Singapore’s lead government agency for industrial development JTC has launched a tender to develop Singapore’s first overhang solar photovoltaic (PV) system.
The pilot project tests the viability of PV systems on overhang structures, comprising large structures built across the spaces between multi-storey industrial buildings.
The project is part of Singapore’s efforts to expand solar energy use in industrial estates.
Singapore has deployed 1,775.4 megawatt-peak of PV systems nationwide, which is more than half of Singapore’s 2 GWp solar target by 2030.
However, most PV installations are located on rooftops, vacant land or water bodies, which are expected to reach physical saturation.
“To continue expanding solar energy production, Singapore must increasingly co-locate solar with existing infrastructure,” according to JTC.
The pilot project is part of JTC’s push to maximise untapped spaces within industrial estates, but installing these systems between existing buildings comes with several challenges.
These include ensuring the structures can carry the additional weight and withstand wind resistance.
Optimal spacing between buildings must be studied to maximise solar exposure, and safe access provisions for maintenance works must also be taken into account.
Finn Tay, Chief Sustainability Officer, JTC said: “As a land-scarce nation, Singapore must continually find creative ways to optimise our industrial spaces.
“Solar energy remains a key renewable energy source for powering our estates, and we are pushing ourselves to look beyond conventional rooftops and ground-mounted systems.
“This pilot is one example of how we are rethinking underused spaces to unlock new solar potential and support Singapore’s long-term energy goals.”
The first stage of the project involves the design, construction, operation and testing of the overhang solar structure over 15 months.
A key success indicator for the project is to achieve a minimum installation capacity of 250 kWp across a space of about 4,300 m² between the buildings.
JTC will also study the potential to replicate and scale the deployment of similar overhang PV systems.
