Singapore’s EMA and Swiss research centre CSEM have signed an agreement to advance solar PV research, grid integration and technology commercialisation, including a pilot for solar roof tiles on heritage buildings.
Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Swiss research and technology centre CSEM to advance solar energy research, assess emerging technologies and support the commercialisation of innovative photovoltaic solutions. The agreement was signed during Singapore International Energy Week 2026 as Singapore strengthens efforts to expand renewable energy deployment and improve grid integration.
The collaboration will cover solar photovoltaic (PV) research, grid-integration studies, technology assessments and the identification of pilot projects. The partners will work to validate new solutions, explore opportunities to scale up successful technologies and facilitate knowledge exchange between Singapore and Switzerland. The initiative is part of EMA’s broader strategy to work with public- and private-sector organisations to develop solar energy capabilities.
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One of the key initiatives under the agreement is a pilot project to install solar PV roof tiles on heritage state buildings in Singapore. EMA will collaborate with CSEM and the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) to assess the application of these tiles, which are designed to resemble traditional clay roofing materials while generating electricity from sunlight.
The proposed solar roof tiles could offer an alternative to conventional rooftop panels in locations where preserving architectural appearance is important. By integrating photovoltaic technology into building materials, the project aims to explore how renewable electricity generation can be incorporated into existing structures without significantly changing their external design. The pilot will help assess the technology’s suitability for Singapore’s heritage buildings and its potential for wider adoption.
CSEM’s involvement brings research and technology development expertise to the partnership. The organisation’s work will support the evaluation of solar technologies and grid-management solutions, helping identify innovations that could be tested in Singapore’s operating environment. The collaboration also aims to create opportunities for Swiss solar technology providers to demonstrate and commercialise solutions in the city-state.
CSEM Vice President of Sustainable Energy Tonio Buonassisi said the partnership aims to accelerate solar deployment and grid integration in Singapore while creating opportunities for Swiss photovoltaic and grid-management technologies.
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The agreement comes as Singapore works to expand solar deployment despite limited land availability. The country is exploring ways to use rooftops and other available surfaces more effectively, alongside improvements to electricity networks that can accommodate a greater share of variable renewable generation. Singapore has set a target of reaching 4 gigawatt-peak (GWp) of solar capacity by 2035.
The Singapore-Switzerland partnership could help advance building-integrated solar technology and support the development of solutions suited to space-constrained urban environments. Its impact will depend on the outcomes of technology assessments and pilot projects, including whether solar roof tiles can be deployed effectively while preserving the character of heritage buildings.