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In Kenya the market for C&I rooftop solar PV-systems is growing due to good solar irradiance, declining costs of PV, rising electricity prices, power outages as well as a relatively friendly regulatory framework. Solar energy offers lower prices than grid tariffs but companies also use it to reach their sustainability goals and for image and marketing purposes.

Swissport Kenya Ltd. decided to equip the cold storage facility of its cargo hub at Jommo Kenyatta International Airport with a 110 kWp rooftop PV-system. To carry out this project two German and one Kenyan company joined forces.

With Ofgen Ltd, an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) company from Kenya, a perfect partner was found. Ofgen is relying on German suppliers and their solar components. Therefore, the cooperation created mutual benefits. The German company SMA Technology was responsible for the inverters, whereas the mounting was delivered by Schletter GmbH. Both companies participated in the German Training Week in Kenia in 2016, were they got to know Ofgen Ltd and the basis for the cooperation originated.

The Project Development Programme (PDP), which forms part of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy’s (BMWi) German Energy Solutions Initiative, helped to match the project partners and accompanied the project through consulting and with technical experience.

Close cooperation with the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Kenya (AHK) was another contributing factor for the project’s successful realisation.