In this simple guide, learn all that you need to know about Solar powers. It covers how to install and use solar panels for electricity generation in your home from scratch. It covers the following 2 key topics; –
If you go solar today, It can dramatically reduce or eliminate your utility bills. As a clean energy source, it will help to reduce carbon gas emissions.The use of solar panels and solar heating on your home, business, or farm has many benefits. Besides, it has many uses and can use it to power electronics, lighting, and heating water for home use and swimming pools. But how can you tap into it?
How solar power systems work
Wondering how you can harness electricity from the sun light to power your electronics? in this step-by-step explainer, learn the items you need to install in order to convert sunlight to electric current, store it and supply it.
Related: Solar electricity: Why you need to switch now!
Solar panels make electricity through the photovoltaic effect using photovoltaic cells technology. They are made of silicon cells housed in metal panel frames covered with glass casing. When sunlight photons strike silicon, it excites electrons to flow from silicon atoms according to the photovoltaic effect. As negative charge flows from cells it creates a direct current flow which you can evacuate it by a wiring system. The more sunlight strikes your panel, the more electricity energy it can produce.
What is the difference between an on-grid and off-grid solar system?
Depending on how you use the harnessed charge, there are two solar power systems: the on-grid and off-grid systems. On grid power systems are a cheaper to install and store if you consider going solar. The off-grid systems are standalone and more expensive for you have to buy expensive solar storage batteries and inverters. The Off grid solar systems are the most common in Kenya.
On-grid solar power systems
In the on-grid system, you have a hybrid energy system that connect both the national electrical grid to your solar power system. You will use a net metering system to measure and record the power you produce and send to the grid when your solar system is overproducing during the day. At nighttime or overcast days it records the volts you receive from the power company. Your electricity utility bill is the difference between the credit of power received and the debit of power sold to the power company.
Off-grid solar energy systems
In a standalone or the off-grid system, your house is not connected to the national electric grid network. Instead, you will buy and install a full solar package that contain solar panels, inverters and solar batteries.
When the sun’s rays produce electricity, the direct current (DC) flows into Solar batteries that will allow you to recharge or store the excess energy gained during the days for use at night. As solar batteries discharge, DC flows through a solar inverter that converts it to alternating current (AC) electricity. AC runs through your home wiring and it is distributed within the home to power all your appliances like TV, fridge and computers. AC It works exactly the same way as the electrical power generated through the grid by your electric utility company.
How to go solar in 5 the simple steps, a guide
Having understood how the solar panels produce electricity, its now your time to go green. whether you are a small business, a homeowner or establishing a home officerConsider the 5 following steps. They are same if you consider setting a standalone or a net metering system.
1. Carry out an energy needs assessment
Estimate all the electricity needs to light and power home or business appliances. You can use the power utility invoices or statements to sum the units of electricity watts or volts you need per day, month or per year.
For instance, the daily energy needs for a typical home in Kenya may require 2-4 kWh per day. This is estimated as follows;
2. Seek installation quotations
The next step is to do a rapid market assessment of the best solar installation companies in Kenya. Choose one with a good reputation and rich working experience. Using their contacts ask for installation quotations and budgets for their services in assessing your site, installation of a solar system and commissioning it for use. Remember a large company is not always the best in terms of quality and cost.
The table below gives you the best budget for two solar systems in Kenya. The first is ideal for a small business while the second is a home solar system.
| Feature | Small Business Solar System | Home Solar System |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal For | Shops, salons, small offices | Basic household power needs |
| Solar Panels | 4 x 200W | 2 x 150W |
| Battery | 200Ah Lithium Battery | 100Ah Lithium Battery |
| Inverter | 2kW Hybrid Inverter | 1kW Hybrid Inverter |
| Charge Controller & Accessories | Included | Included |
| Estimated Cost | Ksh 180,000 – 250,000 | Ksh 80,000 – 120,000 |
3. Choose a solar installer
Using the quotations received in step 2,, look for the best company. Look for one that offers you the most quality items like efficient solar panels, smart inverters and free services like free consultation.
Before committing, request quotes, check recent customer reviews (try searching social media such as tiktok and X (twitter) for real-time feedback), and verify certifications. A site visit from the company can also clarify your specific requirements.
4. Site assessment
After settling on your best solar company of choice, do a site assessment to know the solar items you need and amount of energy you can generate per month. Based on their survey, the company will advise you on the best brands, cost and other factors to consider when you want to go solar.
Below is a checklist for your use in conducting site assessment before solar panels installation on your roof or farm.
| Factor | Details | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Needs | List appliances: – 4 LED bulbs (10W each, 4 hrs/day) – TV (30W, 2 hrs/day) – Refrigerator (1.5 kWh/day) – Fan (50W, 4 hrs/day) | Ensures the system meets current and future demands. |
| Sunlight & Shading | Check panel placement: – Roof angle & direction – Nearby trees/buildings blocking sunlight | Maximizes energy generation efficiency. |
| Roof or Ground Space | Assess space availability: – Roof area for panels – Ground space for mounting (if needed) | Determines panel placement and mounting options. |
| Climate Conditions | Consider environmental factors: – Wind speed, dust, rainfall – Panel durability in extreme weather | Affects system durability and efficiency. |
| Electrical Compatibility | Inspect existing setup: – Wiring condition – Circuit breaker capacity – Grid-tied vs. off-grid needs | Ensures safe and seamless integration. |
| Battery & Backup Needs | Determine storage capacity: – Battery size (e.g., 200Ah for small business) – Backup duration during outages | Provides backup power for off-grid or emergency use. |
| Permits & Regulations | Verify legal requirements: – Local solar policies – Permits & grid connection rules – Incentives or tax breaks | Avoids legal issues and maximizes benefits. |
| Budget & ROI | Estimate costs vs. savings: – Initial investment (e.g., Ksh 80,000–250,000) – Monthly savings on electricity – Payback period | Helps in financial planning and investment decisions. |
5. Shopping and Installation
For a successful solar installation, start by choosing high-quality components, including solar panels, inverters, batteries, and charge controllers, ensuring they come with good warranties and efficiency ratings. Next, size your system correctly by matching it to your energy needs—for example, a basic home setup may require 2 x 150W panels, a 100Ah battery, and a 1kW inverter, while a small business setup might need 4 x 200W panels, a 200Ah battery, and a 2kW inverter. Find a reputable supplier by comparing prices, checking customer reviews, and ensuring they offer after-sales support. During installation, prepare the site, securely mount the panels, connect the inverter and battery, and wire the system to your appliances.
While installing a solar power system can be DIY work its advisable to use a qualified solar installation company or a consultant.
6. Testing & Commissioning
You may need a quality assurance or certification that your system will not cause a power surge or short circuits. Solar panel systems are very durable and can last up to 25 years with little to no maintenance costs.
After installation, test all connections, verify power output, and monitor battery performance to prevent system failures.
Finally, ensure proper maintenance by regularly cleaning the panels, inspecting wiring, and scheduling routine system checks to maximize efficiency and lifespan.
In conclusion
The article is a 101 guide on Solar powers What you need to know. It covers the photovoltaic system of how solar rays generate direct current. It makes a distinction between the on-grid metering systems and the off grid or the standalone one you can use solar panels only to power your house. The guide concludes with a simple guide of how to go solar in your home or business from energy needs assessment to commissioning.
