Solar energy for the home

By Ferdinand Mwongela

For many homeowners, energy is a problem that cannot be wished away especially when less than 20 per cent of Kenyan households are connected to the national power grid.

Developers and homeowners have, therefore, been forced to seek alternative energy sources.

Chloride Exide Managing Director Guy Jack contends there are alternative energy sources available to individual unit homeowners.

The most common is solar power. As Kenya enjoys sunshine all year round, it is a valid source.

Jack, however, is quick to point out that solar is not exactly a cheap option for lighting.

"Where electricity is available, solar is not a cheap option," he says.

According to Jack, apart from the high initial investment required to install solar system, it takes a long time to pay back the investment.

Furthermore, Kenya is yet to come up with a system where homeowners can sell surplus power to the national grid when they are not using it.

no maintenance costs

Hacienda Development Chairman David Muniu argues that solar is the next best option. Although the initial cost is prohibitive, he says the savings in the long term are worth it.

Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi and Permanent Secretary Patrick Nyoike learn how solar water heating systems function. [PHOTOS: MARTIN MUKANGU / STANDARD]

"There is no cost of maintenance," he argues, comparing solar energy with hydro and geothermal sources where the cost keeps fluctuating.

The Hacienda housing development in Mombasa is touted as Kenya’s first eco-city complete with a 12MW solar power station.

In some developed countries, homeowners generate and sell power to the national grid. In the final calculations, their consumption from the national power grid is computed against the power they supply, which results in lower energy bills.

"In Kenya, there is no legal framework allowing one to connect to the national power grid using solar panels," argues Jack.

Should such a system be established, developments that are coming up with their own solar and wind power production options can significantly contribute to the national power grid. Lighting costs can also be significantly reduced using light emitting diode (Led) lights, now available in various forms.

A normal lighting bulb requires 80 watts to run but Led tubes require only four watts, which, when coupled with their longer lifespan, makes them economical.

While the energy saver bulbs have a lifespan of between 1,000 to 1,500 cycles, Led bulbs have a lifespan of between 5,000 to 6,000 cycles (a cycle is the time between switching on and off the lights).

easy installation

When it comes to water heating around the house, however, the use of electricity is prohibitively expensive compared to solar. Jack points out that nearly 65 per cent of energy bills come for heating water.

A good solar system could cost between Sh50,000 to Sh60,000. Installing a solar power system is easier for homeowners involved in the initial construction of their homes since they can integrate the wiring and installation.

About 95 per cent of the solar systems in Kenya are installed in areas away from the national power grid, mainly rural areas, hotels and lodges deep inside national parks.

prohibitive costs

Solar water heating is however a growing addition to houses in middle and high-end areas.

The cost of energy is not a problem limited to households. Institutions are also struggling to cut down their power costs.

The City Council of Nairobi in consultation with the Ministry of Energy is exploring the use of solar street lighting. A pilot project in Nairobi along Parliament Road is already well under way.

"We realised the initial investment could be high, so we would like to establish if the overall cost will come down," says the Town Clerk, Philip Kisia.