School administrators are looking beyond the SolarNova programme in 2026 because the lead times are stretching and the tender cycles are rigid. While SolarNova remains the bulk procurement vehicle, many schools now procure solar directly through an MOE-approved tender or a grant-funded model, which offers more control over timeline and system design.

A common question from school operations managers is whether they can install solar panels on a flat roof with existing air-conditioning condenser units. Yes, and we have done it for a secondary school in the East. The key is to build a raised galvanised steel platform above the condensing units, allowing hot air discharge while the solar array generates power above. That school now covers 30% of its daytime electricity with a 150 kWp system.

The SolarNova programme, led by the Economic Development Board and HDB, aggregates demand across multiple government agencies, including schools. However, in 2026, the schedule for Group 4 tender implementation is still being rolled out. Schools that missed the cluster or need urgent replacement of their electrical infrastructure are opting for an independent tender via the MOE procurement framework. This route requires a detailed load profile and a GFA-based sizing model.

Navigating school solar procurement paths in 2026

SolarNova programme: advantages and limitations

SolarNova offers economies of scale, lower per-watt cost, and a 25-year operations and maintenance contract. The downside is a waiting period of up to 24 months and standardised system designs that may not account for unique roof conditions. A school with a heritage building, for instance, might need a non-standard mounting system that SolarNova’s main contractor may not accommodate without variation orders. I have helped two schools prepare justification reports for exemption from SolarNova due to structural constraints.

Independent MOE school tender

Schools can issue a call for tender for a solar PV system under the MOE’s delegated procurement. The scope includes site survey, structural assessment, system design, installation, and 5-year maintenance. The evaluation criteria often weight price at 50% and quality at 50%. We have found that including a mandatory site walk and a sample mounting trial improves the quality of bids. A primary school in the West obtained a 7% lower price than the SolarNova ceiling through this method.

Grants and funding sources

Besides SolarNova, the Singapore Green Plan 2030 encourages schools to tap the Energy Efficiency Fund (E2F) or the MOE’s sustainability grant. The E2F grant covers up to 70% of capital cost for energy-efficient technologies, including solar, for public sector buildings. We have assisted a junior college in preparing the grant application, where the key document is a detailed energy audit showing existing consumption and post-solar projection.

Implementation essentials for school rooftops

Safety and access during school hours

Installation must be scheduled during school holidays, but we often do preparatory cable routing on weekends. All rooftop workers must have zero contact with students. We set up a separate hoarding zone and use a dedicated material hoist. An important SCDF requirement is that fire escape routes at the school hall or canteen roof must remain unobstructed, with the same 1.5-metre clearance.

Educational integration and monitoring display

A school solar system is a teaching tool. We provide a real-time monitoring dashboard that can be displayed on a digital screen in the science block. Teachers use it to explain energy conversion, weather patterns, and carbon reduction. I recall a school that ran a competition between classes to predict the day’s solar generation, and it tied into the math curriculum. This integration increases the perceived value of the system beyond pure energy savings.

Performance and warranty for institutional installations

We recommend a 25-year linear power warranty on panels and a 10-year inverter warranty. The system must have a data logger that stores 1-year data for MOE reporting. A lightning protection and surge suppression plan is mandatory for schools, given their height and location in open fields. A surge protection device Type 1 and Type 2 on both AC and DC sides is our standard.

Real examples and lessons learned

A secondary school with a curved metal roof over its hall initially thought solar was impossible. We designed a custom aluminium rail that followed the arc, clamping onto the standing seams. The hall now runs entirely on solar power during peak assembly periods. The school canteen’s freezer load also shifted to daytime consumption, improving the payback. That project came in at $1.08 per watt, including structural works.

School solar is not just about cost. It is a long-term asset that must survive a minimum of three cycles of repainting and roof re-waterproofing. We specify isolators and cable tray coatings that resist the corrosive bird droppings common in school compounds. Enquire with Akando Solar to conduct a preliminary feasibility study, and we will prepare a grant-ready proposal. For more on commercial-scale systems, visit our Solar energy company Singapore page.