By Fred Deya
As the historic drought in Kenya’s eastern region continues to haul, a ‘spiritual’ centre in Machakos has decided to tame the scotching sun by tapping into the natural energy using solar panels.
The roofed solar panels at the Bishop’s resident at Catholic diocese of Machakos is a lucrative move at the soul healing centre, heating water for consumption in the entire diocese and for residents around. The solar generated power also lights the premises; hospital and school, a project that has seen the higher reduction of electricity bill.
The solar energy innovation has come the right time because the electricity power is more expensive and non-consistent.
The former Bishop of the Catholic of Machakos, Rt . Rev Martin Kivuva Musonde has been passionate about the solar project, saying. “The 80 solar panels at the roof top have the capacity to tame the scorching sun of Ukambani (Kamba land) and convert into useful energy. The generated energy from the sun is also used by other residents within and outside the compound, pastoral center and Pope Paul VI junior Seminary.”
According to the spiritual leader, there is huge reduction of electricity bill from Kenya power and Lighting Company (KPLC), whereby he used to pay hundreds of shillings before the solar installation.
According to Bishop, the Bishop’s house was built in a way to suit the easy installation of the panels at the roof top.
The panels at the Bishop’s house are placed in a way that they are directly hit by sun beam. In the compound, there are street lights powered by the same solar panels, providing light and security at night. The solar power also pumps water from the nearby well and heat water for consumption.
Bishop Kivuva got an interest in clean energy when he became the Bishop of Catholic diocese ofMachakos due to the scorching sun he was experiencing which is a natural source of energy. He said that he borrowed idea in late 80’s by a German lady when he was working in Mombasa as a priest.
According to father Francis, who is also personate about the solar project at the diocese said that the initiative is a step ahead. He added that hospitals, schools and residential houses can be able to access solar power with relative ease.
According to the leader, he said that the installation of solar power could act as an eye opener, enabling most building in the rapid growing Machakos town turn a “Green city”.
It was about 60,000 Euros (Ksh70M) that was used for the completion of solar project, amount that was donated by Diocese of Cologne and Rottenberg in Germany.
Paul Kinga, biomedical engineer at Bishop Kioko hospital said that despite the high cost of installation; the solar power is cheap, reliable with less cost of maintenance.
“It cost us Ksh 4.8Mtob install the solar system at the hospital. However, the move is not regrettable because it has minimized the monthly electricity power bill”, said Kinga.
Solar expert added that the hospital has a constant power plan and the premises have remained lit throughout
Kenya based solar power generation installation company, Davis and Shirtliff has contributed a big chunk to ensure that the clean energy is well spread through the country through offering cheap and affordable installation cost.
According to Philip Holi, Davis and Shirtliff technical director, nearly 60 percent of Kenya’s energy cost could be saved through the use of solar energy.
“Renewable energy will be a viable solution over the non-renewable energy, even with the new reserves of oil that we have. They are only going to last us so long; turning more to renewable energy is what we need in the country,” he said.
