The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has introduced new licensing requirements for professionals and businesses operating in Kenya’s solar energy sector.
In a notice issued on Monday, the regulator directed solar technicians, contractors, vendors, manufacturers and importers to obtain licences through EPRA’s online licensing portal before providing services or conducting business.
According to the authority, all applicants must submit their applications online and attach the required documentation as outlined on the regulator’s website.
New requirements for solar technicians
EPRA said solar photovoltaic (PV) technicians involved in the installation, maintenance, testing and repair of solar systems must apply under one of three licence categories depending on their qualifications and scope of work.
Applications are expected to be processed within 60 days.
Under the T1 category, applicants will pay a KSh250 application fee, a KSh1,000 licence grant fee and a KSh500 annual renewal fee.
Those applying under the T2 category will pay KSh500 for application, KSh2,000 for the grant and KSh750 for annual renewal, while T3 applicants will be charged KSh750, KSh3,000 and KSh1,000 respectively.
Contractors, vendors and manufacturers affected
The regulator has also outlined licensing requirements for companies involved in designing, installing, selling and manufacturing solar energy equipment.
Contractors seeking licences under the C1 category will pay a KSh500 application fee, a KSh1,000 grant fee and a KSh1,000 annual renewal fee.
Vendors and manufacturers will fall under the V1 and V2 categories.
V1 licence holders will pay KSh1,000 for application, KSh2,500 for the grant and KSh1,000 for annual renewal. Meanwhile, V2 licence applicants will pay KSh2,000 for application, KSh5,000 for the grant and KSh2,000 annually for renewal.
EPRA said approvals for contractor, vendor and manufacturer licences are expected within 30 days.
Solar water heating professionals also targeted
The new guidelines also affect technicians working in the solar water heating sector.
Individuals involved in the installation, servicing and maintenance of solar water heating systems must apply for either an SHW1 or SHW2 licence, with processing expected to take up to 60 days.
SHW1 applicants will pay KSh500 for application, KSh1,000 for the grant and KSh1,000 for annual renewal. Those applying under SHW2 will pay KSh750, KSh1,500 and KSh1,500 respectively.
New categories for solar water heating businesses
EPRA has further classified solar water heating contractors, vendors, manufacturers and importers under the SHC1, SHC2 and SHM categories.
Applicants under SHC1 will pay a KSh2,000 application fee, KSh1,500 grant fee and KSh1,500 annual renewal fee.
SHC2 and SHM licence holders will each pay KSh3,000 for application, KSh2,000 for the grant and KSh2,000 annually for licence renewal.
Push for compliance
The regulator said the move is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen standards, enhance consumer protection and improve compliance within Kenya’s rapidly growing renewable energy sector.
In recent weeks, EPRA has intensified awareness campaigns targeting solar service providers and businesses, urging them to obtain the necessary licences and adhere to regulatory requirements before offering services to the public.
