A Guide to Solar Panel Installation in Residential Properties

Singapore plays a significant role in the world’s effort for sustainable development, with environmental stability being one of our country’s key green targets for the next decade. One of the main methods to achieve this goal is through the adoption of renewable energy sources such as solar power, which helps to ensure energy security and stability for our future generations.

Learn More: Why is Renewable Energy Important for the Future of our Environment?

Solar PV systems are actively being installed across the country to offer Singaporeans a green energy alternative, and solar companies are launching initiatives to help individuals and businesses make the switch effortlessly. For instance, the country intends to build the world’s largest floating solar farm, which will be able to power 16,000 4-room HDB flats. The Housing Development Board (HDB) also kickstarted a Green Towns Programme, which aims to green the public housing sector by reducing HDB towns’ energy consumption by 15% in 2030.

As individuals, we can also play our part to make our homes eco-friendly and contribute to Singapore’s environmental stability goal. One of which is through the “Solar For Your Home” initiative by Union Solar, a solar company in Singapore, which aims to help homeowners install solar panels to power their homes. However, HDB flat owners are not allowed to install solar panels and cannot choose between natural gas or solar energy. Hence, only landed property owners are able to tap on this initiative to install solar panels on their roofs.

Solar Panel Installation Process for Homes

Solar PV systems typically take between three and six months to integrate depending on the system type and the size of your roof. The installation process usually follows these steps:

1. Consultation: A specialist will explain the whole installation process and run through more information about the solar PV systems with you.

    

2. Solar Proposal: You will receive a customised proposal detailing how the solar panels will be installed based on your roof layout and energy needs.

    

3. Installation: Solar panels will be installed on your roof, performed and supervised by highly-trained and experienced engineers.

    

4. Testing & Commissioning: The solar PV system will be tested and endorsed by a Licensed Electrical Worker, who will also liaise with Singapore Power for bi-directional meter change and commissioning.

    

5. Handover: Once the solar PV system is up and running, you can consume green energy from a renewable source.

Is Your Roof Suitable for Solar Panel Installation?

Solar panels can only be installed on your roof if it is of a suitable shape, layout, and material. Here are three roof types that are most ideal for solar panel installation.

• Tiled Roof: These are very common in landed properties in Singapore. Tiled roofs filter excessive sunlight and maintain a cool indoor atmosphere. They are very durable, and the way they are tiled helps to hold solar panels securely.

   

• Metal Roof: Metals are a more convenient and affordable option for roofing. They can house solar panels well, but some may not be compatible depending on the dimension and steepness.

   

• Flat Roof: They offer a good base to place the solar panels on. Angled mounts can also be used to tilt solar panels up for maximum exposure to the sun.

Installing a solar PV system in your home provides numerous benefits, including reduced carbon footprint, lower electricity bills, and the ability to sell excess electricity back to the grid. The main disadvantage is the high initial cost, but this can be offset within five to eight years due to the additional cost savings from switching to solar.

Interested in installing solar panels for your home? Find out more about solar energy and the installation process with Union Solar.