Solar Panel Calculator for Kenya
With strong sunshine and rising Kenya Power tariffs, rooftop solar is growing across Kenya — Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and off-grid areas alike. This free solar calculator estimates your system size, payback and savings in shillings using local rates and sun hours.
Calculate my solar payback in Kenya →
Solar at a glance in Kenya
Kenya's high sun hours mean each kilowatt of panels produces a lot — which shortens payback for both grid-tied and off-grid setups.
| Currency | Kenyan shillings (KES) |
|---|---|
| Typical electricity rate | KSh 25 per kWh |
| Installed cost | ≈ KSh 180 per watt |
| Peak sun hours | ≈ 5.8 hours/day |
| Export / buyback | ≈ KSh 9 per kWh |
Indicative 2026 starting points — every figure is editable in the calculator, and results depend on your own bill, roof and installer quotes.
A typical 5 kW system in Kenya
At around KSh 180 per watt, a 5 kW rooftop system costs roughly KSh 900,000 and produces about 8,256 kWh in its first year at Kenya's 5.8 peak sun hours a day. Your real numbers depend on your roof, shading, panel choice and how much power you use during the day — run your own figures in the calculator to see your exact payback, net savings and ROI.
How the solar calculator works
- Your setup. Kenya and Kenyan shillings are pre-selected, with local electricity rate, install cost and sun hours filled in. Enter your monthly bill, or size the system from your appliances.
- Your roof. Search your address or tap “use my location”, then draw your roof on the satellite map — or just type its area. We check the system fits and read local sun hours from NASA data.
- Your results. Instantly see your payback period, net savings, ROI, system size, year-1 production and lifetime CO₂ offset — compare cash vs. a loan, and download a PDF report.
Common questions — solar in Kenya
How many solar panels do I need in Kenya?
It depends on your electricity use, roof space and local sun hours (about 5.8 peak sun hours/day here). A 5 kW system of high-wattage panels is a common starting point for a home — enter your bill or appliances and the calculator gives your exact panel count and system size.
Does Kenya have net metering?
Net metering exists in Kenya under the Energy Act framework, though uptake and utility processes are still developing. Many homes and businesses size for self-consumption, with batteries where backup matters.
Are there solar subsidies or incentives in Kenya?
Solar equipment has benefited from VAT exemptions at various points, but there is no broad national cash subsidy. The value comes from strong irradiance and avoiding a rising retail tariff.
How much does a solar system cost in Kenya?
A typical 5 kW system is roughly KSh 900,000 at about KSh 180 per watt before batteries. Off-grid setups with battery storage cost more — size yours with the appliance-based calculator.
Work out your system size
Not sure how big a system you need? These guides work back from your monthly usage:
500 kWh/month 1,000 kWh/month 1,500 kWh/month 2,000 kWh/month 2,500 kWh/month 3,000 kWh/month
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