As sustainability and energy efficiency become priorities for homeowners, the demand for solar panels for landed houses in Singapore is surging. With generous roof space and increasing utility bills, landed property owners are in the perfect position to benefit from solar energy. But one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “How much does it cost to install a landed house solar panel system in Singapore?”
This article provides a detailed breakdown of all the costs involved in installing a solar panel system for your landed home — from initial pricing and sizing to maintenance and long-term returns.
1. The Basics of Solar Panel Costs in Singapore
The cost of a landed house solar panel system is influenced by several factors, including:
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Size of the solar system (measured in kilowatt-peak or kWp)
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Type and brand of solar panels
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Inverter technology
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Mounting system
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Roof type and complexity
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Optional components (e.g. solar battery, monitoring system)
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Installation labor and after-sales service
General Cost Range
In Singapore, the cost per kWp ranges from SGD $2,000 to $2,800. Therefore:
System Size | Approximate Cost (SGD) | Monthly Power Output | Roof Space Needed |
---|---|---|---|
4 kWp | $8,000 – $11,000 | 450 – 550 kWh | 24 – 28 m² |
6 kWp | $11,000 – $16,000 | 650 – 850 kWh | 36 – 42 m² |
8 kWp | $14,000 – $20,000 | 900 – 1,100 kWh | 48 – 56 m² |
10 kWp | $18,000 – $26,000 | 1,100 – 1,400 kWh | 60 – 70 m² |
The most common installation size for landed homes in Singapore is 8 to 10 kWp, depending on electricity consumption and available roof space.
2. Key Components and Their Costs
Understanding what you’re paying for can help you make informed decisions. Here’s a breakdown of the major cost components:
a. Solar Panels
Cost: 40%–50% of total cost
These are the heart of the system. Monocrystalline panels, which are the most efficient and aesthetically pleasing, cost more than polycrystalline options.
b. Inverter
Cost: 15%–20% of total cost
Converts direct current (DC) from panels into alternating current (AC) used in your home. Microinverters and hybrid inverters cost more but offer better performance and future battery compatibility.
c. Mounting System
Cost: 10%–15% of total cost
Customized mounting brackets and rails are required depending on your roof material (tile, metal, concrete flat roof, etc.)
d. Wiring and Electrical Works
Cost: 5%–10% of total cost
Includes cables, connectors, distribution boards, and circuit breakers.
e. Installation Labor
Cost: 10%–15% of total cost
Professional installation ensures compliance with safety standards and optimal performance.
f. Monitoring System
Optional – $500 to $1,000
Digital systems that track energy production in real-time via mobile app or web dashboard.
3. Optional Add-Ons and Their Prices
a. Solar Battery Storage
Solar batteries allow you to store excess energy generated during the day for nighttime use or as a backup during blackouts.
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Cost: SGD $8,000 to $15,000
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Popular Brands: Tesla Powerwall, Huawei LUNA, AlphaESS
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Pros: Energy independence, backup power, better control
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Cons: Increases upfront cost, longer ROI timeline
b. EV Charger Integration
With electric vehicles becoming more common, integrating an EV charger with your solar setup is a smart investment.
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Cost: SGD $1,500 to $3,000 (not including battery)
c. Panel Cleaning Services
To ensure optimal performance, panels should be cleaned 1–2 times a year.
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Cost per session: SGD $100 to $300 depending on system size
4. Roof Type and Complexity
The design and material of your roof can significantly affect installation costs:
Roof Type | Installation Difficulty | Impact on Cost |
---|---|---|
Flat Concrete | Easy | Standard |
Metal (Corrugated) | Moderate | Standard |
Sloped Tile Roof | Complex (requires lifting tiles) | +10%–15% cost |
Complex rooftops may also reduce usable surface area, affecting the number of panels you can install.
5. Ongoing Maintenance and Cost
a. Cleaning
Dust, bird droppings, and debris reduce solar efficiency. Cleaning is usually needed 1–2 times a year.
