The heating of water consumes a lot of electrical energy, and in a bid to save on costs installation of solar water heaters is the way to go. Solar water heaters in Kenya aim at promoting the use of clean energy and also reducing electricity costs by up to 55%.
Types of solar water heaters in Kenya
The most common types of solar water heaters in Kenya
include:
Vacuum tube solar water heater
Also known as evacuated tubes solar water heaters, these are
the most efficient collectors available. Each evacuated tube is similar to a
thermos in principle. A glass or metal tube containing the water or heat
transfer fluid is surrounded by a larger glass tube. The space between them is
a vacuum, so very little heat is lost from the fluid. Since heat loss due to
convection cannot cross a vacuum, it forms an efficient isolation mechanism to
keep heat inside the collector pipes. These collectors can even work well in
overcast conditions and operate in temperatures as low as -40°C. Vacuum life
varies from collector to collector, from 5 years to 15 years. With this solar
system, you can heat water to a temperature of up to 100 degrees with ease.
Flat plate Solar Water Heaters.
Flat plate solar water heaters typically consist of copper
tubes fitted to flat absorber plates. The most common configuration is a series
of parallel tubes connected at each end by two pipes, the inlet and outlet
manifolds. The flat plate assembly is contained within an insulated box, and
covered with tempered glass. Its design allows water circulation through its
collectors and stores it in the tank. Because of selective coatings introduced
in flat plate collectors, the undynamic fluid temperature can reach 200
degrees.
Pricing
Prices of solar water heaters in Kenya range from 50,000 to
up to 200,000 depending on the brand and the type of solar water heater whether
its flat plate or evacuated tubes, pressurized or non-pressurized system.
Installation
Installation of Solar Water Heaters in Kenya is guided by
the Energy Regulatory Committee (ERC), thus it is important that your
installation is handled by an individual with the certifications required by
ERC. It is required that a hose that consumes more than 100Litres of hot water
a day install a solar water heating system . Solar water heaters installation
cost varies from company to company ranging from 10,000 to 30,000. some company
charge separate fees for installation whereas in some company the installation
cost is factored in the the systems price thus when you purchase the company
handles the installation.
Before doing the installation it is important for a technician
to do a site visit which aims at establishing the amount of hot water that is
needed in your homestead and thus recommend a capacity that is suitable for
your needs. During the site visit it is also important to establish the best
position to place the solar water heater ,this is the position in your house
that get direct maximum sunlight.
When buying a solar water heater, determine which system will be ideal for your home. Consider one that will help to reduce energy bills at home and offer services for longer. Also, the solar water heating system will require regular inspection and maintenance. Therefore it is important to work with a certified professional who will handle such jobs on your budget.
Top solar water heater suppliers in Kenya
Here are some of the top solar water heater suppliers that
are operating in Kenya.
Ellen Power Systems
Ellen Power Systems have
been in the industry for the past five years, distributing Magnizon inverters,
solar energy products and have been partners for power backup solutions.
The company prides itself of a well-knit team of engineers
who configure, design, integrate, supply and install their solar products
according to the clients’ needs. Ellen Power Systems assures their clients 100
per cent satisfaction based on the quality of their products as well as their
great pre and post sale services.
Ellen Power Systems focuses in providing solutions for solar
home power, solar agriculture, small office and home applications, industrial
applications, data centers as well as solar thermal applications among others.
Based in Nairobi, their vision is to be an exemplary
distributor of the power back up solutions through green energy. The company
serves various clients including industries such as banks, the IT industry,
schools, food and beverage packing industry, as well as large public and
private sectors.
Solense
Solense is a
one stop provider for all your green energy and power backup solutions. The
company works closely with innovative suppliers and manufacturers from around
the world in providing the best products for their clients. Based in Nairobi,
Solense works together with other partners in the region to ensure lives are
made easier by increasing production capacities in the commercial sector
through giving constant power for lighting, computerization and domestic use.
Their ranges of products are sourced from Europe and North
America which allow for innovation as well as quality. The company packages
their products to suit each of their clients’ needs, not only maximizing on
cost but also quality. Their solar panels have a 6 to 10 year warranty and a
life span of 25 years. In addition to that, their batteries have a life span of
2 years and a lifespan of 12 years. Solense also focuses in providing power
backup solutions, lighting solutions, hot water solutions, water pumping and
mini grids.
Solense works under its parent company, Center for
Alternative Technology, who has been in the renewable energy industry since
1996. Through the years, both companies have amassed great experience from the
many successful installations it has completed for lodges, residential homes,
farms offices, hospitals as well as village water pumping.
