Solar energy options for Singapore

Abstract

Energy plays a very important role in our daily lifestyles. As the demand and cost of fuels has rapidly increased in the recent years, it is essential to search for alternative forms of energy that are both clean and cheap. Due to limited resources and land mass, one of the most promising forms of renewable energy for Singapore is solar, as Singapore experiences a relatively high level of solar insolation. With the aid of solar collectors, solar energy can be converted into more useful forms of energy, such as electricity. Optimal performance of solar collectors is usually achieved by tracking the sun. Concentration of solar radiation is achieved by introducing mirrors, reflectors or lenses to the collection system. With photovoltaic cells, solar radiation can be generated into electrical energy. Different composite materials used in manufacture photovoltaic cells results in difference efficiencies, costs and product throughputs. Studying Singapore’s weather characteristics will play a crucial role in facilitating a better understanding of the solar insolation profile, leading to better solar implementation approaches. The solar profile for two separate stations and year are studied. The results of these studies show that Singapore experiences inconsistent solar insolation, with a high diffuse radiation component.