Singapore’s first cantilevered photovoltaic system has been built—see how solar power is harnessing energy from underutilized spaces!

Faced with the challenge of extremely scarce land resources, Singapore continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in solar energy development. Recently, Jurong Group announced that it will pilot the construction of the nation’s first cantilevered solar photovoltaic system on an industrial building at 15 Woodlands Ring Road, transforming the structure’s “underutilized spaces” into a sustainable source of green electricity. The project is located on a four‑storey ramp‑style industrial building, with a usable atrium area of approximately 4,300 square meters—equivalent to about 0.6 football fields. Solar panels will be mounted in the gaps between buildings using a specialized cantilevered structure, eliminating the need for additional land while making efficient use of otherwise idle high‑rise space. According to the plan, the system will have a minimum installed capacity of 250 kW and, once completed, will connect to the national grid, operating continuously for 10 years and providing a steady supply of clean energy to the industrial park.

Currently, most solar panels in Singapore are installed on rooftops, ground‑level sites, or water bodies. As these conventional locations become increasingly saturated, expanding into new installation scenarios has become imperative. Jurong Group has previously promoted photovoltaic applications through its SolarLand and SolarRoof initiatives; by the first quarter of 2025, the installed solar capacity in its industrial parks had reached 875 MWp—enough to supply electricity to more than 200,000 four‑room HDB flats annually, achieving 70% of its 2030 solar energy target. This cantilevered PV pilot project builds directly on that foundation. Harnessing “three-dimensional space” for electricity, we are exploring additional pathways to renewable energy in cities where land is at a premium. With the traditional rooftop solar market nearing saturation and land resources growing increasingly scarce, maximizing the use of every available idle space has become a new trend in photovoltaic development. Beyond cantilevered systems, an array of innovative configurations is now making its way into urban environments: ▶ Photovoltaic floor tiles Photovoltaic floor tiles are quietly reshaping our vision of urban pavements. It is not only a pedestrian‑friendly surface but also an invisible power plant that captures sunlight and generates clean, green energy.

Taking the “Yi Brick” series developed by Longyan Energy Technology as an example, the Chongli underwater photovoltaic floor tiles for the Beijing Winter Olympics feature a specially engineered anti-slip surface texture that ensures safe pedestrian passage even in rainy or snowy conditions; they also incorporate tempered, thickened, anti-slip glass. It boasts excellent load-bearing capacity and impact resistance. It can be installed on pedestrian walkways, in parks, along scenic boardwalks, and other areas, silently converting solar energy as people walk.

Chongqing Daguan Origin Photovoltaic Glass Skywalk ▶ Photovoltaic fence Photovoltaic railings are emerging as “green transformers” for building facades and edge spaces. Without compromising the railing’s original protective function, they upgrade conventional barriers into multifunctional components that combine safety with energy generation.

These products typically offer a high degree of design flexibility, allowing customization in terms of light transmittance, color, surface patterns, and textures. It can seamlessly integrate with the architectural styles of diverse settings, including residential buildings, commercial structures, and public facilities. It breaks free from the photovoltaic system’s reliance on rooftop resources, Enable every linear edge of a building to function as a micro‑power plant that continuously generates electricity.

From photovoltaic systems cantilevered between buildings to power-generating units integrated into pavements and railings, these innovative practices all point in one clear direction: in the urban environment, renewable‑energy infrastructure is becoming ubiquitous. Singapore’s current pilot project is not merely a technological experiment; it also represents a paradigm shift in how we think about spatial utilization. When we look beyond conventional rooftops and ground‑level surfaces, architectural crevices, pedestrian pathways, and even enclosing railings can all play a role in the energy transition. In the future, every building, every stretch of pavement, and every fence may cease to be mere functional elements and instead become “green cells” of the city, continuously infusing urban life with sustainable energy.