How to Choose a Solar Energy Company in Kenya
Ask ten Kenyans who have gone solar and at least three will have a story. A system that died after eight months. An installer who disappeared after payment. Batteries that were “10kWh” on the quote and nowhere near that in real life.
Solar itself is not the problem. It works, and it works very well in our climate. The problem is usually the solar energy company you hire. So before you pay a deposit, here is how to separate the serious ones from the rest.
1. Check that they are licensed
In Kenya, solar contractors are licensed by EPRA (Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority). Ask for the licence and check the class matches the size of the job. A licensed company can be held accountable. A “fundi” with a WhatsApp number cannot. This is to reduce the “fake” solar companies in Kenya. Every Solar company is Regulated/
2. Look at the brands on the quote
A good quote names the exact brand and model of every major component: panels, inverter, battery, mounting structure, cables. If the quote just says “solar panels 550W” or “lithium battery”, ask which brand. Vague quotes are how cheap components sneak in.
At Rhema Solar, for example, our home kits use Hybrid inverters with lithium batteries and Jinko bifacial panels, and we tell you the specs upfront. This is to help Solar Installers with the best approach on the product
3. Ask about warranty in plain terms
There are three warranties, and people mix them up:
- Product warranty – covers manufacturing defects on the panel, inverter or battery.
- Performance warranty – the panel should still produce a set percentage of its output after 25 years or so.
- Workmanship warranty – covers the installation itself. This one comes from the company, not the manufacturer.
Ask who you call if something fails in year two. Then ask if they will be around in year two.
4. Get a site visit, not just a phone quote
Roof angle, shading from a neighbor’s tree, your actual appliances, the distance between the roof and the inverter room. All of these change the design. A company that quotes without ever seeing your house is guessing.
5. Compare the whole package, not the headline price
The cheapest quote is often missing something: mounting, cabling, breakers, earthing, surge protection, commissioning. Put quotes side by side and check what is actually included. Most clients tend to look at the price and forget the quality also. This keeps both the Installer and Client in an awkward position that’s why at Rhema solar energy we only sell our trusted best quality Solar panels, Batteries, Inverters etc. this helps the customer choose only from the best without looking and checking out the price.
6. Ask for references you can visit
Any company that has done good work will happily give you addresses or phone numbers of past clients in your area. If they can’t, that says something.
Red flags
- Pressure to pay the full amount upfront
- No physical office or business registration
- Promises like “you will never pay KPLC again”
- No mention of a load assessment
Where Rhema Solar fits in
We supply and install solar systems in Nairobi and within 40km of the city, including hybrid backup systems, solar water heaters and solar borehole pumps. We are also an authorized and certified Seven SS Stars dealer in Kenya. If you want a second opinion on a quote you already have, send it to us. We’ll tell you honestly what we think.
FAQ
How much should I pay upfront? Typically a deposit to order equipment, with the balance tied to delivery and commissioning. Be careful of anyone asking for 100% before starting.
Can a solar company help if I already have a system? Yes, many will audit or upgrade an existing setup.
