Solar Power in Kenya

Solar Energy

Solar power generally refers to electricity generated by photovoltaic (pv) solar panels that utilize materials displaying the photovoltaic effect. The photovoltaic effect occurs in semiconductors such as crystalline silicon or cadmium telluride which absorb solar energy from the sun and convert it into usable electricity of a certain voltage or current. The amount and type of electricity generated will depend upon the hours of sunlight available and whether the solar panel system or array are connected in series or parallel for voltage or current respectively.

Solar Panel Systems in Kenya

It is a surprise that more schools and streets are not lit with solar panel systems in Kenya and it is a shame that most solar systems are provided by charity organisations rather than the Kenyan government.Considering the impending issues associated with the urbanization of Kenya and the drain it will pose on government resources, the Kenyan government is playing with the lives of its citizens. It is reported that less than 20% of the Kenyan population is tied to the national grid and those who are connected are subjected to extortionately high electric bills. It is reported that the high energy bills in Kenya are partly due to the government’s corrupt self profiteering choice of the most expensive and dirty fuel to generate power.

Solar Panel System Cost in Kenya

The cost of a photovoltaic (pv) solar panel system is high in any part of the world and it is worse in Kenya due to import duties on the components required to build a solar panel array. Batteries for solar panel systems in Kenya can cost tens of thousands of Kenyan shillings alone and the number of batteries required increase as the power requirements increase. Solar panels themselves are very costly and transporting them is an added logistical nightmare. Inverters are also very expensive but required to convert the DC voltage generated by the photovoltaic solar panels into AC power.

Kenyans Abroad Can Help

The truth is that vast majority of Kenyans cannot even begin to consider using solar energy to power their homes completely. However, small and cheap solar panel systems in Kenya are available at low prices for the purposes of powering reading lights for students to study and many other uses such as the charging of laptops, mobile phones and MP3 players.The use of kerosene by students in rural areas to light lamps for studying has negative health implications as kerosene creates obnoxious fumes and the dim light causes users to strain their eyes. Also, kerosene is a dangerous substance for young children to be exposed to and many injuries have been sustained due to fires started by kerosen lamps. Those who have relatives in Kenya are encouraged to buy solar panel systems to send to their families abroad to cut their power bills and allow them to have a level of independence from the infamous Kenya Power. It has been found that quality cheap solar panel systems in the UK are available for as little as £20.