EPRA Issues New Licensing Rules for Solar Technicians Contractors and Manufacturers

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority has rolled out fresh licensing requirements for players in the solar energy sector. The notice, issued on Monday, June 22, targets technicians, contractors, vendors, manufacturers and importers.

All applicants must submit their requests through the EPRA online licensing portal and attach required documents as specified on the website.

Individual solar photovoltaic technicians who install, maintain, test and repair solar power systems now fall under three licence classes. These depend on their qualifications and the scope of work. Processing takes up to 60 days.

Under the T1 category, applicants pay a Ksh250 application fee, Ksh1,000 grant fee and Ksh500 annual renewal. T2 applicants face Ksh500 application, Ksh2,000 grant and Ksh750 renewal fees. T3 applicants pay Ksh750, Ksh3,000 and Ksh1,000 respectively.

Solar PV contractors involved in designing and installing systems must apply under Class C1. They pay Ksh500 for application, Ksh1,000 grant fee and Ksh1,000 for annual renewal. Approvals come within 30 days.

Vendors and manufacturers operate under V1 and V2 categories. V1 applicants pay Ksh1,000 application fee, Ksh2,500 grant fee and Ksh1,000 renewal. V2 fees stand at Ksh2,000 application, Ksh5,000 grant and Ksh2,000 annual renewal.

The regulator has also set rules for solar water heating systems. Technicians fall under SHW1 or SHW2 categories. SHW1 applicants pay Ksh500 application, Ksh1,000 grant and Ksh1,000 renewal. SHW2 charges Ksh750, Ksh1,500 and Ksh1,500.

Contractors, vendors, manufacturers and importers in solar water heating fall under SHC1, SHC2 and SHM categories. These attract higher fees and receive approvals within 30 days.

EPRA has stepped up efforts in recent weeks to ensure compliance across the renewable energy sector. The move aims to professionalise operations and raise service standards in solar installations and related activities.

The licensing push comes as Kenya expands its renewable energy capacity. Large projects such as the Garissa Solar Power Plant continue to feed clean energy into the national grid.