtain a Wholesaler License. This license also covers the sale of ancillary services and electricity-related products.

    Solar Installation Guide and Standards:

    • The Energy Market Authority (EMA) provides detailed guidelines and standards for installing solar panels, including technical specifications, safety measures, and compliance requirements. This guide ensures that solar installations are safe and efficient.

    Intermittency Pricing Mechanism (IPM):

    • The IPM allows the price of generated electricity to be adjusted based on the real-time availability of intermittent generation sources such as solar. This mechanism ensures that costs are fairly allocated across all generation sources, promoting sustainable solar deployment.

    Building Integrated Solar Photovoltaic (BIPV) Standards:

    • BIPV involves integrating solar PV systems into building designs, such as roofs, facades, and windows. There are specific standards and guidelines for these installations to ensure they are safe, effective, and aesthetically pleasing.

    Environmental Permits:

    • Solar panel installations may require environmental permits to ensure they do not adversely impact the surrounding environment. These permits cover aspects such as land use, emissions, and waste management.

    Grid Connection Standards:

    • For solar facilities generating more energy than consumed, there are regulations governing the export of excess electricity to the grid. These standards ensure smooth and efficient grid integration.

    Government initiatives in solar panel production (includes investments and subsidies)

    2930

    Future Energy Fund:

    • A $5 billion fund established to support infrastructure investments necessary for the energy transition towards low-carbon electricity, including solar energy projects.

    SolarNova Programme:

    • Launched in 2014, the SolarNova programme aims to promote the use of solar energy in Singapore. It targets a solar capacity of 350 megawatts-peak (MWp) by 2020 and provides co-funding grants covering up to 50% of installation costs, with a cap of SGD 20 million per project.

    Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) Scheme:

    • This scheme allows businesses and landed property owners to claim tax deductions for capital expenditure incurred on installing solar panels. It provides a tax deduction of 100% of the qualifying expenditure in the year of assessment.

    Green Mark Incentive Scheme for Existing Buildings (GMIS-EB 2.0):

    • Introduced by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) to improve energy efficiency in existing buildings. It offers financial support based on Green Mark certification levels, covering up to 50% of qualifying costs with various funding caps.

    Notable solar projects in the country (installed and projected)

    Installed Projects17

    Tengeh Reservoir Floating Solar Farm

    • Location: Tengeh Reservoir, Singapore
    • Capacity: 60 MWp
    • Detail: This floating solar farm is one of the largest in the world and was completed in 2021. It spans an area equivalent to 45 football fields and produces enough electricity to power about 16,000 four-room flats annually.

    Woodlands Floating Solar Farm

    • Location: Woodlands, Singapore
    • Capacity: 5 MWp
    • Detail: This offshore floating solar farm was deployed in the Straits of Johor by Sunseap Group. It consists of 13,312 panels and covers an area of five hectares.

    EDP Renewables Rooftop Solar Installation

    • Location: Various HDB Blocks and Government Buildings, Singapore
    • Capacity: Up to 200 MWp
    • Detail: Under the SolarNova program, EDP Renewables has installed over 320,000 solar panels across 1,075 public housing buildings and 101 government-owned buildings.

    Projected Projects18

    Kranji Reservoir Floating Solar Farm

    • Location: Kranji Reservoir, Singapore
    • Capacity: 141 MWp
    • Detail: Construction for this mega floating solar farm is expected to begin in 2025. It will be one of the largest floating solar projects in Singapore.

    Pandan Reservoir Floating Solar Farm

    • Location: Pandan Reservoir, Singapore
    • Capacity: 55 MWp
    • Detail: PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, has launched a tender for the development of this floating solar photovoltaic system, following the success of the Tengeh Reservoir project.

    Some of the notable solar companies (plus brief details on what they do)

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    Sembcorp Industries

    • Sembcorp Industries is a leading energy and urban development company that has made significant investments in solar power. They focus on developing and managing solar energy projects and providing integrated renewable energy solutions.

    Sunseap Group

    • Sunseap Group is a major player in Singapore’s solar energy sector. They are involved in the development, installation, and operation of solar power systems, including solar rooftop installations and large-scale solar farms.

    SolarHome

    • SolarHome provides affordable and accessible solar energy solutions to residential areas. They specialize in off-grid solar systems, targeting households in Singapore and across Southeast Asia with pay-as-you-go models.

    Keppel Infrastructure

    • Keppel Infrastructure is a part of the Keppel Group and is involved in various energy projects, including solar power. They develop and manage solar energy assets and provide integrated energy solutions.

    Tanjong Energy Holdings

    • Tanjong Energy Holdings focuses on investing in and managing energy assets, including solar power projects. They work on developing and operating large-scale solar installations.

    Chongqing Suntech Power Co., Ltd.

    • Suntech Power is an international solar panel manufacturer with a significant presence in Singapore. They produce high-quality solar photovoltaic panels and provide solutions for solar energy generation.

    ET Solar

    • ET Solar is a global solar energy company with operations in Singapore. They specialize in manufacturing solar panels and providing integrated solar solutions for commercial and residential applications.

    PacificLight Power

    • PacificLight Power is an energy company that invests in and operates various power generation assets, including solar energy projects. They focus on providing sustainable and reliable energy solutions.

    Q CELLS

    • Q CELLS is a global solar cell manufacturer with a presence in Singapore. They produce high-efficiency solar panels and provide comprehensive solar energy solutions for different applications.

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