Mar 1 2011
The largest on-roof solar-power system has been installed by Energiebau Solarstromsysteme in Nairobi.
As part of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), a 515 kWp solar power system was installed on the roof of the UN headquarters in Nairobi. This is Africa’s first climate-neutral building.
Energiebau worked in tandem with a group of Africans and Germans to plan and install the solar power system. The project incorporated German solar technology from SMA Solar Technology and SCHOTT Solar along with modules from the Japanese company Kaneka.
The system containing 4,000 modules went live after an installation period, which lasted for 3 months. Capable of producing 750,000 kW of solar energy annually, the installed system is likely to produce more electrical energy than it can consume.
Through the de-centralized production of renewable energy available at the site of consumption, it is possible for Africa to move towards a greener future.
Michael Schäfer, managing director of Energiebau stated that photovoltaics are pivotal for achieving the climate-neutral architecture in the future.
GIZ Kenya, Country Director, Hendrik Linneweber explained that locally, installers in Africa will be trained by Energiebau as part of its agreement with the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development. Soon, installers in Kenya would be trained in a local solar academy in cooperation with SCHOTT Solar and SMA and local training institutions and the companies.