solar power

Kenya has emerged as a leader in solar energy adoption, leveraging its location near the equator to harness an abundant and reliable solar resource. The country receives an average of 4-6 kWh/square metre.
of isolation per day, with 5-7 hours of peak sunshine. This has made solar power a key component of Kenya’s strategy to achieve universal energy access and reduce reliance on expensive and carbon-intensive energy sources.

Utilization and Growth of Solar Power

Solar power in Kenya is being utilized in various sectors:

Rural Households: Kenya has one of the highest rates of household solar ownership in the world. Off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, particularly “pay-as-you-go” (PAYG) models, are prevalent in rural areas with limited access to the national grid. These systems provide electricity for lighting, water pumping, irrigation, and powering small appliances.

Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Sector: Businesses and factories are increasingly installing rooftop solar panels to combat high electricity costs and frequent power outages. This has led to a significant increase in “captive” solar PV generation, which is electricity produced for internal use.

Utility-Scale Projects: Kenya has developed several large-scale solar power plants, including the Garissa Solar Power Plant, which is the largest in East and Central Africa. Other notable projects include the Malindi, Rumuruti, Radiant, and Eldosol solar plants.

While solar power’s contribution to the national grid’s energy mix is currently smaller compared to geothermal and hydro, it is a rapidly growing sector. In 2023, solar accounted for about 3.5% of the total energy generated for the national grid, with a total installed capacity of over 100 MW.

Government Policies and Initiatives

The Kenyan government has implemented various policies and programs to promote solar energy:

Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) Policy

This policy provides investment security and market stability for independent power producers (IPPs) selling electricity from renewable sources to the national grid.

Renewable Energy Auction Policy (REAP): This policy, introduced in 2021, replaced the FiT system for larger solar and wind projects to attract competitive pricing and ensure cost-effective development.

Tax Incentives: The government has provided incentives such as zero-rated taxes and duties on solar energy equipment to reduce the cost of solar installations.

Regulation and Licensing: The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has established regulations for solar PV systems and a licensing framework for solar practitioners to ensure quality and safety standards are upheld.

National Electrification Strategy: Launched in 2018, this strategy focuses on providing off-grid solutions, including standalone solar systems, to rural communities.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite the immense potential, several challenges hinder the widespread adoption of solar power in Kenya:

High Initial Costs

The upfront investment for solar systems, especially for off-grid and hybrid setups, can be a major barrier for households and businesses.

Solution

The rise of PAYG models, green loans from banks, and community solar projects is helping to make solar power more accessible.

Import Dependency

The high cost of importing solar panels and other equipment, such as inverters and batteries, inflates project expenses.

Solution

Incentives for local manufacturing of solar equipment could help reduce reliance on imports.

Lack of Public Awareness and Technical Skills

Many people are unaware of the long-term economic benefits of solar energy, and there is a shortage of locally trained professionals.

Solution

Awareness campaigns, educational programs, and certifications for installers are crucial to building consumer confidence and a skilled workforce.

Battery Storage Limitations

Batteries are essential for off-grid systems, but are costly and have a limited lifespan.

Solution

The use of more durable and efficient batteries, like lithium-ion, and proper maintenance can mitigate this issue.

Regulatory Hurdles

Inconsistent policies and bureaucratic processes can complicate the development of large-scale projects.

Solution

Streamlining regulations and promoting transparent negotiations can help accelerate project timelines.

In conclusion, solar power is a transformative force in Kenya’s energy sector. While challenges remain, a combination of favourable government policies, private sector innovation, and a growing awareness of its benefits is paving the way for a more sustainable and energy-secure future.