Panel Prices
Solar panels in Kenya go for Ksh 7,000 to Ksh 70,000 per panel depending on the wattage and brand. Roughly:
- 100W panel: about Ksh 7,000
- 250W panel: Ksh 12,000 to 15,000
- 450W panel: about Ksh 21,000
- 670W panel: about Ksh 30,000
But the panels are only part of the cost. A complete system also needs batteries, an inverter, a charge controller, cables, and mounting hardware. Those extras can cost as much as the panels themselves.
How to Size Your System
Here’s the calculation:
- Find your monthly electricity usage in kWh (check your KPLC bill or read your meter)
- Divide by 30 for daily usage
- Divide by sun hours per day (about 7 in Nairobi)
- Multiply by 1.2 for inefficiency and degradation
- Divide by individual panel wattage to get the number of panels
Example
Say your household uses 1,050 kWh per month:
- Daily usage: 1,050 / 30 = 35 kWh
- Required output: 35 / 7 = 5 kW
- Adjusted: 5 x 1.2 = 6 kW
- With 450W panels: 6,000 / 450 = 14 panels
What It Costs
14 panels at Ksh 21,000 each = Ksh 294,000 for panels alone. Add batteries, inverter, controller, cables, mounting, and installation and you’re at roughly Ksh 600,000 to Ksh 800,000 for a complete 6kW home system.
You’ll need about 29 square metres of roof or ground space (about 2.1 sqm per panel x 14).
Is It Worth It?
For most homeowners, yes. Payback period is typically 3 to 5 years, after which you’re generating free electricity. It’s even better for businesses. See how Karenview Eco Lodge runs a 6-storey hotel entirely on solar, saving millions per year.
If you’re building a new house, planning solar from the start is cheaper and easier than retrofitting later.
