Since October this year, Singaporeans will see a 21% increase in their electricity bills, a result of higher fuel prices, according to the Energy Market Authority (EMA). The EMA feels that there is room for Singaporeans to conserve and use less energy. This is because surveys have shown that Singaporeans are using 40% more energy than they require.
With the rise in energy prices taking its toll on the people, this essay looks at whether solar energy is a viable alternative for the Singapore society. In my opinion, it is not feasible for the average Singaporean as of yet, due to the high upfront cost. However, in the long run, it reduces energy costs, not a bad idea at all.
Solar energy is a form of renewable energy, referring to energy that will not be depleted because of our use for them. It will help in the reduction of green house gas emission and reliance on fossil fuels. Solar energy converts energy from the sun into pollution free sources of heat, lighting and electricity. Many people still believe that solar energy is a weak energy that can hardly be used the way our current energy sources are being used. However, the research put into solar energy has made it more advanced than ever, and researchers are still developing more ways to develop it, store it, and generate electricity from it.
According to Mr Christophe Inglin at the Singapore Solar Challenge Seminar, using solar energy in a bigger way, coupled with the use of energy-efficient appliances at home, could halve power bills. This idea is tempting. However, although solar energy is free, installing such a system requires large amounts of capital – a big upfront cost. A 1 sq m solar panel capable of generating 100 to 140W of power now costs between $750 and $1,100, with the cost depending on how it is installed. (Cheam, 2007) Prices are expected to fall further, a good sign for many Singaporeans. However for now, solar energy is only for the higher strata of the Singaporean society who can afford it, and are environmentally conscious.
Hence, we currently only see solar panels on the roof tops of certain private houses, few and far between. – A result of their high installation costs, and a possible lack of environmental consciousness among the people. The good news is that private developers are starting to incorporate ‘solar powered eco-roofs’ in some of their new residential and commercial projects.
In fact, the government is trying to bring solar energy closer to the average Singaporean. The HDB started marketing and selling the new eco-friendly project, Treelodge@Punggol in March 2007. (Kolesnikov-Jessop , 2007) These blocks have corridor lights powered by solar panels. They include 3-5 room apartments, with a 15% premium above other HDB projects in the same area. Despite this, the response for this new HDB project is very good. Hence, there could be increasing awareness in society, along with people willing to pay more, because of the long term energy saving cost they can enjoy. This new development is a good sign, showing that solar energy is slowly being brought to the masses and can become a feasible major source of energy in time to come.
In conclusion, I believe solar energy can be a viable alternative energy source for the Singaporean society. Currently it is not available to the masses, due to their high installation and upfront costs. People also do not see the need for the switch. As the prices fall and people become more aware, solar energy may just become the major source of energy for Singapore.
References:
Cheam, Jessica (2007), Solar energy takes a new shine in Singapore, http://www.wildsingapore.com/news/20070506/070606-2.htm
Jessop Kolesnikov, Sonia (2007), Singapore housing agency tries a greener look, http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/05/30/business/bgspore.php
Time for a rooftop revolution? (2008) http://luxuryasiahome.wordpress.com/2008/10/24/time-for-rooftop-revolution/
Solar panels-solar energy, http://www.socpo.org.uk/
