Ask four solar companies for a quote and you'll hear three new words: grid-tied, hybrid and off-grid. They sound technical, but the difference is simple. Each type of solar system in Kenya solves a different problem.
So before choosing a system, ask yourself one question: what do you want solar to do for you?
At a glance
Grid-tied solar: use the sun by day, KPLC the rest of the time
A grid-tied system works alongside KPLC. When the sun is out, solar powers your building. When solar isn't enough, KPLC covers the difference automatically.
Good to know: a grid-tied system has no batteries, so it switches off when KPLC goes off. This is a safety feature, not a fault.
Grid-tied makes sense when:
- You want to cut the power you buy from KPLC
- You use most of your power during the day
- You don't need power during blackouts
Hybrid solar: solar plus backup for outages
A hybrid system adds batteries. Solar powers your building, charges the batteries, and the batteries take over when KPLC goes off. A hybrid inverter can also manage a generator.
Hybrid makes sense when:
- Power cuts disrupt your home or business
- You need certain equipment to keep running during outages
- You want solar and backup in one system
Off-grid solar: run on the sun
An off-grid system is designed so the sun powers you day and night. Panels run your home or business during the day and fill the batteries for the night.
If you're connected to KPLC, you can keep it as a standby for the rare day you need it. If you're in an area with no grid at all, off-grid is how you get reliable power.
Off-grid makes sense when:
- You want to be powered by the sun, not KPLC
- You want power that doesn't depend on the grid at all
- You're in an area where KPLC is unavailable or unreliable
So, which one is for you?
- Want to use less KPLC power during the day? Grid-tied.
- Want backup when the power goes? Hybrid.
- Want to run on the sun? Off-grid.
Not sure? That's normal. The right system depends on how you use power, and that's what we look at first. Get an estimate in minutes or WhatsApp us and tell us what you want solar to do.
Frequently asked questions
Does solar work during a blackout in Kenya?
Only if it has batteries. Hybrid and off-grid systems keep you powered. Grid-tied systems switch off when KPLC does.
Can I go off-grid in Nairobi?
Yes. You can run your home or business on the sun and keep KPLC connected only as standby.
Which solar system costs the least?
Grid-tied usually costs the least because it has no batteries. But the cheapest system is only worth it if it does what you need. Use our cost estimator to compare system types for your property.
Not sure which system fits your situation?
Tell us what you need power for and we'll recommend the right system — at no charge.
Talk to Our Team →