Project Spotlight: Eldoret Safaricom 120kW Solar

The Safaricom 120kWp solar project in Eldoret, commissioned in early 2025, is one of Arch Expert Limited's most technically complex renewable energy projects to date. It powers critical telecommunications infrastructure that serves hundreds of thousands of subscribers across the Rift Valley.

Project Overview

The system comprises 210 × 575Wp monocrystalline solar panels arranged in a ground-mounted configuration across approximately 580 square metres. Peak output capacity is 120kWp, feeding through a combination of 3-phase string inverters into the national grid under a net-metering agreement with KPLC.

Engineering Challenges

Eldoret sits at 2,100 metres above sea level, which creates both advantages and challenges. The high altitude means lower ambient temperatures (improving panel efficiency by 2–3%) but also higher wind loads that required our structural team to design a robust galvanized steel mounting frame capable of withstanding gusts exceeding 90 km/h.

The site's soils — a deep volcanic loam — required driven pile foundations rather than concrete footings to avoid waterlogging risks during the long rains season. Our geotechnical team conducted soil bearing tests at three depths before settling on 2.4m steel H-piles at 3m centres.

Grid Synchronization and Protection

Grid-tied systems at this scale require anti-islanding protection — the inverters must automatically disconnect if the KPLC grid goes down, to protect line workers. We installed Type II surge protection devices on both DC and AC sides and integrated a SCADA monitoring system that provides real-time performance data accessible remotely by the client's facilities management team.

Results

In its first six months of operation, the system has generated an average of 480 kWh per day — tracking within 4% of the initial energy yield assessment. Safaricom's net electricity bill at the site has reduced by approximately 68%, with payback projected at under 6 years at current KPLC commercial tariffs.

This project demonstrates Arch Expert's capability to deliver large-scale, technically demanding solar installations across Kenya. Learn more about our renewable energy services.