Oral reply to PQ on Impact of haze on solar-generated electricity output

Question:

Ms Hany Soh: To ask the Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) (a) whether the Energy Market Authority (EMA) has observed a reduction in the amount of solar-generated electricity output due to the ongoing haze situation; and (b) if so, how can solar panel operators and owners mitigate such reductions given the continuing growth in solar adoption.

Oral Answer (to be attributed to Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) Dr Tan See Leng

1.       Haze can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching solar panels and lead to a decrease in solar energy output. For instance, on 16 October 2026 when the 24-hour Pollution Standards Index (PSI) reached the highest level for the 2026 haze season, observed peak solar irradiance was about 16% lower compared to earlySeptember 2026, before the 24-hour PSI entered the Unhealthy range. However, solar irradiance could also be affected by other environmental factors such as cloud cover. Thus, the 16% decrease that was cited might not be attributable solely due to haze.

2.       While solar panel owners and operators cannot fully mitigate reductions in sunlight caused by haze, they can maintain the efficiency of their solar photovoltaic systems through regular cleaning and maintenance, including removing accumulated dust and other deposits from solar panels.