Power Point Systems E.A
Power Point Systems
East Africa specializes in renewable solutions such as solar and power
control solutions such as power back up systems. They offer both hybrid
and stand alone systems and specialize in the design, installation and
maintenance of electrical systems both at industrial and residential levels.
The organization has years of experience in the solar and
electrical fields with efforts being geared towards customer satisfaction.
Their products come with warranty and they offer after sales services which
includes repair and maintenance.
Kenital Solar
Kenital Smart Energy
Solutions has been in business for the last 30 years and has
established itself as a reputable provider of renewable energy. The company has
done thousands of installations not only in Africa but also in Europe, Middle
East and Australia. Through it vast experiences in remote areas of the world,
Kenital has developed a cost effective approach that has resulted to the
establishment of great trust between them and their clients.
Kenital believes in evolving, and this includes the type of
technology used in their products as well as the suitability of its employees
in being able to deliver.
Go Solar Systems Ltd
Go Solar Systems is
one of the oldest and leading solar companies in Kenya and in the East African
region. With more than 10 years experience, the company has immersed great
technology and knowledge in the supply and installation of solar PV lighting
systems, solar water heaters, power back up systems and solar water pumping
solutions.
Go Solar Systems prides itself in providing personalized
services tailored to meet the requirements of the region. The company invests a
lot in testing new products and technologies to be able to determine which
product will prove most effective and resourceful. Besides solar hot water
systems, the company also deals with wind generators.
The company has installed solar systems for NGOs, private
companies, parastatals as well as individual residential homes in Kenya, South
Sudan, Rwanda, Zambia and Somalia.
Suntech Power Systems
Suntech Power Systems focuses
on the supply and distribution of solar and energy related equipment in Kenya
and the entire East African region. Its primary solutions include solar hot
water, solar street lighting, power backup, solar pumping, solar power &
lighting, grid-tie and hybrid solar as well a solar wind hybrid.
Suntech specializes in sourcing for the best products as
well as offer professional advice on their products. The company is emerging as
a new leader in the renewable energy sector as it focuses on providing energy
solutions that address the current energy challenges such as cost.
EOS Solar Company
EOS Solar Company operates
in East Africa and provides solar energy solutions to both Kenya and its
neighboring countries. It prides itself of taking a leadership role in the
renewable energy sector, where it uses solar energy as a platform for
catapulting industrial and social growth across Africa.
EOS has worked and partnered with various organizations such
as the ERC, Kenya Power among others in providing solar solutions to
organizations, schools and residential homes. The company provides industrial,
residential, commercial and community solar solutions.
Its comprehensive services such as providing consultancy
services, its involvement in project planning, as well as operation and
maintenance of the equipment make it among the top leading solar companies in
the region.
OFGEN (Off-Grid Energy Company East Africa)
OFGEN was founded
in July 2011 in Kenya and has proven itself a trend setter in the solar
industry. The company pride itself as a professional solar energy provider that
designs, supplies and installs solar PV and thermal products for both domestic
and commercial markets. It aims to be the leading solar PV technology company
in East and Central Africa.
OFGEN aims to create a sustainable future by providing
innovative and appropriate solar PV solutions that adequately meets the needs
of the client. It has worked with schools, community centers as well as private
and public institutions.
OFGEN prioritizes the use of modern technology in their
products and utilize innovative solar solutions. They also work with architects
and developers to incorporate solar technology into construction projects by
offering guidance throughout the entire planning and development process.
Plexus Energy
Plexus Energy offers
energy solutions by focusing on green energy products. Located in Nairobi,
Kenya; the company partners with global leaders as well as local companies in
providing alternative energy solutions to their clients.
Not only do they provide clean energy, the organization
gives their clients value for their money by reducing costs. Their technique
makes them a pace setter in the solar industry having partnered with various
leading companies in Kenya such as Liquid Telcom, Access Kenya Group, Karibu
Homes among others.
The company deals with solar batteries, solar water heaters, solar panels and inverters. One of its pioneering solutions is the Kijiji solar (K-Solar), a solar powering system that generate electricity that runs into the home, farm and business. This product, that provides lighting all day and for 4-5 hours at night, is ideal for rural homes who have no access to electricity or want to minimize on electricity bills.As a green energy company, Plexus Energy emphasizes on efficiency in its products as well as customer service. Its mission is to lead the society’s transition to green energy.