Solar energy has exploded in popularity in Singapore over the last decade. Rising electricity costs, aggressive government sustainability targets, and the increasing affordability of photovoltaic (PV) systems have all contributed to this surge. For homeowners, businesses, and even industrial buildings, solar is no longer a niche option — it has become a mainstream alternative with clear long-term financial benefits.
Yet, for many people considering solar for the first time, the biggest question is still the same:
“How much do solar panels cost in Singapore?”
This complete guide breaks down the cost of solar installation in Singapore in 2025, how prices are calculated, what factors affect pricing, long-term savings, payback period, financing options, risks, and practical tips before buying.
This is a very detailed, long-form explanation so you can confidently understand the investment.
1. Why Solar Energy Is Rising in Singapore
Singapore is an energy-limited country. We don’t have natural resources like hydro, wind, or large land areas for solar farms. What we do have is:
- abundant sunshine year-round
- rooftops on landed properties
- HDB solar under government programmes
- advanced grid infrastructure
- strong government push for decarbonisation
With electricity tariffs rising over the years and more households spending $150–$300 per month on energy, solar has become a financially attractive way to reduce bills — sometimes by 50–80%, depending on system size.
2. Current Solar Panel Prices in Singapore (2025)
Here are the typical all-in installation costs (panels + inverter + mounting + wiring + manpower + permits).
Typical Residential Price Range
| System Size | Roof Type | Price Range (SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| 2–3 kWp | Small landed / terrace | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| 4–5 kWp | Medium landed | $10,000 – $18,000 |
| 6–8 kWp | Semi-D | $14,000 – $25,000 |
| 8–12 kWp | Semi-D / Large terrace | $18,000 – $38,000 |
| 12–20+ kWp | Bungalow | $28,000 – $60,000+ |
Cost per Watt (kWp)
The industry average in 2025:
- $1.00 – $1.40 per Wp for larger systems
- $1.40 – $1.80 per Wp for small systems
Small systems are always more expensive per watt because fixed installation costs are spread over fewer panels.
3. What Is Included in the Installation Cost?
A solar PV system is more than just panels. You are paying for an integrated system:
✓ Solar panels
Usually 8–32 panels depending on system size.
✓ Inverter
Converts DC power (from panels) to AC power (used by your home).
- String inverters (most common)
- Microinverters (premium)
- Hybrid inverters (if you want batteries)
✓ Mounting structure
Rails, brackets, clamps — customised for your roof shape.
✓ Wiring & safety components
Cables, isolators, grounding, conduits.
✓ Labour & engineering
Design, installation, testing, commissioning.
✓ Monitoring software
So you can see daily output from your phone.
✓ Permits & grid approvals
SP Group, URA, SCDF requirements, depending on property type.
4. Factors That Affect Solar Panel Price
Understanding why prices differ can help you avoid overpaying.
(A) System size
The biggest pricing factor.
Larger systems have lower cost per kWp because of economies of scale. A 12 kWp installation typically costs less per watt than a 3 kWp system.
(B) Panel brand
Higher-end brands cost more because they offer:
- higher efficiency
- better low-light performance
- longer warranties
- slower degradation
Examples:
| Tier | Brands |
|---|---|
| Premium | SunPower, REC, LG, QCells |
| Mid-range | Trina Solar, Canadian Solar |
| Budget | JA Solar, Jinko |
Premium panels can cost 15–25% more, but they may generate 5–10% more energy.
(C) Inverter type
Inverters are the “heart” of the system.
String Inverter (cheapest)
1 unit serves all panels. If one panel is shaded, the whole string is affected.
Microinverters (more expensive)
Each panel has its own inverter — good for complex roofs.
Adds $2,000–$4,000 to cost.
Hybrid inverter (for battery-ready)
More expensive but future-proof.
(D) Roof material & complexity
Some roofs cost more to work on:
- Flat concrete roof — easiest
- Metal roof (kliplock) — moderate
- Tiled roof — more complex (risk of breakage, more labour)
If your roof has many obstacles (vents, skylights), price increases.
(E) Manpower & engineering difficulty
Factors include:
- Roof angle (steep roofs cost more)
- Limited access
- Need for boom lift or scaffolding
- Additional structural support
(F) Battery storage (optional)
Batteries are still expensive in Singapore.
Typical battery system = $8,000–$15,000 depending on:
- Capacity (kWh)
- Brand
- Hybrid inverter needed
Batteries are still not financially ideal unless you want backup power.
5. Recurring Costs (Operation & Maintenance)
Solar is low-maintenance but not zero-maintenance.
Expected maintenance costs:
- $300–$500 per cleaning session (once or twice a year)
- Inverter replacement every 8–12 years, costing $1,500–$3,000
- Monitoring system upgrades (optional)
Annual O&M cost:
About 1% of upfront installation cost per year.
