Are you tired of costly electricity bills and unscheduled power blackouts that last for days? In this post, learn the advantages of off-grid using solar power systems in your home or business premises.
In this simple guide, you will learn:
Benefits of Solar Energy
Are you looking for reasons to install solar electricity in your home or small business? According studies, about 1.2% of households in Kenya primarily use solar energy for basic needs like lighting and powering small appliances. Below are the top 7 benefits, reasons or advantages of using solar.
Read Next: Solar electricity systems-What you need to know
Eliminate or reduce your electricity utility bills
By using solar you can eliminate your electric bill completely or reduce it to an extent that electricity utility costs are no longer a significant portion in your monthly budget. Since solar systems are durable for up to 25 years, you can save a lot of money beyond its installation budget. In its lifetime. A solar panel system can save you between $10,000 and $30,000 over its lifetime.
Reliable and cheaper back up system during black outs
Solar power systems are cheaper and reliable power back up systems during blackouts and supply interruptions. As of 2018, the average annual duration of electrical outages was highest in Nigeria at 4,600 hours, 420 hours in Kenya and lowest at only 50 hours in South Africa.[ii] A solar power system can tap the free solar energy saving you losses in idle business hours or purchasing expensive petrol for generators.
A necessity in remote areas without grid connectivity
Use of solar power for homes is a necessity in remote areas without electricity grid connectivity. In the sub-Saharan Africa region, its only 46.75% of her population that has access to on grid electricity[i].
Make money through solar farming
In some states, solar farming is a lucrative business opportunity. You will tap solar energy by installing many solar panels on your rooftops or ground. You can then channel the excess power to the national grid and earn income from it. Where this is not available, you can arrange with your neighbors to set up community solar power plants to produce energy for own use and sale. The average solar farm profit per acre lands somewhere between $21,250 and $42,500
Add value for your real estate projects and property
Installing solar Power systems can appreciate your property value with up to 4%, compared to similar homes or property without solar. Todays property buyers are interested in clean and renewable energy to protect against environment. If you are in the real estate industry, consider having solar power systems to add value to a property.
Create jobs in the green energy sector
You can also go solar to promote job creation in your national or local economy. The clean energy economy creates opportunities and better pay for the skilled, low-and middle-skilled workers. Many solar companies are the micro, small and medium businesses (MSMEs), involved in consulting, export, installation and maintenance of solar systems.
Reduce green house emissions
Going green helps your business, government and development partners goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It does this in two ways. First the electricity power that solar panels produce is completely emissions free. Second, installing solar energy in your premises reduces your demand from the national grid. Many of them in many countries rely on fossil fuels like coal and petroleum, that produce metric tons of carbon pollution each year.
Uses of solar energy in homes and businesses
Are you wondering how you can use solar energy in your home or business? You can harness solar light and heat for almost any use anywhere. Most of the exiting uses include solar electricity and solar heating.
- Solar electricity
- Solar heating uses concentrated solar power (CSP) technology.
Having understood two methods how solar energy is used: solar electricity and solar heating, here is a list of 3 ways you can use solar energy in your business or home.
Solar electricity
Install photovoltaic solar panels to convert sunlight into Direct Current (DC) electricity. Since DC has minimal uses in businesses and homes like lighting and powering electronics, Invest in an inverter to convert DC to alternating current (AC) which is the same energy form in national grids. This energy is ideal for powering home and industrial appliances like computers and coolers.
- Cell phones and Tablets
- Music speakers
- Watches
- Thermostats and Air conditioning
- Visor radios
- Mini-Fridges and Freezers
- Rechargeable flashlights
Solar lighting
If you are looking for an affordable method to improve security and efficiency in your home or business premises, solar lighting is the best solution. The outdoor solar lighting systems are easy to install. Modern ones are wireless, on one side, the lamps have a solar panel that captures and converts sunlight. On the other side, the lamps are fitted with very efficient LED bulbs and thermostats. You will incur no electricity bill as you enjoy natural lighting. You can install solar outdoor lightings on driveways, home compound or livestock pens.
The best outdoor solar flood lights available in markets are motion sensitive only lighting when there is movement making them energy efficient, others are sold with a remote controls, cameras and automatic day light sensor to you go on or off even in your absence. You can shop for flood or security flood lights with sensors and camera from amazon.
