Fire safety and structural compliance are the two pillars of a legally installed commercial solar system in Singapore. Ignoring the latest 2026 updates to the BCA and SCDF codes can lead to a stop-work order or a refusal to grant a Temporary Occupation Permit for a new building.

The most frequent query from commercial property owners is whether a rooftop solar system needs plan submission to BCA. If the array adds more than 5% of the existing roof dead load or if the building is new, a structural plan submission via a Qualified Person is mandatory. For fire safety, any PV system exceeding 20 kWp must have SCDF approval through a Fire Safety Engineer or registered inspector, especially regarding access paths for firefighting.

The 2026 amendments clarify the required 1.5-metre clear perimeter on rooftops for firefighter operations and mandate a DC isolator on every floor where PV cables pass through. These updates affect factories, warehouses, office buildings, and mixed-use developments. I see many older installations failing the new access path rule, which forces costly panel repositioning during a fire safety inspection.

Updated BCA structural and electrical requirements

Rooftop loading and PE endorsement

Any solar system installed on a commercial roof must be endorsed by a Professional Engineer who checks the existing structure against the additional load. The BCA requirement is clear: the total dead load plus live load plus wind load must not exceed the original design capacity. If the building was built under CP5:1998, the wind load assumptions differ, and a PE often requires a pull-out test on concrete anchors. The latest SS EN 1991-1-4 will be used for wind calculations, and it now requires a minimum return period of 50 years.

Electrical installation and EMA licensing

A commercial solar system exceeding 1 MWac requires an Electricity Generation Licence from the EMA. Even for smaller systems, the installation must follow the Singapore Standard CP5:1998 (Code of Practice for Electrical Installations) and the latest SS 638:2018. We always engage a Licensed Electrical Worker with a track record in PV systems. The 2026 update reinforces the need for anti-islanding protection set to the grid code, which is tested during commissioning.

SCDF fire safety compliance checklist

Roof access and clear width

SCDF now strictly enforces a 1.5-metre clear access path along the perimeter of the roof where firefighting ladders can be positioned. Any PV panel array must be set back at least 1.5 metres from the parapet edge. Additionally, a 1-metre-wide access path must be provided for any internal roof area exceeding 40 metres in length. We had to redesign an array for a Jurong logistics hub because the original layout maximised coverage but blocked the perimeter path.

DC isolator and cable routing

A DC isolator must be placed at the point of entry of PV cables into the building and on each floor where the cable traverses a fire-rated wall. All conduits penetrating a fire-rated slab must be sealed with an approved fire-stop collar. A new requirement in 2026 is a signage panel at the main electrical room indicating the location of all rooftop DC isolators, which helps SCDF’s emergency response team quickly de-energise the system.

Inverter location and ventilation

Inverters cannot be located in protected exit passageways or unprotected openings. A common non-compliance is placing inverters in a car park lobby that also serves as a fire escape. They must be in a dedicated, ventilated room with at least 1-hour fire rating if adjacent to escape routes. We now design an external inverter platform on the rooftop or a designated electrical room with louvred doors.

Licensing and registration beyond BCA and SCDF

JTC and URA considerations

For buildings on JTC land, an additional clearance from JTC is needed, particularly for flatted factories where rooftop space is common property. The JTC mandatory solar deployment rule for new factories will be covered in another guide. For commercial buildings in the Central Area, URA’s urban design guidelines may affect panel visibility from street level; a screen wall may be required.

Periodic inspection and maintenance records

BCA now expects a periodic structural inspection every 5 years for buildings over 20 years old, and the solar mounting system must be included. We provide a logbook documenting torque checks, sealant condition, and electrical testing. This logbook is becoming a standard requirement for fire insurance renewal.

Expert insight from the field

I recall an audit at a commercial building in Tampines where the previous installer had not labelled any DC isolators. During a SCDF drill, the fire commander could not confirm whether the roof was electrically safe. We retrofitted a single-line diagram at the main DB and installed engraved acrylic labels within 48 hours. That building now serves as our reference for full compliance. Getting these details right from the start avoids such panic moments and potential liability.

Staying ahead of regulatory updates is part of our duty as a solar energy company Singapore. Enquire with Akando Solar for a compliance gap analysis of your existing commercial system or for pre-submission reviews before construction. We walk through BCA and SCDF requirements with your QP and FSE so the approval timeline is predictable.

References

SCDF Fire Safety Guidelines for Solar PV Installations
BCA Advisory on Solar Panel Installation
EMA Electricity Generation Licence