What Capacity of Solar Energy Do I Need for My House?
What Capacity of Solar Energy Do I Need for My House or Apartment in Kenya?
What Capacity of Solar Energy Do I Need for My? In Kenya today, the shift toward solar power is more than just a trend—it’s a smart investment. Whether you live in a one-bedroom apartment in Nairobi or a five-bedroom home in Kisumu, the question most homeowners ask is:
“What size of solar system do I need for my home?”
At Riisun Solar Energy, we help Kenyans across all 47 counties choose the right solar setup based on their actual power usage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to calculate the solar energy capacity you need, explain key factors to consider, and provide a powerful tool to make this process easier—our free online Solar Energy Calculator.
Step 1: Understand Your Energy Usage
The first step is to know how much electricity your home uses daily or monthly. You can find this on your KPLC electricity bill or by estimating the power consumption of your household appliances.
Example: Appliance Energy Usage Table
| Appliance | Power Rating (Watts) | Usage/Day (Hours) | Daily Energy (Wh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1x TV | 100W | 5 hrs | 500 Wh |
| 1x Fridge | 150W | 24 hrs (runs intermittently) | ~1,200 Wh |
| 5 LED Bulbs | 10W each | 6 hrs | 300 Wh |
| 1x Laptop | 65W | 4 hrs | 260 Wh |
| 1x Phone Charging | 20W | 3 hrs | 60 Wh |
| 1x Water Pump | 500W | 1 hr | 500 Wh |
Total daily usage = 500 + 1,200 + 300 + 260 + 60 + 500 = 2,820 Wh/day
Convert this to kilowatt-hours (kWh):
2,820 Wh = 2.82 kWh/day
Multiply by 30 days to get your monthly usage:
2.82 kWh × 30 = 84.6 kWh/month
Step 2: Estimate Required Solar Capacity
To size your solar system, divide your daily power usage by the average number of sunlight hours per day in Kenya. Most regions receive 5–6 hours of peak sunlight daily.
Calculation:
Solar Panel Capacity (kW) = Daily Energy Use (Wh) ÷ Sunlight Hours (h/day)
From our example:
2,820 Wh ÷ 5 hrs = 564W
So, you need at least a 600W solar panel system.
However, always factor in 20% extra capacity for energy losses, cloudy days, and inverter inefficiencies.
Final estimate:
600W + 20% = 720W → Round up to a 1kW system for safety and flexibility.
Step 3: Consider Battery Storage (Optional)
If you experience frequent blackouts or live in an off-grid area, you’ll want to add batteries for backup.
Battery Sizing Formula:
cppCopyEditBattery Capacity (Wh) = Daily Usage × Days of Backup
If your daily usage is 2,820 Wh and you want 1 day of backup:
CopyEdit2,820 Wh ÷ 12V = 235Ah battery needed
We recommend 2× 200Ah batteries at 12V for a home with moderate usage and to give extra buffer.
Too Complicated? Use Our Free Solar Energy Calculator!
We understand that calculating your solar needs manually can be confusing. That’s why we’ve created an easy-to-use Solar Energy Calculator for Kenya.
👉 Visit our calculator now:
🔗 https://riisunsolarenergy.co.ke/solar-energy-calculator-in-kenya/
Simply enter:
- Your appliances and usage.
- Number of hours used daily.
- Your location in Kenya.
And you’ll get:
- Recommended solar panel capacity (kW).
- Suggested battery size (Ah).
- Approximate cost range.
- Installation guidance.
Recommended System Sizes in Kenya.
| Household Type | Suggested Capacity | Appliances Supported |
|---|---|---|
| Small Apartment (1BR) | 300W – 800W | Lights, TV, laptop, phone, small fridge |
| Medium House (2–3BR) | 1kW – 2kW | Fridge, TV, lights, laptop, water pump |
| Large House (4+ BR) | 3kW – 5kW+ | Full home including heavy appliances |
What’s Included in a Complete Solar Installation?
When you get a system from Riisun Solar Energy, you receive a full package that includes:
- High-efficiency solar panels.
- Smart inverters.
- Optional solar batteries for backup.
- Mounting kits, cabling, charge controller.
- Professional installation anywhere in Kenya.
- Expert support and maintenance.
Why Trust Riisun Solar Energy?
✔ Over 10 years of solar experience in Kenya.
✔ Serving clients in all 47 counties.
✔ Trusted by homeowners, landlords, and institutions.
✔ Flexible solar packages to match every budget.
✔ 24/7 customer support and after-sale service.
Get Expert Help Today
Still unsure about your solar energy needs? Let our professionals help you choose the right system.
📧 Email: support@riisunsolarenergy.co.ke
📱 Call or WhatsApp: 0791-303-866
🌐 Visit: www.riisunsolarenergy.co.ke
Or go directly to our Solar Energy Calculator:
🔗 https://riisunsolarenergy.co.ke/solar-energy-calculator-in-kenya/
