Energy Regulatory Commission order spurs uptake of water solar equipment

By STANDARD REPORTER

The Energy Regulatory Commission’s requirement that all residential and commercial premises install solar water heating systems is seeing solar power equipment suppliers record impressive sales.

The move is aimed at making solar power a viable alternative to hydropower. Companies such as Davis and Shirtliff, say they are recording increased sales since the regulation was gazetted last year.

“Seeing that the sun is free, you’re protected from future fuel shortages and price hikes that are characterised with the reliance on electricity,” said Mr David Gatende, Davis and Shirtliff Group deputy chief executive.

Power usage

 This is as reports show that the residential sector in Kenya uses up to 850 Gigawatt per hour of electricity annually to heat water causing a strain on traditional power sources.

Property developers and builders have been urged to incorporate the installation of a solar water heating system in their architectural plans.

This will assist them evade penalties. According to the Energy (Solar Water Heating) Regulations 2012, all premises within the jurisdiction of a local authority must install and use solar heating systems.

But this only applies to those with hot water requirements of a capacity exceeding 100 liters per day. The regulation seeks to have  most households installed or using solar water heating systems by January 2017.

Failure to adhere to this regulation is considered an offence and on conviction one is liable to excessive penalties.  Kenya Power will also not connect power to new buildings that lack solar water heating systems.