A Complete DIY Guide for Homeowners, Schools, and Businesses

Solar power is transforming how Kenyans access electricity. Whether you’re looking to cut costs, gain energy independence, or reduce your reliance on the national grid, understanding your solar needs is the first step toward clean, reliable energy. This guide will walk you through:
  • How to calculate your energy consumption
  • How to determine the right solar system size
  • How many solar panels and batteries you’ll need
  • Why now is the perfect time for Kenyans to go solar
  Key Formulas Summary
Step Formula
1. Daily Energy Use (kWh) Total Appliance Load (W) × Daily Hours Used ÷ 1000
2. System Size (kW) Daily Energy Use (kWh) ÷ Peak Sun Hours
3. Number of Panels Needed (System Size × 1000 ÷ Panel Wattage) × 1.15 (15% buffer for losses)
4. Battery Storage (kWh) Daily Energy Use × Days of Backup
5. Number of Batteries Total Storage ÷ Battery Capacity (kWh/unit)
6. Inverter Size Match or exceed total system size in kW
 

Example: A Typical 1200W Household in Kenya

Step 1: Calculate Daily Energy Use

Appliance Power (W) Hours/Day Daily Consumption (Wh)
LED Lights (6 bulbs) 60 5 300
Fridge 150 24 3600
TV 100 5 500
Laptop 60 4 240
Water Pump 400 0.5 200
Total Load ~1200W 4,840 Wh = 4.84 kWh/day

Step 2: Estimate System Size

Assuming an average of 5 peak sun hours per day (typical in many parts of Kenya): System Size = 4.84 ÷ 5 = 0.968 kW (≈ 1 kW system) Step 3: Determine Number of Solar Panels (400W each) Panels Needed = (1,000 ÷ 400) × 1.15 ≈ 2.88 → Round up to 3 panels You’ll need 3 x 400W solar panels. Step 4: Battery Storage (for 1 day of backup) Battery Storage = 4.84 kWh × 1 = 4.84 kWh Using 2.5 kWh batteries: Number of Batteries = 4.84 ÷ 2.5 ≈ 2 batteries You’ll need 2 batteries to store a full day’s energy. Step 5: Inverter Size Your inverter should match or slightly exceed your system size: Inverter Size = ≥ 1 kW → Ideal: 1.5 kW Hybrid Inverter

Installation Considerations

  • Ensure panels are installed on a solid, unshaded section of your roof
  • Use proper cables, fuses, breakers, and surge protection
  • Hire a certified technician for professional and safe installation
  • Monitor performance via a charge controller or hybrid inverter display

Why More Kenyans Are Switching to Solar — And Why You Should Too

Electricity prices in Kenya continue to rise. Blackouts are unpredictable. And for many in rural or developing areas, reliable power remains out of reach. Solar energy offers a long-term solution. Kenya receives high solar irradiation year-round — a natural advantage for clean energy generation. With advances in battery technology, hybrid inverters, and panel efficiency, solar power is more accessible and cost-effective than ever before.
Here’s why more households and businesses in Kenya are switching:
  • Eliminate or drastically reduce electricity bills
  • Gain consistent power, even during national grid outages
  • Protect your electronics from power surges and blackouts
  • Make use of Kenya’s abundant solar resource
  • Improve property value and reduce reliance on fossil fuels
  • Support a cleaner, greener, and energy-resilient Kenya
Go Solar. Go Smart. Go Kenyan. Now that you understand your energy needs and how to size a solar system, you’re ready to make the switch. Whether you’re powering a home, business, school, or farm — solar energy gives you freedom, reliability, and savings. Solar isn’t just an alternative. It’s the future of energy in Kenya.