Solar heating
You will install some special mirrors to reflect and concentrate the sun’s energy towards a tower or a receiver to generate heat that can be used for many uses like heating shower water, ventilation or heating swimming pools etc.
Solar energy in water heating system is an old application. Modern rooftop water heating systems are more efficient durable with a payback period of 5-10 years than early versions. You will install a rooftop water cell that absorbs sun heat energy to heat cold water running through it. It is pumped and stored in a solar water heater. You can use the hot water for all home uses like showering, laundry and housewarming.
Heating swimming pools using solar is the other major application by the real estate and hoteliers. Cold water runs through a CSP collector, gets warm and it is pumped back to the pool. A swimming pool heater costs between $3000-$4000. They have a pay back period of 1.5-7 years.
Best Solar System Setup for Small Businesses in Kenya
Are you a small business in Kenya looking for the best solar power system? The section below has the recommended solar system for a typical small businesses in Kenya, such as shops, offices with 10 employees, or cyber cafés. It includes detailed power requirements, recommended components, and estimated budgets.
Power Needs Analysis
To determine the power needs, we calculated the daily energy consumption based on typical appliances. A small businesses consume 5kWh–15kWh daily. In our detailed breakdown, we assume an office with 10 employees, including computers, printers, lighting, Wi-Fi, refrigerators, and miscellaneous devices, estimated a daily consumption of approximately 21kWh. Thus is derived as follows:
Here’s your table summarizing the power consumption:
| Device/Appliance | Power (W) | Hours per Day | Energy Consumption (kWh/Day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computers (10 units) | 150W | 8 | 12.0 |
| Printer & Scanner | 400W | 2 | 0.8 |
| Lighting (10 LED bulbs) | 15W | 10 | 1.5 |
| Wi-Fi Router & Networking | 50W | 24 | 1.2 |
| Refrigerator | 150W | 24 | 3.6 |
| Cash Register & Misc. | 150W | 12 | 1.8 |
| Total Energy Consumption | 20.9 kWh/day |
Solar System Components and Design
To meet this energy demand, the solar system must be designed considering Nairobi’s average daily solar irradiation of 5-6 kWh/m², as per the Renewable Energy Portal. The system will include the following items:
Solar Panels
Monocrystalline panels are recommended for their high efficiency (20-22%). For a 21kWh daily need, calculations show a required panel capacity of approximately 4.77 kWp, suggesting a 5kW system (10-20 panels of 500W each) is sufficient. Costs range from Ksh 250,000 to Ksh 600,000, with prices like Ksh 25,000 per 500W panel.
Solar Inverter
A hybrid inverter is ideal, supporting solar, grid, and battery power. It must handle peak loads of 4.5kW–6kW, suggesting a 5kVA–10kVA inverter. Brands like Growatt and Victron offer options at Ksh 70,000–200,000
Lithium Solar Battery Storage
Lithium-ion (LiFePO4) batteries are preferred for their longevity (5,000-6,000 cycles, 10-15 years) and efficiency. For 21kWh daily consumption, a battery capacity of 25-30kWh is recommended for one day’s autonomy, with prices ranging from Ksh 165,000 for a 5kWh TAICO to Ksh 365,000 for a 15kWh.
Charge Controller
For off-grid systems, an MPPT charge controller (80A–100A) ensures optimal energy harvest, costing Ksh 20,000–50,000.
Accessories & Installation
Includes mounting structures, wiring, and smart monitoring systems, with installation costs of Ksh 50,000–100,000, ensuring system reliability.
Estimated Budgets for Different Business Sizes
The system can be scaled based on business size, with the following estimates:
| System Size | Business Type | Estimated Cost (Ksh) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5kW (10kWh battery) | Small shop or office (lights, computers, Wi-Fi) | 400,000–600,000 | Suitable for 10-15kWh daily consumption, likely using lead-acid batteries for lower cost. |
| 7kW (15kWh battery) | Medium-sized cyber café, retail shop, mini-office | 600,000–900,000 | Fits 15-25kWh daily, may include lithium for efficiency, with expansion potential. |
| 10kW (20kWh battery) | Large office, supermarket, or multiple PCs running | 900,000–1,500,000 | For 25-35kWh daily, ideal for high-demand setups, with robust lithium options. |
These costs above reflect variations in component prices and installation, with an unexpected detail being the modular design of batteries like Weco Systems, allowing easy expansion as business needs grow.
