The counterfeit market for solar PV products threatens safety and confidence in the industry. Project owners are encouraged to get informed and source for genuine products for these systems which last well over 15 years.

More importantly, hiring registered professionals will ensure your installation is done according to best practice while remaining safe. The solar industry in Kenya is relatively new compared to other renewable technologies. Checking in with the register of licensed solar PV technicians from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) will help you narrow down to qualified professionals. 

Jacinta Gatwiri of Women in Sustainable Energy and Entrepreneurship (WISEe) joins us for this episode of the Africa Water and Energy Podcast to talk about how you can get licensed as a solar PV technician in Kenya. Other highlights of the show include: 

* A review of figures in the number of registered solar PV technicians* The existing potential for PV jobs in Kenya* Major steps to get accredited at each tier* How WISEe helps women transition to get licensed* Challenges and solutions for addressing the gender gap in this industry

State of the solar PV industry in Kenya

The number of women licensed as solar PV technicians is still relatively low in comparison to their male counterparts. As at mid- November 2019, there are a total of 354 registered technicians, women making up 27 while men make up 327 licensees. 

A register of the latest figures can be found from the EPRA website

The existing potential for solar PV jobs in Kenya

Men and women can contribute in areas of design, installation, maintenance, and training. Solar PV projects are now spread in both urban and rural areas of Kenya. Examples planned and ongoing projects include 

Opportunities such as the KOSAP project represents private-public partnerships for the installation of solar PV systems across 14 counties in Kenya. 

Previously the Government has worked with private companies to install PV systems in over 4,000 schools and health centers. The era of Independent Power Producers has led to companies setting up solar PV mini-grid systems. Associations like the Africa Minigrid Developers Association (AMDA) have the list of participating companies. 

Major steps in getting licensed as a solar PV technician

In Kenya, there are three main tiers you can apply for; T1, T2 or T3. Here is an outline of the tier education and experience requirement:

T1T2 Option 1T2 Option 2 T3 Option 1 T3 Option 2 EducationKCPE Certificate✔️KCSE, Certificate✔️Electrical Government Trade Test 2✔️Bachelor of Science or Higher National Diploma or Diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering✔️✔️Bachelor of Science degree with at least three (3) units/courses specific to electrical engineering✔️Basic Solar PV Trainingfrom an accredited institution ✔️Intermediate Solar PV Training from an accredited institution✔️✔️Advanced Solar PV Training from an accredited institution ✔️Experience shown by Completion reportsMinimum individual system capacity0.1kW1kW1kW15kW [+ 3kW]3kWNumber of systems done3333 (Grid-Tied) [+ 1 Hybrid]5Design documentation✔️

How WISEe empowers women in the Solar PV industry

Some of the notable initiatives of the organisation include:

* Conducting women-only solar PV training* Applying the...