This guide supports home solar installation and solarisation projects in Kenya. Use it to prepare the information needed for a site-specific discussion and to compare proposed work on a consistent basis.
Turn assumptions into an itemised scope
Roof access, mounting, array size, battery energy, inverter power, distribution-board work, cable runs, protections and monitoring determine the scope. Compare energy coverage and backup duration alongside the price.
The information to collect
Plan household solar around the appliances, backup hours and budget that matter to your home. A measured load assessment creates a clearer system specification than choosing a package by panel count.
- Daily appliance use and a recent electricity consumption record
- Essential backup circuits, including pumps or refrigeration
- Roof condition, shading and suitable equipment space
- Desired reserve hours, expansion plans and budget range
A practical review process
First, name the intended outcome and the person responsible for approving the design or scope. Gather the existing site records and mark anything that is an estimate. Ask the provider to explain which missing measurements could change the recommended equipment or work.
Next, compare the proposed deliverables with the actual requirement. Keep the quotation, specification and acceptance criteria together. If the design changes after assessment or testing, record what changed and approve the revised scope before proceeding.
Avoid a misleading comparison
Usable battery energy differs from nameplate capacity, and weather affects PV generation. A household with electric cooking, heating or large motors needs those loads explicitly included rather than assumed.
Roof access, mounting, array size, battery energy, inverter power, distribution-board work, cable runs, protections and monitoring determine the scope. Compare energy coverage and backup duration alongside the price.
Check the result at handover
Ask for the system layout, circuit schedule, operating modes, battery reserve settings, warranty details and a realistic explanation of the loads supported during an outage.
Adapt the brief to your site and audience
A household may prioritise simple operation and reserve supply. A school or NGO may need operator training, beneficiary or occupancy information and procurement records. A farm needs its irrigation or livestock demand defined. A diaspora-funded project also needs clear local access and remote approval responsibilities.
Continue with home solar installation and solarisation, county planning guidance and a project enquiry.
Does this guide replace a site assessment?
No. It is a planning checklist. Final engineering, water-use decisions and equipment selection depend on measured conditions and the responsible professionals’ assessment.
What should I send when requesting a quote?
Start with your Kenyan site location, intended use and existing records. For this service, prioritise daily appliance use and a recent electricity consumption record and essential backup circuits, including pumps or refrigeration.