Kenya: solar tech market set to rise

Kenya’s shift to renewable energy sources presents a lucrative and expanding market for solar equipment.

This is according to Shenzhen Power Solution Limited Vice-President Susan Lee, who spoke to Xinhua news at an energy and power expo, held in Nairobi.

“Our main focus [is] in household solar solutions that are affordable but are of high quality. We are scouting for a Kenyan franchise to distribute our products that include solar lanterns, torches and solar study lamps,” Lee said.

She added that the company has invested in solar solutions that are tailor made for populations that are not connected to power.

“We are here to help Kenyans get rid of indoor pollution associated with kerosene lamps. Our products will help clear smog that is a leading cause of respiratory diseases,” Lee said.

A local distributor of the products, Isaac Mbugua, said Kenyan consumers have been receptive to Chinese manufactured solar technologies.

“Based on my observation, there is a higher demand for solar lighting solutions from China. The products have met our quality benchmarks and so far no customer has complained of breakages,” Mbugua said. Read more…

Solar tech market

Sales director from Chinese firm Esavior,  Leo Leung, said Kenya presents a formidable market for solar technologies as households and industries embrace cleaner energy sources.

“We are already in fifteen African countries but Kenya has better prospects especially in household solar lighting. County governments and charities are the biggest market for solar panels and LED solar street lights,” Leung said.

Prioritising energy policies

In a recent World Bank report, Kenya was listed as the leader among countries in sub-Saharan Africa when it comes to putting in place policies on access to energy, energy efficiency and investment in renewable sources. Read more…

The Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy (RISE) report indicates that this east African country is taking progressive measures, having about 60% access to electricity followed by Tanzania at 36% and Uganda at 27%.

Featured image: 123rf