How to Size a Solar System for Your Home in Kenya (Simple Guide)

How to Size a Solar System for Your Home in Kenya (Simple Guide)

Most homes in Kenya install the WRONG solar system size. They either:

Overspend on a system they don’t need

Or install one that can’t power their home

If you’re in Thika, Nairobi, or anywhere in Kenya, this simple guide will help you choose the RIGHT system size and avoid costly mistakes.

Why Proper Solar Sizing Matters

A small system → won’t meet your needs

A big system → wastes your money

The goal: efficient, reliable, and cost-effective power

Step 1: Understand Your Goal

Ask yourself:

Do you want to reduce your KPLC bill?

Do you need backup during blackouts?

Are you going fully off-grid?

Example:

A home in Thika wants to power:

Lights

TV

Fridge

Goal: Reduce bills + backup power

Step 2: List Your Appliances

Example:

Fridge → 300W (10 hrs)

Lights → 50W (5 hrs)

TV → 100W (6 hrs)

Step 3: Calculate Daily Energy Use

Energy (Wh) = Power × Hours

Fridge → 300 × 10 = 3000 Wh

Lights → 50 × 5 = 250 Wh

TV → 100 × 6 = 600 Wh

Total = 3,850 Wh (~3.85 kWh/day)

Add losses → ~5 kWh/day

Not sure how to calculate yours?

We can do it for you FREE: info@globussolar.com is our email address

Step 4: Solar Panel Size

Kenya gets ~5 peak sun hours/day

5,000 ÷ 5 = 1,000W

Add margin → ~1.2kW system

Example: 2 × 550W panels

Step 5: Battery Size

Battery stores power for night & blackouts

Required: ~5 kWh

Adjust for battery type:

Lithium → ÷ 0.9 → ~6 kWh

Lead-acid → ÷ 0.5 (larger needed)

Need help choosing the right battery?

Talk to us: 0794485343

Step 6: Inverter Size

Add appliances running at once:

Total ≈ 450W

Add margin → 700W – 1kW inverter

Step 7: Avoid These Costly Mistakes

These increase system size & cost:

Electric cooker

Kettle

Water heater

Better options:

Gas cooker

Solar water heater

Typical Home System in Kenya

Panels → ~1.2kW

Battery → 5–10 kWh

Inverter → 1–5kVA

Affordable

Reliable

Scalable

Why Go Solar?

Lower electricity bills

Backup during blackouts

Long-term savings (25+ years)

Clean, reliable energy

Get It Done RIGHT with Globus Solar

At Globus Solar, we don’t guess—we design systems that actually work.

Free site survey & consultation

Expert system sizing (no overspending)

High-quality, proven brands

Professional installation

Up to 10-year warranty

Get Your FREE Solar Assessment

Let us help you:

Calculate the exact system size

Recommend the best setup

Save money from day one

No guesswork. No costly mistakes.

Book your FREE site visit: [+254794485343]

Get a quote online: [https://www.globussolar.com]