Solar PV Analysis of Yishun New Town, Singapore
Yishun New Town in Singapore presents a favorable location for solar energy generation throughout the year. Situated in the tropics, this area experiences consistent sunlight and lacks distinct seasonal variations, making it an attractive spot for solar PV installations.
Year-round Solar Performance
The solar energy potential in Yishun New Town remains relatively stable across all meteorological seasons. Spring sees the highest output at 5.41 kWh per day for each kW of installed solar capacity, followed closely by autumn at 5.08 kWh/day. Winter and summer also show strong performance with 5.01 kWh/day and 4.77 kWh/day, respectively.
This consistent output throughout the year indicates that Yishun New Town is an ideal location for solar PV systems, with minimal fluctuations in energy production across seasons. The slight variations observed can be attributed to factors such as cloud cover and rainfall patterns rather than significant changes in daylight hours.
Optimal Panel Placement
For fixed panel installations in Yishun New Town, the ideal tilt angle to maximize year-round solar production is just 1 degree South. This nearly flat orientation is due to the location's proximity to the equator, where the sun's path remains relatively high in the sky throughout the year.
Environmental Considerations
While Yishun New Town offers excellent conditions for solar energy production, there are some environmental factors to consider:
- Rainfall: Singapore experiences frequent rainfall, which can temporarily reduce solar panel efficiency.
- Haze: Occasional haze from regional forest fires can impact solar radiation levels.
To mitigate these issues, consider installing panels with anti-soiling coatings to improve performance during rainy periods. Additionally, regular cleaning and maintenance can help counteract the effects of haze and ensure optimal energy production.
In conclusion, Yishun New Town's tropical location provides an excellent environment for consistent, year-round solar energy generation, with only minor challenges that can be effectively addressed through proper installation and maintenance practices.
Note: The Tropics are located between 23.5° North and -23.5° South of the equator.
So far, we have conducted calculations to evaluate the solar photovoltaic (PV) potential in 12 locations across Singapore. This analysis provides insights into each city/location's potential for harnessing solar energy through PV installations.
Link: Solar PV potential in Singapore by location
Solar output per kW of installed solar PV by season in Yishun New Town
Seasonal solar PV output for Latitude: 1.4263, Longitude: 103.8393 (Yishun New Town, Singapore), based on our analysis of 8760 hourly intervals of solar and meteorological data (one whole year) retrieved for that set of coordinates/location from NASA POWER (The Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources) API:
Ideally tilt fixed solar panels 1° South in Yishun New Town, Singapore
To maximize your solar PV system's energy output in Yishun New Town, Singapore (Lat/Long 1.4263, 103.8393) throughout the year, you should tilt your panels at an angle of 1° South for fixed panel installations.
As the Earth revolves around the Sun each year, the maximum angle of elevation of the Sun varies by +/- 23.45 degrees from its equinox elevation angle for a particular latitude. Finding the exact optimal angle to maximise solar PV production throughout the year can be challenging, but with careful consideration of historical solar energy and meteorological data for a certain location, it can be done precisely.
We use our own calculation, which incorporates NASA solar and meteorological data for the exact Lat/Long coordinates, to determine the ideal tilt angle of a solar panel that will yield maximum annual solar output. We calculate the optimal angle for each day of the year, taking into account its contribution to the yearly total PV potential at that specific location.
Seasonally adjusted solar panel tilt angles for Yishun New Town, Singapore
If you can adjust the tilt angle of your solar PV panels, please refer to the seasonal tilt angles below for optimal solar energy production in Yishun New Town, Singapore. As mentioned earlier, for fixed-panel solar PV installations, it is optimal to maintain a 1° South tilt angle throughout the year.
| Overall Best Summer Angle | Overall Best Autumn Angle | Overall Best Winter Angle | Overall Best Spring Angle |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15° North in Summer | 7° South in Autumn | 16° South in Winter | 4° North in Spring |
Our recommendations take into account more than just latitude and Earth's position in its elliptical orbit around the Sun. We also incorporate historical solar and meteorological data from NASA's Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) API to assign a weight to each ideal angle for each day based on its historical contribution to overall solar PV potential during a specific season.
This approach allows us to provide much more accurate recommendations than relying solely on latitude, as it considers unique weather conditions in different locations sharing the same latitude worldwide.
