Kenyans and businesses that have installed solar systems will soon be able to store extra energy generated into the Kenya Power system for later use.
According to Net-Metering Regulations currently being subjected to public participation, an individual or company with solar panels will be allowed to bank unused power to the national grid.
The regulations have been developed by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Dr Eng Joseph Oketch, the Director-General of Electricity and Renewable Energy at EPRA also say they have another regulation meant to govern the installation of solar water heating equipment.
These regulations are targeting mainly companies and institutions that are using firewood for coming.
Among proposed regulations include setting minimum standards for solar water heating equipment and a requirement that they must be installed by individuals approved by EPRA.
“In Net-Metering, a consumer can install a solar system to meet his/her needs but when not uptaking, they can bank in the Kenya Power system and use later,” Dr Eng Oketch said.
He spoke in Eldoret during public sensitization of the regulations.
“Solar water heating regulations are targeting institutions using firewood to boil water and for commercial purposes. We want to ensure equipment and all related components meet the required standard and are installed by persons licensed by EPRA,” he noted.
Climate change
The EPRA Director General Electricity and Renewable Energy further point out that the two regulations are aimed at providing an avenue that will allow more Kenyans to embrace the use of solar energy – which is one of the main renewable energies in the country.
With more use of solar energy, EPRA believes, it will help reduce the negative impact on climate.
“More use of solar energy lowers carbon emission,” said Dr Eng Oketch.
With the high cost of electricity, more Kenyans have been shifting towards the use of solar energy in lighting and cooking.
However, there have been no laws and regulations governing the use of solar energy, a gap EPRA seeks to bridge with the two regulations.
The regulations once adopted will promote the uptake of renewable energy and streamline the manufacture, importation, design, installation and solar water heating systems in Kenya.
