The law compelling building owners to install solar water heaters takes effect in the next three months. Architects and mechanical engineers have been advising their clients, especially for new upcoming developments, to conform to this guideline.
The Electricity Regulatory Commission (ERC) has directed that homes and buildings that are likely to consume more than 100 litres of water per day must fit solar panels before May 25, 2014. The directive came into force in May 2012. It is known as the Energy (Solar Water Heating) Regulations 2012. Buildings that existed before the directive came into force were given five years, up to May 25, 2017, to comply.
Those who do not comply will face severe sanctions— they may be fined up to Sh1 million or face a jail term not exceeding one year, the ERC warns.
Furthermore, the ERC may direct the Kenya Power and Lighting Company to cease supplying electricity to buildings that do not have solar panels.
The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) has supported the new direction electricity regulation is taking with the chairman, Waweru Gathecha, saying the country must be ready to adapt green energy and exploit solar power which is readily available.
For home owners, only minor structural changes to buildings will be required before the fittings that can be placed on the roof or ground. As long as the building was properly designed then there would be no problem fixing the solar panels.
