KITRAC Engineering Solutions designed and installed a 50 kW on-grid solar photovoltaic system for a resort complex in Kilifi County. The resort had been running entirely on a diesel generator, with fuel costs representing the single largest operational expense. The owner engaged KITRAC to carry out a full energy audit and design a solar solution capable of meeting daytime base load while exporting surplus to reduce Kenya Power import costs during evenings.
The system comprises 125 × 400 Wp monocrystalline panels mounted on a custom galvanised steel ballasted racking structure across two roof sections. Three 17 kW grid-tied inverters were installed in a dedicated plant room, wired back to a new AC distribution board integrated with the existing generator and utility supply. A 48V battery bank was included to extend solar coverage into early evening for common area and security lighting.
Since commissioning, the resort has reduced generator run hours by over 70% and seen its monthly electricity expenditure fall by an average of KES 180,000. The system was designed with expansion provisions for an additional 25 kW array on a third roof section once the resort completes its planned conference wing.
125 × 400 Wp monocrystalline panels on two roof sections with custom galvanised ballasted racking — no roof penetrations, preserving warranty on the existing waterproofing membrane.
Three 17 kW grid-tied inverters in a dedicated plant room, integrated with the existing generator and Kenya Power supply via an intelligent changeover control panel.
48V Lithium-Ion battery bank extends solar coverage into early evening for common areas, walkways, and perimeter security, reducing generator start-up to nighttime only.
Full AC and DC surge protection, string monitoring, and remote SCADA access for the resort management — live generation data displayed on a wall-mounted dashboard.
System commissioned and EPRA approved within 8 weeks; generator run hours down 70%+ within the first month of operation, exceeding the client's business case projections.
Images from the 50kW Kilifi solar installation — panel mounting, inverter room fit-out, battery bank, and completed rooftop array.
KITRAC Engineering Solutions is a licensed electrical and solar engineering firm delivering quality installations and maintenance services across Mombasa and coastal Kenya.