Hey Republik, some updates;
A: Phase 1:
I've installed 5 solar lights around the house (externa flood light). They each come independent with each having it's panel. Installation straightforward, did all lights in under 2hrs between 4-6pm.
I've noted that the 5 lights (rated "50W" by manufacturer) are able to light up the whole compound and enable one to do daily activities at night - i.e. one is able to wash, have family dinner nje, estate party, irrigate the compound etc at night in full lighting conditions. Lighting illuminates around 8mtrs from wall below each light. The 5 light up the entire compound. They are running whole cycle i.e. from sunset to sunrise with minimal dimming from around 4am to sunrise.
Cost for the 5 was 7,500x5=37,500. A neighbour with a 100W AC security light tells me bill went up by 1k once he installed it. So working with a crude ROI of about 3yrs. Was told that the solar battery in the lamps can go 5yrs, and replacement is ksh 1,500 per battery. Pannels go post 30yrs (experience with one done shaggz 1998, still working).
B: Proposed phase II:
I want to install a full solar system to light up the fence concrete columns (15 lights total just for experiment and beauty), compound CCTV plus an automated gate. This one will have an converter to switch from DC to AC so they can cover the extended wiring (conversion loss 15-30%; from books). Appxt cost of solar with 200AH battery 50k. Checking if it's possible to have KPLC as back up in cloudy days for this system.
C.
Phase III: If these make sense, will power a bush cabin in Maasai land with fridge, freezer and all other appliances with solar before deciding at switching from KPLC full time at home.
Crude calculations for house use still hovering around 1-1.5M but have not got time to engage expeets to make these calculations concrete.
Will keep updating.
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