August 11 2021

How Long It Takes Solar Panels To Charge a Battery in Kenya

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Learn How Long It Takes Solar Panels To Charge a Battery in Kenya

Most mono crystalline solar panels in Kenya can charge batteries within five to eight hours due to the abundant sunshine throughout the year in most parts of the country

The estimated solar potential in Kenya is almost 15000 MW. At the moment the installed capacity is more than 100 MW with the largest installation being Garissa Solar with 55MW installed capacity. The uptake of solar power in Kenya has been due to several factors such as cheaper technology for solar panels, abundant supply of panels, over-reliance and costliness of fossil fuels and the unstable nature of both hydro and wind power generation therefore solar power is now Kenya’s next frontier for renewable energy. Solar batteries store the energy that is collected from your solar panels. The higher your battery’s capacity, the more solar energy it can store. In order to use batteries as part of your solar installation, you need solar panels, a charge controller, and an inverter.

Determining How Long It Takes Solar Panels To Charge a Battery in Kenya

Solar energy is a cost-effective way to ensure universal electricity coverage, especially in the arid and semi-arid areas, in Kenya. If you have a 200ah battery, only 80% of that is usable due to depletion limitations, so you really only have 160 amp-hours of energy to draw on. If you learn that you typically can last two days with energy from that battery, that means you consume 80 amp hours a day. Total charging time depends on the weather, as well as state and type of battery. If a battery is completely drained, a panel can typically charge the battery within five to eight hours. Read: 3 Types Of Solar Batteries Available In Kenya

The Best Time Solar Panels Charge Batteries in Kenya

Kenya is arguably the world leader in the number of solar power systems installed per capita. The total recharging time varies depending on the state of a battery. If a battery is totally drained, a solar panel can energize the cells within five to eight hours. The position of the sun in the sky can impact a panel’s charging speed. When sunlight shines directly on a panel in the middle of summer, the charging speed will be faster. Charging cycles are slower on cloudy days. Read: Does Solar Really Work In Kenya? Here’s What You Need to Know

In conclusion Kenya is an ideal location for production of electricity through solar panels due to abundant sunshine throughout the year in most parts of the country. More Kenyans are now turning to solar power every year rather than make connections to the country’s electric grid. This is due to a number of challenges that one faces when connecting to the national grid the first and foremost being costs of such a setup and also the high cost of buying power from the only utility company in the country.

Does Solar Really Work In Kenya? Here’s What You Need to Know

Arguably the most common question solar technology skeptics in Kenya normally ask is does solar really work In Kenya?

The flooding of the Kenyan market with substandard quality portable solar powered lamps had the biggest negative impact on the embracing of solar technology as far back as 12 years ago.

With solar retailers in Kenya focusing on quantity rather than offering the Kenyan market quality, many consumers ended up with substandard solar products making them conclude that solar technology isn’t reliable and doesn’t work.

But this is far from the truth. Solar technology does actually work in Kenya!

Keep in mind that the solar technology 10 or so years ago wasn’t as advanced as it is today.

Battery storage for instance has gradually shifted from the toxic high maintenance lead acid batteries to the gel type no maintenance required batteries that last more than 5 years when programmed by a hybrid inverter to optimal depth of discharge rates that preserve and extend battery life. Read more about the 3 Types Of Solar Batteries Available In Kenya

So Does Solar Really Work In Kenya?

The answer is yes! But focus on quality rather than price is imperative when thinking of installing a solar system.

With focus on quality solar systems comes reliability and value for money on your renewable energy investment in Kenya.

If you are in the market for a solar system that performs for longer hours during the night then emphasis on battery storage is key for your systems optimal performance.

If you are in the market for a solar system that performs only during day time then emphasis on a bigger battery storage bank is not as important. This option is considerably cheaper.

PowerAfricaSolar only offers quality solar systems that perform by offering value for money. Take a look at 18 solar packages we offer and email us with your preferred package for a final quote.

In conclusion, put an end to unpredictable high energy bills, power blackouts, monthly 16 % VAT charged on your electricity bill, over billing, backdated bills and generally unreliable energy services by going solar contact us for a free quote today.