Assessment of Solar Energy Potential in Nakuru, Kenya

Abstract

In this study, the potential of solar energy for utilisation in rural and pre-urban settings in Nakuru municipality was investigated. Global daily radiation intensity, air temperature records and household fuel consumption data were analysed. The study used global radiation intensity data from 1986 to 2010 while ambient temperature records were for the period 1960 to 2008. All these data sets were obtained from the archives of the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD). The data sets were subjected to a number of statistical analyses including; Quality control and Homogeneity tests, temporal, time series as well as several empirical statistics to determine the characteristics of the resource. The characteristics examined include diurnal; seasonal and annual power expectations as well as resource reliability. The Renewable Energy Decision method was used to determine the sizes of the solar energy interceptors that would be required to replace the current conventional energy sources and the associated costs (capital costs and running costs) of the solar energy interceptors. Finally, appropriate chemical equations were applied to the conventional energy consumption values to determine the carbon dioxide and water vapour released during their use. Based on these values and the computed solar energy reliabilities, the percentage of carbon dioxide reduction and conventional energy savings were computed. Results revealed that Nakuru has a moderate to high solar energy potential region, with an average daily insolation of 6.9 kWh/m2. The energy reaching the surface in this area is season dependant with December-February season receiving the highest amount of 678 kWh/m2 and September-November season receiving the least amount of 602.6 kWh/m2. xxi Reliability of this resource on an annual basis was found to lie between 55.5% and 85.5% depending on the temperature (high or moderate) required for the activity being carried out. Results have also indicated that although the initial investment on the resource is modest, it is worth it in the long run given the envisaged energy security, environmental preservation and potential climate change mitigation. The study concluded that Nakuru is endowed with abundant energy resources from the sun, favorable for tapping at both small and medium scale levels. These levels are quite convenient particularly for isolated households in the rural and pre-urban settings of the town. It is recommended that policies be put in place to harness this freely available, abundant, renewable and clean resource for the benefit of the inhabitants of Nakuru municipality.