Singapore's geographical location, with an average annual solar irradiation of 1,150 kWh/kWp/year and about 50% more solar radiation than temperate countries, makes solar photovoltaic (PV) technology a promising option as a source of renewable energy.
Furthermore, Singapore's urban landscape provides opportunities to develop capabilities in system integration and building integrated PVs that can be exported to the region. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has test-bedded solar PV systems at two existing public housing precincts at Serangoon and Wellington, generating 220kWh of electricity per day for each precinct in the process. As of June 2009, there are 31 grid-connected commercial solar PV installations with a total capacity of 422.1 kWp in Singapore. And there are also 9 households with solar PV installations connected to the grid, making up 56.6 kWp of capacity.
We are continually seeking to grow the solar PV sector. Our manufacturing know-how, especially in the semiconductor industry, helps support the growth of the solar industry and reduce its unit costs. Some major developments in recent times have given a boost to our efforts in this sector. These include:
- the establishment of the world's largest solar panel manufacturing complex in Singapore by Norway's Renewable Energy Corporation (REC);
- investments in solar panel manufacturing by Solar Energy Power and Eco-Solar; and
- setting up of their Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore by leading solar and clean energy companies such as SolarWorld and Conergy.
Opportunities for test-bedding and demonstration
To give further impetus to the efforts in this area and facilitate better connections, Energy Market Authority (EMA)'s $5 million Market Development Fund will fund the market charges to test-bed new generation technologies for all approved projects. Solar power producers selling to the National Electricity Market can apply to the EMA for refund of their market charges.
In addition, EDB has launched the Solar Capability Scheme (SCS) for the private sector to offset capital cost in installing solar technologies in the new energy-efficient buildings. This aims to build up capabilities of companies in the solar ecosystem through increased adoption by lead users in Singapore. EDB also launched the $17 million Clean Energy Research and Test-bedding (CERT) platform which targets the public sector and complements the SCS. Currently, two waves of awards have been granted, which includes PUB's Marina Barrage. CERT aims to provide opportunities for companies to develop and trial Clean Energy applications and solutions using government buildings and facilities in Singapore. For more information, please refer to EDB's website.
EMA has produced a Handbook for Photovoltaic (PV) Systems to facilitate adoption and installation of PV systems in Singapore. We are also publishing a combined EMA-BCA Handbook for Photovoltaic Systems that will be available in November 2009. In the meantime, please downlowd the BCA's Green Handbook for Photovoltaic (PV) Systems in Buildings from the BCA website.
