Solar Energy in Singapore: A Complete Guide (2026)

Key Takeaways:
Solar is no longer a niche choice in Singapore. Residential systems now make up nearly half of all grid-connected solar installations nationwide. With Rent-to-Own, homeowners can go solar with zero upfront cost and start saving on their SP Group bill from day one.

[Updated, August 2026]

With Singapore's constant heat and rising electricity prices, it's no surprise that more homeowners are turning to solar to power their homes. In this article, we break down why solar energy is gaining momentum and how solar panels actually work.

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.

Why Are Singaporeans Considering Installing Solar Panels?

According to the latest figures from the Energy Market Authority (EMA), Singapore had 14,625 grid-connected solar installations by the end of 2025, up from 11,225 the year before.

Residential installations make up the largest share. Of the total, 6,912, or 47.3%, are residential systems, ahead of town councils, commercial buildings, and public agencies combined. That's a strong sign that more Singaporeans are embracing solar power at home, mainly for practical savings.

So, what's driving this trend?

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

Put simply: solar isn't just a green choice anymore. 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 reduces the amount you need from the grid. The less you rely on traditional power, the lower your electricity bill.

If your system 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.

2. Solar Panels Are More Affordable Than Ever

Between 2009 and 2019, the cost of solar electricity dropped by nearly 89%. Today, homeowners can expect an effective electricity rate as low as S$0.06–S$0.10/kWh over the lifespan of a typical solar panel system, which lasts 25 years or more.

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

3. Solar Panels Can Boost Your Property Value

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

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

For context,  US data tells a similar story: a Forbes article citing Zillow found American homes with solar panels also tend to sell around 4% more.

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

Lower bills, a 25-year cost lock-in, and a measurable bump in resale value make solar one of the few home upgrades that pays for itself twice.

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 Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) comes in.

LCOE calculates how much it actually costs to generate electricity from various sources, including solar. It takes the total cost of your solar panel system, including installation, and divides that by the total energy the system produces over its lifetime.

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

On a like-for-like basis, solar consistently comes out cheaper than grid electricity over its 25-year lifespan.

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 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, adding a battery increases cost, and whether it's worth it depends on your usage pattern. For many landed homes, net metering alone already delivers a strong return without one.

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.

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.

Under 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.

Want to see what solar might cost for your home?

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

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

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.

Here are the key programmes available:

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.

2. Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)

Each REC 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.

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) - EnterpriseSG: 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.

Even without direct cash grants, EMA's net metering schemes and REC programmes mean solar in Singapore pays for itself through the electricity bill, not a one-time rebate.

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.

Landed homeowners have the clearest path to going solar — HDB and most condo residents face structural limits that have nothing to do with cost.

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.

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.

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

See more real stories from our customers.

How Can GetSolar Help You?

Starting your solar journey doesn't have to be complicated, and with GetSolar, it isn't. Our free online tool gives you a personalised estimate of:

• How much electricity your roof could generate
• How much you could save each month
• Which solar plan fits your home and budget

The whole process takes just a few minutes.

Here's how it works:

1. Visit our Solar Calculator.
2. Outline your roof area using the map tool.
3. Share a bit about your electricity usage.
4. Fill in your contact details to receive your custom quote.

No pressure, no sales pitch, just clear numbers and honest advice to help you make the right decision for your home. If you need a more detailed consultation, don't hesitate to reach out to our solar advisors for a no-obligation assessment!

FAQ

Do I need a solar battery for my home in Singapore?

Not usually. Most landed homes rely on net metering (exporting excess power during the day for bill credits) rather than storing it in a battery.

Can I install solar panels if I live in a condo?

Only if you have a penthouse unit with direct rooftop access, and only with MCST approval. Most condo developments don't allow grid export even then.

Will solar panels increase my property's resale value?

In Singapore, PropertyGuru data on comparable semi-detached homes points to around a 4% higher asking price for homes with solar panels. Similar patterns show up in US Zillow data, though that's a different market and not a direct benchmark for Singapore.

How do I get paid for excess solar energy I don't use?

Through EMA's net metering schemes,Simplified Credit Treatment (SCT) for most residential users, or the Enhanced Central Intermediary Scheme (ECIS) for larger commercial systems.

Do I need to own my home outright to go solar?

No. Rent-to-Own means you don't need to pay upfront or already own the system, you pay a fixed monthly rate and take ownership after five or 10 years.