Calculate solar panel row spacing in Yishun New Town, Singapore
We've added a feature to calculate minimum solar panel row spacing by location. Enter your panel size and orientation below to get the minimum spacing in Yishun New Town, Singapore.
Our calculation method
- Solar Position:
We determine the Sun's position on the Winter solstice using the location's latitude and solar declination. - Shadow Projection:
We calculate the shadow length cast by panels using trigonometry, considering panel tilt and the Sun's elevation angle. - Minimum Spacing:
We add the shadow length to the horizontal space occupied by tilted panels.
This approach ensures maximum space efficiency while avoiding shading during critical times, as the Winter solstice represents the worst-case scenario for shadow length.
Topography for solar PV around Yishun New Town, Singapore
Yishun New Town, located in northern Singapore, sits in an area with relatively gentle topography. The landscape around Yishun is characterized by low-lying, mostly flat terrain with some mild undulations. This part of Singapore was originally swampland and coastal areas that have been extensively developed and reclaimed over the years.
To the west of Yishun, you'll find the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, which features slightly more varied terrain with small hills and valleys. The highest point in this area, Bukit Timah Hill, reaches about 163 meters (535 feet) above sea level, but it's several kilometers southwest of Yishun. Closer to Yishun itself, the elevation changes are much more subtle.
To the north and east of Yishun, the land slopes gently towards the Straits of Johor, which separates Singapore from Malaysia. This area includes some reclaimed land that is very flat and low-lying.
Regarding areas nearby that would be most suited for large-scale solar PV (photovoltaic) installations, there are a few considerations:
- The relatively flat terrain in and around Yishun is generally favorable for solar installations, as it minimizes shading issues and simplifies construction.
- Areas to the north and east, closer to the coast, might be particularly suitable due to their open, unobstructed nature, which could provide maximum sun exposure.
- Large, open spaces like industrial parks or unused land parcels would be ideal. The Seletar Aerospace Park to the east of Yishun could potentially have suitable areas.
- Rooftops of large buildings, such as shopping malls, factories, or warehouses in the area, could also be considered for solar PV installations.
However, it's important to note that Singapore's limited land area poses challenges for large-scale ground-mounted solar farms. As a result, the focus has often been on rooftop installations and floating solar farms on reservoirs. The nearby Yishun Pond or the larger Seletar Reservoir could potentially be considered for floating solar installations, although environmental impact assessments would be necessary.
Ultimately, while the topography around Yishun is generally suitable for solar PV, the specific locations for large-scale installations would depend on land availability, existing infrastructure, and Singapore's urban planning policies.
Singapore solar PV Stats as a country
Singapore ranks 56th in the world for cumulative solar PV capacity, with 433 total MW's of solar PV installed. This means that 0.80% of Singapore's total energy as a country comes from solar PV (that's 37th in the world). Each year Singapore is generating 76 Watts from solar PV per capita (Singapore ranks 42nd in the world for solar PV Watts generated per capita). [source]
Are there incentives for businesses to install solar in Singapore?
Yes, there are several incentives for businesses wanting to install solar energy in Singapore. The SolarNova Programme provides funding support for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on rooftops and other suitable areas. Businesses can also benefit from the Solar Capability Development Grant, which helps them develop their capabilities in solar PV system design and installation. Additionally, businesses may be eligible for tax deductions or exemptions under the Productivity and Innovation Credit Scheme (PIC).
Do you have more up to date information than this on incentives towards solar PV projects in Singapore? Please reach out to us and help us keep this information current. Thanks!
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Article Details for Citation
Author: Aaron Robinson
Publisher: profileSOLAR.com
First Published: Wednesday 11th of September 2024
Last Updated: Monday 21st of July 2025
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Compare this location to others worldwide for solar PV potential
The solar PV analyses available on our website, including this one, are offered as a free service to the global community. Our aim is to provide education and aid informed decision-making regarding solar PV installations.
However, please note that these analyses are general guidance and may not meet specific project requirements. For in-depth, tailored forecasts and analysis crucial for feasibility studies or when pursuing maximum ROI from your solar projects, feel free to contact us; we offer comprehensive consulting services expressly for this purpose.
Helping you assess viability of solar PV for your site
Calculate Your Optimal Solar Panel Tilt Angle: A Comprehensive Guide
Enhance your solar panel's performance with our in-depth guide. Determine the best tilt angle using hard data, debunk common misunderstandings, and gain insight into how your specific location affects solar energy production.
