Kenya covers an area of approximately 587,900 sq km of which 576,700 sq km is land surface while the rest is inland water covering 11,200 sq km. Kenya lies astride the equator, its entire land area is located within five degrees North and South latitude. Consequently solar radiation tends to be high (about 5 kwh/m2) over the entire region.

The total population of Kenya is about 32 million of which about 82% of this population lives in the rural areas. Kenya depends on three primary sources of energy namely:- wood-fuel, crude petroleum and hydro electric power. Geo-thermal energy is also being harnessed by the government at Ol Karia in the Rift Valley. Since independence, consumption of electricity has been growing steadily at 5.7% per annum. Currently, the combined hydro, geo-thermal and thermal generating capacities are capable of meeting the national peak demand (approx. 700 mW) for electric power. Approximately 45 mW geo-thermal electricity is generated in the Tana and the Turkwell river basins.

Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) is responsible for providing electricity to the Kenyans. Per capita electricity consumption in Kenya is estimated at 92 kwh. The main grid primarily serves the urban industry; commercial customers and residents. Less than 3% of the power supplied by the KPLC is consumed by rural Kenya, where the majority of Kenyans live.

Shortage of conventional power and non-availability of grid is responsible for poor coverage of rural people. High solar isolation level and excellent climatic conditions favours a wide usage of photovoltaic systems in many parts of Kenya. The PV in rural areas are mainly for private households use (home lighting system, school lighting, rural water pumping, solar refrigeration for health centres etc).