Singapore Takes a Green Leap with Massive Solar Panel Installation and Elevator Energy Regeneration System Retrofit
In a significant stride towards sustainability, Singapore’s Housing & Development Board (HDB) is set to enhance over 1,000 residential blocks and 101 government sites with solar panels, marking its largest solar leasing tender. The SolarNova program, aimed at reducing energy consumption, will see the installation of 130 MWp solar capacity, surpassing initial estimates. Notably, the initiative incorporates cutting-edge technology to extend the lifespan of solar panels, ensuring greater efficiency. Concurrently, the HDB is championing green practices by retrofitting 4,000 lifts with the Elevator Energy Regeneration System (EERS), which aligns with the HDB Green Towns Programme.
Awarding its largest solar leasing tender to date, the initiative plans to install solar panels on over 1,000 residential blocks and 101 government sites, surpassing initial estimates with a solar capacity of 130 MWp. The program incorporates advanced technology, developed in collaboration with EtaVolt, to prolong the lifespan of solar panels, showcasing Singapore’s commitment to cutting-edge green solutions. Concurrently, HDB is championing energy efficiency by retrofitting 4,000 lifts with the Elevator Energy Regeneration System (EERS), aligning with its broader Green Towns Programme. With phased implementation, HDB aims to achieve a net-zero energy consumption model, setting a precedent for sustainable urban development.
The latest SolarNova tender is a testament to Singapore’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. With the inclusion of a novel regeneration technology developed in collaboration with EtaVolt, the HDB aims to maximize the efficiency and longevity of solar panels. Traditionally, solar panels undergo natural degradation, reducing power generation over time. EtaVolt’s patented technology utilizes intense light to re-energize solar cells at the molecular level, extending each panel’s lifespan by 4 to 5 years. This innovative approach, needing annual intervention at most, demonstrates Singapore’s dedication to advancing green technologies.
Singapore embarked on its solar journey in 2008, and the SolarNova program is a testament to the nation’s commitment to renewable energy. The collective efforts, including the eight SolarNova tenders, position the HDB as a driving force behind the country’s solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The total committed solar capacity of 455 MWp is a substantial stride toward the 540 MWp target by 2030. By harnessing solar energy for typical services, HDB aims to achieve net-zero energy consumption in the common areas of blocks with solar panels, contributing significantly to a sustainable and eco-friendly future.
In tandem with solar initiatives, HDB is undertaking a transformative project to retrofit 4,000 lifts with the Elevator Energy Regeneration System (EERS). Awarding tenders to Chevalier Singapore Pte Ltd and EM Services Pte Ltd underscores Singapore’s multifaceted approach to sustainability. The EERS captures and repurposes energy generated during lift motions and braking operations to power auxiliary services within the lift, leading to an average energy consumption reduction of 20 percent. The retrofitting, scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2024, aligns with HDB’s broader Green Towns Programme, promoting holistic environmental conservation.
The SolarNova 8 initiative is slated to commence solar panel installations in the second quarter of 2024, with completion expected by the third quarter of 2026. HDB’s strategic approach involves progressively installing solar panels on feasible blocks over three years, ensuring optimal site conditions for each installation. The retrofitting of lifts with the EERS system will also unfold over six years, commencing in the second quarter of 2024 and concluding by 2030. This phased implementation reflects Singapore’s meticulous planning and commitment to sustainable urban living.
Singapore’s ambitious endeavors in solar energy and energy-efficient technologies underscore its dedication to a green and sustainable future. The comprehensive approach, spanning solar panel installations and elevator energy regeneration, positions Singapore as a trailblazer in eco-friendly urban development. As the nation continues to pioneer innovative solutions, the SolarNova program and EERS retrofitting exemplify a holistic strategy toward environmental conservation and a blueprint for other regions aspiring to embrace sustainable living practices.
