STRATEGY

Startimes diversifies business operations into solar

Kenya’s sales of off-grid solar energy kits in second half of 2023 surpassed 2.5 million units.

In Summary

•According to statistics from Kenya’s EPRA, solar energy comprised 5.53 percent of the 86 percent of electricity generated from renewable sources by 2022.

•As part of the rollout, Startimes plans to open several showrooms across the country to enhance customer access to its new solar solutions.

Startimes lead solar consultant Hanisa Weru, Solar Engineer Wesley Wasike and Marketing Director Tamima Ibrahim during the launch of Startimes Solar
Startimes lead solar consultant Hanisa Weru, Solar Engineer Wesley Wasike and Marketing Director Tamima Ibrahim during the launch of Startimes Solar
Image: HANDOUT

Startimes is diversifying its Kenyans operations into solar power solutions for residential and commercial consumers

In the plan, the pay TV firm is looking to offering a reliable alternative to traditional power sources for homes and businesses nationwide.

CEO of Startimes Carter Luo noted that in their market penetration strategy, the company will be looking to ride on longer warranties.

“Our goal is to ensure a reliable and continuous power supply, enabling seamless connectivity for communities throughout Kenya,” Luo stated.

The move comes at a time that Kenya’s sales of off-grid solar energy kits in East Africa in the second half of 2023 surpassed 2.5 million units, making it the largest off-grid-solar market in the region, representing 74 percent of total sales.

As part of the rollout, Startimes plans to open several showrooms across the country to enhance customer access to its new solar solutions.

According to Luo, the solar system comes with a 15-year guarantee on solar panels, a 10-year warranty on batteries, and a 5-year warranty on inverters.

Miss Tamima Ibrahim, Marketing Director at Startimes, that the company aims to provide its customers with a dependable power source.

 “This solar power solution is a game-changer for Startimes. By integrating these systems into homes and businesses, we are not only supporting energy needs but also contributing to a more sustainable and reliable power infrastructure across the country."

"Our in-house installation services ensure that the transition to solar power is smooth and efficient,” she said.

According to statistics from Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, solar energy comprised 5.53 percent of the 86 percent of electricity generated from renewable sources by 2022.

The installed photovoltaic capacity in Kenya has risen to 210 megawatts, up from 170 megawatts in the middle of 2022.

In the past few years Kenya has remained an attractive destination for Chinese manufacturers of renewable energy equipment.

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