Written reply to PQ on examining measures adopted in other countries to increase adopted of residential solar installations on private properties

Question:

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry whether the Ministry will consider examining measures adopted in other countries to increase the adoption of residential solar installations on private properties with a view to adapting them for local implementation. 

Written Answer by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong

1.                  The adoption of residential solar installations on private properties has increased more than four times in five years, from around 1,400 in 2020 to around 6,900 in 2025. This has been driven by favourable economics. Solar panel costs have come down over the years, and the payback period for rooftop solar can be five years or even shorter. For residential building owners who may be concerned about costs, some solar vendors offer “rent-to-own” models that allow them to enjoy the benefits of solar installation with little to no upfront cost.

2.                  Some jurisdictions have introduced measures to increase solar adoption, such as making it mandatory for new residential buildings to install solar panels. In Singapore, we have no plans at this stage to mandate solar panel installation on private residential buildings because some of these buildings have other rooftop uses such as greenery, or their rooftops may not be suited to solar installation due to factors such as shading from neighbouring buildings.

3.                  The Government will continue to push for solar deployment in Singapore and will consider additional measures to accelerate solar adoption if there is a need to do so.