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DIY cost: Free (if safe and accessible)
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Professional cleaning: $200 per visit for an average 8 kWp system
b. Inverter Replacement
Inverters typically last 10–15 years, while panels can last 25–30 years.
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Replacement cost: SGD $1,500 to $3,000
c. Annual System Inspection
Although not mandatory, periodic inspections can help detect faults early.
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Cost: SGD $100 to $300 annually
6. How Much Can You Save?
Savings depend on:
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System size
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Electricity consumption pattern
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Solar generation (weather, orientation)
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Retail electricity rate
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Ability to export excess electricity
Example Savings:
System Size | Monthly Bill Before Solar | After Solar | Estimated Monthly Savings |
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4 kWp | $200 | $100 | $100 |
6 kWp | $300 | $130 | $170 |
8 kWp | $400 | $140 | $260 |
10 kWp | $600 | $180 | $420 |
Over 20 years, savings can accumulate to $50,000–$120,000, depending on energy inflation and usage patterns.
7. Payback Period and ROI
The payback period is how long it takes for the savings from reduced energy bills to cover your installation cost.
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Without battery: 5–7 years
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With battery: 8–10 years
Once the system pays for itself, the energy produced is virtually free for the rest of its lifespan — giving you 15 to 20 years of pure profit.
8. Government Support and Rebates
a. Simplified Credit Scheme (SCS)
Export excess energy to the SP Group grid and receive credit on your bill.
b. Green Loans
Banks in Singapore like DBS, OCBC, and UOB offer green financing packages for solar installations with competitive interest rates.
While there are no direct solar rebates for homeowners currently, government initiatives under the Singapore Green Plan 2030 aim to make solar adoption more affordable and streamlined.
9. Financing Options
If you’re concerned about upfront costs, you have options:
a. Bank Green Loans
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Loan amounts up to SGD $100,000
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Tenure: 3–10 years
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Interest rates as low as 3% p.a.
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Installments lower than monthly energy savings
b. Solar Leasing (Not common for residential use)
Some providers offer solar leasing where you pay a fixed monthly fee instead of upfront costs. However, this is more common in commercial settings.
10. Choosing the Right Solar Contractor
When evaluating solar contractors, look for:
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EMA-licensed and BCA-registered providers
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Experience in landed house installations
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Warranty offerings (25 years for panels, 10 years for inverters)
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Customer reviews and referrals
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Transparent quotations with no hidden fees
Get at least 2–3 quotes before making a decision, and ask for:
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Estimated monthly savings
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System layout plan
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Warranty coverage details
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Timeline for installation and SP Group submission
11. Timeline: From Quote to Installation
The average timeline from inquiry to system activation is:
Step | Duration |
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Site visit & proposal | 1 week |
Quotation & agreement | 1 week |
SP Group submission & approval | 1–2 weeks |
Installation & commissioning | 2–5 days |
Final SP metering setup | 1 week |
In total, expect a 3–5 week timeline from start to finish.
12. Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Cost?
Absolutely — especially for landed homeowners in Singapore.
Why?
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High electricity bills = high savings potential
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Large roofs = ability to install bigger systems
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Government support + solar tech improvements = faster ROI
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Long-term system lifespan = decades of benefits
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Clean energy = reduced environmental impact
A solar panel for landed houses isn’t just an expense — it’s an investment with long-lasting financial and lifestyle returns.
Conclusion: Make an Informed Decision
The cost of installing a landed house solar panel system in Singapore can vary, but the long-term benefits consistently outweigh the initial investment. Whether you’re looking to lower your monthly bills, increase your property’s value, or contribute to a greener future, solar energy is a smart move.
Before proceeding, assess your roof’s suitability, compare system sizes, understand your energy needs, and get personalized quotations from reputable installers. With the right planning and budgeting, solar can power your home and your future.