Kenya moves to make solar mandatory in new buildings

• If passed, the law will empower the National Construction Authority (NCA) to designate suitable zones for solar energy systems in all new developments. The focus will be on rooftops and building areas that receive sufficient sunshine to ensure optimal generation. 

• This comes at a time when the push for clean energy adoption in all sectors is intensifying globally, with sustainability increasingly becoming a key investment criterion for some major project funders. 

• Our take: This policy will create a predictable demand for solar and attract investment into local manufacturing of solar panels and related components… Read more (2 min)

South African consumers face more tariff pain

• For households and businesses already stretched by rising living costs, this spells more pressure on disposable incomes and operating margins. The settlement could accelerate the general grid exodus.

• Large industrial players, including mines, smelters and manufacturers, have already begun investing in self-generation through solar, wind, and battery storage. With tariffs continuing to rise, the incentive to leave Eskom grows even stronger.

• Our take: Eskom should realise the time for monopoly is over and evolve to target new market segments… Read more (2 min)

Q&A: Inside Solarity's pivot to B2B and healthcare in Nigeria

• Initially, the top distributor of Sun King’s solar products in Lagos, Solarity, introduced its own branded solar lanterns, solar home systems and freezers two years ago. It has also grown into standalone commercial and residential solar systems and wider solar product distribution.

• To address Nigeria’s reliance on generators, they designed an automatic changeover device that operates with the public grid, paving the way for solar distribution.

• The full interview can be read here… (2 min)