Consumer view: Robert's journey to energy independence

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Robert Mbai, a resident of Kiambu, Kenya, experienced a challenge after he moved to an area without grid connection. This was a barrier to modern life. He needed a reliable power source, and fast. After months of inquiries and inflated quotes from solar companies, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

• "I realised," Robert explained, "that the real power wasn't in the solar home systems; it was in the knowledge." He embarked on a four-month research journey, navigating a market rife with inconsistencies and information gaps. Online searches proved fruitless, and phone calls led to dead ends. He had no choice but to physically visit stores, comparing prices and specifications.

• What he discovered was eye-opening. Solar companies were packaging outdated components and selling them at exorbitant prices to uninformed customers. "It felt like they were profiting from our ignorance," Robert said. "I wasn't going to let that happen."

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• Armed with newfound knowledge, Robert decided to purchase his solar components separately. He invested $2,706 in six 575 W solar panels, a 6 kV hybrid inverter, and a 5 kV battery energy storage system. This was a significant upfront investment, but Robert knew it would pay off in the long run.

• "Companies like Sun King offer basic home kits," he noted, "but they didn't meet my energy needs. I would have needed five of their kits to achieve what my custom system does."

• Initially, Robert considered pay-as-you-go (PAYG) financing, a popular option in Kenya. However, the high-interest rates made it clear that purchasing the system outright was the more economical choice. "The daily installments seemed manageable," he admitted, "but the long-term cost was simply too high."

• The decision to install the system himself came with an additional cost of $309 for labor. But this was a one-time expense. Robert discovered that his system required minimal maintenance – just a simple wipe down of the panels occasionally. And with a 12-year warranty, he was confident in its longevity.

• One of the key features of his system was the hybrid inverter, a forward-thinking choice. "Right now, I'm completely off-grid," he explained, "but when the main grid reaches my area, I want the option to connect seamlessly." Unlike the standard inverters sold with most home systems, Robert's hybrid inverter offers this flexibility.

• Robert's advice to anyone considering solar power is clear: "Do your homework. Get a pen and paper, and calculate your energy needs. Don't let anyone sell you an overpriced system that doesn't meet your requirements."

• His investment has transformed his life. He now enjoys uninterrupted power, allowing him to work from home efficiently and power all his devices. "It was a tedious journey," he admitted, "but completely worth it. I'm now energy-independent."