6. How Much Can You Save With Solar?
Savings depend on:
- how much power your panels generate
- how much of it you use during the day
- electricity tariff
- export rate (if you sell excess power)
Typical energy output in Singapore:
A 5 kWp system produces around 500–650 kWh per month.
If your home uses 700–900 kWh per month, this system covers 60–75% of your bill.
Example savings (5 kWp system):
- Electricity tariff: ~29–33 cents/kWh
- Monthly generation: 550 kWh
- Savings: ~$150–$180/month
- Yearly savings: ~$1,800–$2,200
If system costs $14,000:
Payback: 5–7 years
After payback, the remaining 18–20 years are pure savings.
7. Sell-Back Scheme (Selling Excess Solar Energy)
You can sell unused solar power back to the grid under SP Group’s Enhanced Central Intermediary Scheme (ECIS).
You earn credits for every kWh exported.
Export rates vary depending on your retailer contract.
For homes where people are not around in the day (e.g., working adults), exporting improves ROI.
8. Financing Options in Singapore
Solar can be paid in several ways.
(A) Outright Purchase
- Highest upfront cost
- Lowest lifetime cost
- Highest ROI
- Best payback period (~4–7 years)
(B) Zero-Upfront Install / $0 down
Popular for homeowners who want solar without capital expenditure.
Companies recover cost through:
- monthly fees
- energy usage charges
- long-term contract
(C) Rent-to-Own (RTO)
Pay monthly instalments over 5–10 years.
System becomes yours at the end.
Monthly payments may start from $200–$300 depending on size.
(D) Solar Leasing (PPA)
You do not own the system.
The installer owns it and sells you electricity at a discounted rate.
Good for businesses with big roofs.
9. Lifespan & Warranties
Solar panels are extremely durable.
Panels
- Performance warranty: 25 years
- Product warranty: 10–25 years
- Degradation: ~0.4–0.7% per year
After 25 years, panels may still produce 70–85% of original efficiency.
Inverters
- String inverter: 5–10 years
- Microinverter: 15–25 years
Inverters usually need replacement once in the system’s lifetime.
10. Pros & Cons of Installing Solar in Singapore
Pros
- Huge reduction in electricity bill
- Payback in 4–7 years
- Works well in Singapore’s climate
- Improves property value
- Environmentally friendly
- Low maintenance
- Long lifespan (25+ years)
Cons
- High upfront cost
- Not all roofs are ideal
- Inverter will need replacement eventually
- Battery systems are expensive
- Condo owners need MCST approval
- Sell-back rates fluctuate
11. Who Should Consider Solar?
Solar is ideal for:
✓ Landed homeowners
If you own a terrace, semi-D, or bungalow, solar is one of the best long-term investments you can make.
✓ Businesses with daytime operations
Warehouses, factories, and offices get massive ROI.
✓ Families with high electricity usage
More usage = more savings.
✓ Homeowners planning to stay long-term
Recovery is around 5–7 years — staying longer = more savings.
✓ People who want energy independence
Pair solar with batteries for backup power during outages.
12. Who Should NOT Install Solar?
Solar may not be ideal if:
- Your roof is heavily shaded
- You live in a condo without MCST approval
- Roof is too small or too steep
- You plan to move within 2–3 years
- You expect to rebuild/renovate your roof soon
13. Example Cost Scenarios (Realistic 2025)
Scenario A: Small Terrace House (3–4 bed)
- Roof space: 18–24 panels
- System size: 5 kWp
- Cost: ~$12,000–$18,000
- Savings: ~$150–$180/month
- Payback: 5–7 years
Scenario B: Semi-Detached House
- Roof space: 28–40 panels
- System size: 8–10 kWp
- Cost: ~$18,000–$30,000
- Savings: ~$250–$350/month
- Payback: 4–6 years
Scenario C: Bungalow
- Roof space: 40–60+ panels
- System size: 12–20 kWp
- Cost: ~$28,000–$60,000
- Savings: ~$350–$700/month
- Payback: 4–5 years
14. Trends for Solar in Singapore (2025–2030)
✓ Costs likely to continue falling
More suppliers, better technology.
✓ Panel efficiency improving
Higher output per panel = fewer panels needed.
✓ More financing options
Zero-upfront models becoming more common.
✓ Battery prices may drop
Within 5 years, battery storage will likely become mainstream.
✓ Government pushing green energy
More incentives and improved export schemes expected.
15. Final Conclusion: Are Solar Panels Worth It in Singapore?
Yes — for most landed homeowners, solar is one of the best financial investments you can make.
Why?
- Electricity tariffs are rising
- Solar panel prices are stable or falling
- Payback is fast (~5–7 years)
- Lifespan is long (25+ years)
- ROI is extremely high
- Savings can reach $20,000–$60,000+ over the lifetime
If your roof is suitable, solar is almost a guaranteed long-term profit.