Best Off-Grid Solar System Setup for a Typical Home in Kenya
Are you a homeowner or tenant looking to set up an ideal off-grid solar system for your home in Kenya? We will give you the common energy consumption patterns, component specifications, and market trends. As an Off-grid home in rural area, you can rely entirely on solar power for your energy needs.
Power Needs Analysis
To determine the power needs, we calculated the daily energy consumption based on typical appliances for an off-grid household. Research suggests that off-grid households in Kenya consume 2-4 kWh daily, reflecting basic amenities like lighting, refrigeration, and entertainment, given limited access to high-power appliances. Our detailed breakdown includes:
| Device/Appliance | Power (W) | Hours per Day | Energy Consumption (kWh/Day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting (4 LED bulbs) | 10W | 4 | 0.16 |
| Refrigerator | – | – | 1.5 |
| TV (Small LCD, 30W) | 30W | 2 | 0.06 |
| Fan | 50W | 4 | 0.2 |
| Total Estimated Consumption | 1.96 – 4.0 kWh/day |
Solar System Components and Design
To meet this energy demand, the solar system must be designed considering Nairobi’s average daily solar irradiation of 5-6 kWh/m². The system includes a package of following supplies
Solar Panels
Monocrystalline panels are recommended for their high efficiency (20-22%). For a 2-4 kWh daily need, calculations show a required panel capacity of approximately 0.5-1 kWp, suggesting a 1.5-2 kWp system (6-8 panels of 250W each) is sufficient to account for losses. Costs range from Ksh 150,000 to Ksh 400,000, with prices like Ksh 25,000 per 500W panel from Jinko Solar Panels shop.
Lithium Solar Battery Storage
Lithium-ion (LiFePO4) batteries are preferred for their longevity (5,000-6,000 cycles, 10-15 years) and efficiency. For 2-4 kWh daily consumption, a battery capacity of 3-6 kWh is recommended for one day’s autonomy, with prices ranging from Ksh 165,000 for a 5kWh TAICO to Ksh 365,000 for a 15kWh TAICO. Depth of discharge for lithium is around 80%, so for 4kWh usable, total capacity would be 5kWh.
Hybrid Inverter
A hybrid inverter (2-3 kVA) is ideal, supporting solar and battery power for off-grid use. It must handle peak loads, estimated at 1-2 kVA for basic household appliances. Brands like Growatt and Victron offer options at Ksh 70,000–150,000 (Solar Shop Africa).
Charge Controller
For off-grid systems, an MPPT charge controller (40A–60A) ensures optimal energy harvest, costing Ksh 15,000–30,000 (Solar Shop Africa).
Accessories & Installation
Includes mounting structures, wiring, and smart monitoring systems, with installation costs of Ksh 50,000–100,000, ensuring system reliability.
Estimated Budgets for Typical Household Needs
The system can be scaled based on consumption, with the following estimates:
| System Size | Daily Consumption (kWh) | Estimated Cost (Ksh) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5kWp (4kWh battery) | 2-3 | 400,000–600,000 | Suitable for basic needs, likely using lithium for efficiency. |
| 2kWp (6kWh battery) | 3-4 | 600,000–800,000 | Fits moderate consumption, may include modular designs for expansion. |
These costs reflect variations in component prices and installation, with an unexpected detail being the modular design of batteries like Weco Systems, allowing easy expansion as your household needs for electricity grow.
In conclusion
This article is an informational guide if you are looking at why you need to consider installing solar in your premises.
With rising electricity costs, frequent power outages, and the need for sustainable energy solutions, switching to solar power is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether for your home or business, solar energy offers huge cost savings, energy independence, and a reliable power supply while reducing your carbon footprint. Advances in solar technology have made systems more affordable, efficient, and accessible, making now the perfect time to make the switch.
Read Next: How to go solar in 5 the simple steps, a guide
Ready to switch to solar Today? Drop a comment below or contact us for expert guidance on choosing the right system for your home or business!
- [i] Report extract, Access to electricity 2019
- [ii] Annual electrical outages in Africa by key country 2018
