Forum: Offer subsidy to install solar panels on landed properties
As Singapore continues its push towards a greener future, there remains untapped potential in encouraging private property owners to contribute to national sustainability goals. One effective way could be to offer targeted subsidies for the installation of solar panels on landed properties.
Many landowners have substantial rooftop space ideal for solar power generation. While some are already doing it, others may be hesitating due to the upfront costs and long payback period.
By offering partial subsidies or rebates, the Government could accelerate adoption and make solar panels more accessible to middle-income households.
This could be structured as a return of land-related subsidies or tax offsets. With such support, landowners could help reduce national grid dependency, lower overall carbon emissions, and even feed excess energy back to the system.
Similar incentives have worked well in countries like Australia and Germany, where residential solar adoption has soared due to government-backed programmes.
Encouraging the installation of solar panels on the rooftops of private homes would align with Singapore's vision of a resilient, low-carbon city. It would be a win-win strategy: empowering citizens to invest in clean energy while reinforcing national sustainability efforts.
Lim Poh Seng
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