of buildings. Boarding learning institutions are among those that have shown poor compliance. The solar kits are expected to help conserve energy and lower demand for electricity as increased economic activity and connection of more homes to the grid put pressure on existing power generation plants. Besides, installing solar panels could help homes slash electricity bills by up to 20 per cent and water heating costs by up to 60%. But property developers have cited prohibitive costs of solar heaters as a deterrent to increased uptake. The cost of a complete solar water heater system for domestic use ranges between KSh125,000 and KSh150,000 (approximately US$1,200 and US$1,400) per unit and between Sh600,000 and Sh2 million (US$ 5,700 and US$19,000) for commercial buildings. While the new rules have been received by the affected parties with some dismay due to cost implications, they are a boon to suppliers of solar water heaters and related services. Already, many of these companies are reporting a surge in enquiries and sales of solar water heaters unlike in the past where they relied on salespeople to push their products in the market. The number of new entrants in the sector is also rising with many companies rushing to supply the soon-to-be lucrative market. In the coming months, competition is guaranteed to be even fiercer and the determinants of success in this sector will largely depend on pricing, quality and aftersales service. Suppliers As the deadline for compliance with the ERC’s Solar Water Heating Regulations draws nearer, companies in this sector a preparing to reap the windfall. The uptake of solar water heating systems is already on an upward trend with many developers now obligated to provide the facilities at the conception stage of projects. Existing users are also realizing that they may get caught up in last-minute rush and are slowly but steadily installing the systems. Quality and pricing as well
commissioning and maintenance of solar systems both for water heating and power generation. For water heating, they offer both split/ centralized solutions and thermosiphon systems from a low capacity of 100 liters to as much as space can allow. According to David Maranga who is a Product Manager with the company, adoption of solar energy systems is a prudent decision owing to the rising cost of living and doing business. “Many people have started to appreciate that solar is a worthy investment with a very short payback period and long-term benefit,” he says, adding that technology has changed over the last few years making it more affordable and efficient. He however cautions that in a market filled with cheap solutions, due diligence is important.
as ability of suppliers to provide reliable after-sales service will play a huge role in determining a customer’s decision to select a particular supplier. Being a fairly huge investment, few buyers are willing to stake their money in a product that is unlikely to serve them efficiently for a reasonable period. Customers, especially individual home owners and institutions, would also be looking for a return on investment through significant reductions in energy costs within the first three or four years after installation. There are a number of reliable companies that supply quality solar water heaters among a myriad other energy-related products. Some of these are fairly new in the business while others are established organizations that have amassed substantial expertise in these products. Most of the solar products are sourced from Europe and Asia (mostly China). Hotpoint Appliances Limited Hotpoint Appliances Ltd has been in the East African market for the last over 30 years and has become a household name trusted by the market. In the last eight years, the company has diversified into engineering and five years ago started offering renewable energy solutions. Hotpoint Appliances offer complete solutions i.e. design, supply,
Chloride Exide Chloride Exide is another well known name in the solar energy sector. Established more than 50 years ago, the company has been at the forefront of renewable energy solutions including solar and wind power harnessing. Their solar water heating systems are long lasting, efficient, user-friendly and low maintenance. Negawatt Limited Negawatt is a relatively new entrant on the solar energy solutions market though the people behind the company have extensive experience in the field. The company supplies and installs Led Lights, Solar PV, Solar Water Heating, Solar Street Lights, Solar Consulting and Feasibility studies. Their products are sourced from Germany, UK, France, Australia, India and China. Operations Manager Isaac Kiunga says Negawatt distinguishes itself from the competition by offering affordable Tier 1 products with robust design. The fact that they systems are turnkey and financing arrangements can be made for the customers are other attributes that attract customers to the company. According to Mr. Kiunga, there has been “a tremendous uptake” of solar products in the last few years. He advises prospective customers to go with experienced suppliers who can guarantee quality.
www.constructionreviewonline.com September 2017 | CR
27