I wish this was kenya.

Link.

Was to do calculations KE scenario (which is interestingly cheaper compared to other countries) uzembe ikipungua. Seriously considering as a long term investment capable of saving me like 7-10k monthly....

I'd be interested to have a look at said calculation. More so if the necessary equipment can bought in phases, increasing from basic lighting to farming. Tutapunguza aje uzembe?

https://www.tesla.com/solarroof

Habari ndio hio

Hey Republik, some updates;

A: Phase 1:
I've installed 5 solar lights around the house (externa flood light). They each come independent with each having it's panel. Installation straightforward, did all lights in under 2hrs between 4-6pm.

I've noted that the 5 lights (rated "50W" by manufacturer) are able to light up the whole compound and enable one to do daily activities at night - i.e. one is able to wash, have family dinner nje, estate party, irrigate the compound etc at night in full lighting conditions. Lighting illuminates around 8mtrs from wall below each light. The 5 light up the entire compound. They are running whole cycle i.e. from sunset to sunrise with minimal dimming from around 4am to sunrise.

Cost for the 5 was 7,500x5=37,500. A neighbour with a 100W AC security light tells me bill went up by 1k once he installed it. So working with a crude ROI of about 3yrs. Was told that the solar battery in the lamps can go 5yrs, and replacement is ksh 1,500 per battery. Pannels go post 30yrs (experience with one done shaggz 1998, still working).

B: Proposed phase II:
I want to install a full solar system to light up the fence concrete columns (15 lights total just for experiment and beauty), compound CCTV plus an automated gate. This one will have an converter to switch from DC to AC so they can cover the extended wiring (conversion loss 15-30%; from books). Appxt cost of solar with 200AH battery 50k. Checking if it's possible to have KPLC as back up in cloudy days for this system.

C.
Phase III: If these make sense, will power a bush cabin in Maasai land with fridge, freezer and all other appliances with solar before deciding at switching from KPLC full time at home.

Crude calculations for house use still hovering around 1-1.5M but have not got time to engage expeets to make these calculations concrete.

Will keep updating.

Kindly share the feedback for phase II, particularly interested in this bit column light/ automatic sliding gate/ garden lights plus underground water tank pump. I assume you are using LED lights i doubt this consumes any solar compared to traditional lighting.

Someone told me 2 panels will be enough for all above uses assuming LED lights so i am wondering why 1M +

You ahead of me on this one. Haven't started yet but general place is not exactly masai lands....

Abundant clay soil, so planning a sinple walling with red brics prepared onsite.

Roofing with those clear mabatis then thatching to reduce daylight heat. Brick floor. 2-3 rooms (sitting plus store for household furniture and tents).

Clear some area and prepare for tents. Idea is family camping once in a while as we take stock of goats as well as taste them....

Eastern bypass, just next to Engen petrol station. Near Membley estate.

Didn't ask if they have offices outside nairobi area.

300kWh - 400kWh is my typical monthly consumption in 3BR apartment - 6 people in the household....kila mtu anakunyua 50kWh....

That's very high consumption do you have commercial appliances or what?