PROLONGING LIFESPAN OF SOLAR PANELS
The latest installation will include the use of a novel advanced technology to prolong the lifespan of solar panels.
Solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years while undergoing natural degradation due to ageing and changing weather conditions, said HDB.
Due to degradation, a solar panel would on average generate around 12 per cent to 15 per cent less power towards the end of its lifespan.
To prolong the lifespan of a solar panel, EDP Renewables has collaborated with EtaVolt to pilot an advanced regeneration technology that can extend the lifespan of each solar panel by four to five years.
EtaVolt is a technological spin-off from the National Technological University, focusing on sustainable solar renewable energy businesses in Singapore and other countries in Asia.
“This patented technology developed by EtaVolt relies on intense light to re-energise the solar cells and repair them at the molecular level, to recover up to 5 per cent of the solar panel’s efficiency, depending on panel structures, in minutes,” said HDB.
“This advanced regeneration activity only needs to be carried out at most once a year.”
To date, about 3,900 HDB blocks have been installed with solar panels.
Under the SolarNova programme, HDB has so far committed a total solar capacity of 455 MWp across its estates, which is equivalent to powering about 114,000 four-room flats.
This is almost 85 per cent of its solar target of 540 MWp by 2030.
In HDB estates, solar energy that is harnessed is first used to power common services, such as lifts, lights, and water pumps.
“Excess solar energy is then channelled to the grid. On average, we have been able to achieve net-zero energy consumption for the common areas of HDB blocks where solar panels have been installed,” said HDB.