Singapore PV market to strengthen: handbook for installers released

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) have released a new "Handbook for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems", to assist with the installation of solar PV systems in Singapore. This initiative will provide the necessary guidance for all those involved in the installation of PV systems from electricians to architects, building the strength of the BIPV market.

This handbook combines and updates previous publications from the EMA and the BCA, the 'Handbook for Photovoltaic Systems' and the 'GREEN Handbook - Photovoltaic (PV) Systems in Buildings'. The guide is aimed at owners, developers, engineers, architects, and electricians, outlining the key issues, requirements and processes involved in the installation of PV systems.

The handbook also covers the licensing and technical requirements, the operational and maintenance needs, and the building and structural issues related to the implementation of PV systems. This publication bridges the gap currently holding developers back from using PV in their projects, as the education is not readily available, or currently understandable to all sectors.

Demonstrated throughout the handbook are examples of successful PV projects in Singapore as well as information on the existing government schemes for PV systems in Singapore.

The handbook was launched by David Tan, deputy chief executive of EMA at the Quality and Standards 2009 conference organized by SPRING Singapore as part of the Singapore International Energy Week.

The handbook is available on both EMA and BCA's websites (www.ema.gov.sg or www.bca.gov.sg).