40 Year Old Roof, 70% Savings: Flows Ong’s Solar Case Study

Key Takeaways:

‍This case study shows that even a 40 year old roof can support a reliable, high-performing solar system when assessed and planned properly. With the right financing model, businesses can achieve significant energy savings without upfront capital, while still aligning with lease constraints and long-term sustainability goals.

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Since mid-2025, leading Singaporean water-jet specialist Flows Ong has been enjoying a significant drop in their electricity bills, averaging over 70% in monthly savings.

Powered by a 185.475 kWp solar PV system, the facility now runs partially on clean, renewable energy. Beyond cost savings, the installation supports Flows Ong's long-term  sustainability goals all achieved without any upfront capital outlay, despite operating on a nearly 40-year-old roof.

This project shows that with the right planning and partner, older commercial roofs can still support high-performing solar systems.

Planning Early Made All the Difference

Flows Ong first approached GetSolar’s commercial team in October 2024, following a positive experience a previous residential solar installation. At the time, the Flows Ong team was preparing to move into their new manufacturing facility.

When their operations officially began in January 2025, two critical factors shaped the solar feasibility discussion:

• The building had 17 years of lease remaining
• The existing metal roof was close to 40 years old

Both factors required a more cautious, well-considered approach to solar.

Before any proposal was confirmed, GetSolar's commercial team conducted a hands-on roof inspection, physically accessing the rooftop to assess its condition. While visible rust was present, our assessment showed that it was largely limited to surface paint deterioration, rather than structural corrosion.

A full structural and load assessment, conducted in accordance with Singapore standards, confirmed that the roof could safely support the proposed solar system.

Given the long-term nature of solar, we also recommended waterproofing works before installation, helping to protect the roof and reduce future risk. Only after confirming both technical feasibility and that solar would generate meaningful returns within the remaining lease, did the project move forward.

The System At A Glance

• System size: 185.475 kWp
• Panels installed: 314 ****mono-crystalline panels
• Estimated CO₂ reduction: **~102.8 tonnes per year (**Equivalent to planting around 5,619 trees annually)

For an energy-intensive operation such as water-jet cutting and industrial cleaning, daytime solar generation helps offset a substantial portion of grid electricity usage.

Designed For Long-Term Performance

Before selecting GetSolar, Flows Ong evaluated multiple solar proposals.

What stood out was GetSolar’s system design approach, which prioritised long-term performance over headline system size. Key considerations included:

• Roof age and layout
• Shading impact across the day
• Performance yield over system's lifespan

Combined with a responsive team and proven commercial track record, this gave Flows Ong the confidence to move forward with GetSolar as their solar partner.

Installed in Three Months, With Minimal Disruption

Installation began in February 2025 and was completed by April 2025.

As the site remained fully operational throughout, minimising disruption was a priority. Works were carefully scheduled so installation could proceed efficiently without interfering with daily manufacturing activities.

GetSolar’s Project Manager shared:

“With an older roof and an active site, planning was critical. We made sure everything was checked thoroughly upfront so installation could move quickly once it started.”

He also noted the highly cooperative client team, who followed technical guidance closely and even provided on-site equipment support during unloading, helping the project stay efficient and on schedule.

Extra Care For An Older Roof

Given the roof’s age, additional precautions were built into the installation process:

• Structural integrity was verified before mounting
• System load were evenly distributed
• Waterproofing integrity was preserved throughout

To provide added peace of mind, GetSolar also committed to covering any roof damage caused by the solar installation for five years, reflecting confidence in both workmanship and system design.

Why Rent-to-Own Was The Right Fit

Instead of purchasing the system outright, Flows Ong opted for a 5-year zero-upfront Rent-to-Own (RTO) plan.

This model made sense because:

• They wanted no upfront capital expenditure
• A shorter contract period aligned better with the remaining lease
• The system was projected to break even in the 4th year
• With 17 years of lease remaining, the company could still enjoy around 13 years of net savings

Compared to a traditional bank loan, Rent-to-Own offered:

• A lower effective interest rate
• Guaranteed system performance
• Immediate cash flow savings from day one

For Flows Ong, it was a lower-risk, more flexible way to adopt solar.

What The Client Had To Say

A big thank you to GetSolar for the smooth solar panel installation at our factory! We were really impressed by the professionalism and personal touch we received from Luke, Ryan, and Faith. They were very detailed with their initial proposal and maintained a high standard of communication throughout the entire project. Their commitment to making things easy for us, and genuinely caring about our needs, really stood out. Plus the installation team did an excellent job, working efficiently and neatly. If you're looking into solar, GetSolar definitely provides top-notch service with a great team.
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‍－ Chua Bok Eng

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A Practical, Well-Considered Solar Investment

Flows Ong’s experience shows that an older commercial roof and a finite lease don't automatically rule out solar.

With early planning, proper structural checks, and the right financing model, solar can still deliver meaningful savings and sustainability gains, even on a 40-year-old roof.

Thinking About Solar For An Older Or Leased  Building?

If your building isn’t new, or you’re working within a remaining lease period, solar may still be feasible.

Our team will walk you through what’s practical, realistic, and worth investing in. Get your estimated quote using our Solar Calculator and we'll be in touch shortly.

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