Summary / Reader Response (Draft 1)

The article “What are solar light panels and how do they work (The Economic Times, 2019)” served as an introduction to the public on solar light panel’s features and applications. A solar light panel system consists of photovoltaic (PV) modules, electrical connections, an inverter, a breaker box, and batteries. The PV modules, made of crystalline silicon solar cells, are used for converting light energy from the sun into electricity to be used or stored. Solar panels generate direct current (DC) electricity, whereas most electricity consumers use alternating current (AC) electricity. An inverter is then used to convert the electrical currents from DC to AC. Once the current is converted into AC current, the current flows from the inverter into the breaker box which distributes the electrical energy across the building and acts as a fuse if required. Lastly, the batteries act as storage units for the converted currents to be used when needed. By having their own renewable and infinite source of energy using just the sun, users can save money and cut cost their electricity bills. Solar light panels are also known to be very durable and do not deteriorate easily. “Across a full year, the effectiveness of these panels reduces by a mere one-two percent or less (The Economic Times, 2019)”. While the solar cells by themselves are very delicate, the exterior framing and glass make up for that weakness. In addition, the main highlight of using solar light panels is solar energy, they do not produce and emit harmful greenhouse gases which cut down on air pollution. “Using solar energy can have a positive, indirect effect on the environment when solar energy replaces or reduces the use of other energy sources that have larger effects on the environment (eia, 2022)”. 

In today’s world, where not only the cost of living is more expensive but fuel as well, makes the need for renewable sources of energy that much more demanding. With the benefits listed so far, one could wonder why Singapore has yet to implement a full-scale installation nationwide. It is because there are factors such as the need for space, and the panels being weather-dependent that causes potential users to think twice before committing to the product. However, Energy Market Authority (EMA) has taken steps to respond to the cons and prove the solar light panels to be advantageous to Singapore in the long run. 

Firstly, one of the main disadvantages of solar light panels is the product being weather dependent. The solar light panels are unable to generate electricity without sunlight such as at night or during the day when it rains or if it is just cloudy. “While batteries are used to store solar-generated electricity on a localised basis, the true challenge lies in developing efficient and reliable utility-scale assets that can manage storage across an entire power grid” (Gorman & Bandera, 2022). EMA manage to counter this flaw by deploying the first utility-scale energy storage system in 2020. The new storage system provides a capacity big enough for over 200 HDB units in a day alone. This project not only allows more HDB buildings to adopt the installation but also “seeks to address solar intermittency for large-scale solar installations by using HDB blocks as test sites” (Gorman & Bandera, 2022). 

Secondly, the little red dot is not just a nickname for Singapore. Singapore is generally known to be a very small country with limited land, so space is an obstacle for solar light panel installations and power generation. HDB has been able to utilize its space by having its solar light panels planted on its rooftops. Additionally, there have been other developments as well which played a part in further countering the space situation, “these include mobile solar PV systems that can be used on temporarily vacant land and relocated as necessary” (Gorman & Bandera, 2022). EMA further added that apart from roof installations, the Tengah reservoir plant which launched in July 2021 powers up to 16,000 HDB units and can reduce the equivalent of 7,000 cars worth of carbon emission (Gorman & Bandera, 2022). There are certain flaws for rooftop installation such as having to compete with other installations such as water tanks, parking space, or even recreational space, especially in the older buildings. EMA believes that with the help of modern technology and innovative building design, the situation can be resolved.

References:

1) What are solar light panels and how do they work. (2019, May 7). The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com//small-biz/productline/power-generation/what-are-solar-light-panels-and-how-do-they-work/articleshow/69130408.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst

2) Solar energy and the environment. (2022, Feb 25). eia (Energy information administration). https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/solar/solar-energy-and-the-environment.php#:~:text=Solar%20energy%20technologies%20and%20power,larger%20effects%20on%20the%20environment

3) Matthew Gorman & Miriam Bandera. Why is sunny Singapore not covered with rooftop solar panels?(2022, Jul 04). Channel New Asia (CNA). https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/singapore-renewable-energy-rooftop-buildings-solar-electricity-costs-2782796