Public support is crucial to success of solar energy use

I applaud the move to pilot different solar panels before introducing them to various public spaces (“World’s largest floating solar test-bed launched at Tengeh Reservoir”: Oct 26).

Given that only 1.5 per cent of electricity consumed in Singapore comes from solar energy now, the move to reduce the reliance on natural gas is a bold one.

What is imperative is that the public understands the rationale behind this: Singapore, a signatory to the Paris Agreement, is now moving towards an era of sustainability and renewables such as solar energy.

It is stated that up to 1,000 four-room flats can be powered by the four megawatts of electricity generated from the floating solar panels and microgrid systems.

By drawing electricity from solar energy, Singapore minimises its greenhouse emissions and carbon footprint.

Furthermore, in our land-deprived country, solar panels on rooftops or that float on reservoirs are viable alternatives for generating electricity within a small area.

Nonetheless, Singapore is in the pilot stage of implementing solar photovoltaic technology, and things could go wrong. Hence, countries such as Germany, which has transitioned to green energy, could provide valuable lessons for us.

One reason for Germany’s success in this is the public’s support for green energy. Though an eco-friendly culture cannot be established overnight, our Government should still encourage industries and firms to adopt the use of solar panels through grants and incentives.

Furthermore, solar panels could be installed on the sides of buildings — instead of solely on rooftops — or made into transparent windows to maximise the public’s exposure to solar energy.

When the public recognises solar energy as a necessary, inevitable step that Singapore must take in the green era, then we can speak of the bigger picture of achieving environmental sustainability.