Introduction
Moving to solar energy will always be a smart investment. It saves you money and reduces the dependency on electricity, which we all know these days is becoming unreliable and untrustworthy. Now the headache comes in when you are thinking between solar water heating system and solar power system which one should you go for?
In this blog we will briefly explain these two options, solar water heating system and solar power system. How they both work, their main differences and help you decide which one makes more financial sense for you.
Understanding the Two Systems
1. Solar Water Heating Systems
A solar water heating system uses roof-mounted solar panels to convert sunlight into energy. The heat transfer fluid absorbs this heat and is pumped to a storage tank, warming the water inside. This system provides a consistent supply of hot water throughout the day at a lower electricity cost.
Its best for cooking, cleaning, heating water for showers and commercial purposes ( beauty Spas and Salons, Hotels, Restaurants. It basically reduces your water heating electricity bill by approximately 60 – 80%
2. Solar Power Systems
A solar power system use solar panels to transform sun’s energy into electricity, which will be used around the house. While both solar water heating systems and solar power systems harness the sun’s energy, the solar power system provides electricity for everything—from your TV and appliances to your lights and entire house. This system can substantially reduce your monthly electricity bills and decrease your reliance on grid energy.
Which One Should You Invest In?
Let’s now talk about system makes more sense for you. The one that you will choose to invest it will be based on the following factors:
1. Your Energy Needs
If your main concern is hot water for shower and household use then a solar water heater is the best system for you. However, if you want to power your entire house, not just for hot water, a solar power system is your best pick. Businesses that use a lot of hot water benefit more from solar water heating systems.
2. Installation Cost
Installing a Solar Water Heating System is generally cheaper to install. The cost starts from Ksh 80,000. Solar Power Systems can be expensive, especially if you need battery storage. The cost starts from Ksh 100,000. However, with solar power systems, you can completely cut off the use of grid energy and only rely on solar. With solar water heating system, this only provides hot water. Therefore your entire house will rely on grid energy.
3. Return on Investment (ROI)
A solar water heating system can cut your bill immediately especially if you use a lot of hot water. ROI investment is 2-4 years because its cheaper to install. A Solar Power System takes longer to recover the costs from 5- 10 years but provides long-term energy independence from grid energy.
4. Durability and Maintenance
Solar water pumps require low maintenance they can last up to 10-25 years compared to solar power systems (last 5-30 years) which will require battery maintenance and panel cleaning to maintain efficiency. Replace batteries every 5-10 years.
5. Availability in Kenya
Both are widely available in Kenya. Check out this page for solar supplies
Buy here 👉🏼 https://skywave.co.ke/solar
6. Reliability
Solar power systems rely on both sun and batteries for continuous supply. Solar water heating systems are much more reliable because they store hot water in insulated tanks, meaning you still have hot water even when it’s cloudy.
7. Climate
Kenya’s sunny climate makes both systems effective. However, Solar Water Heating is more efficient in areas with less dust and fewer cloudy days. Solar Power Systems work well across all regions but may need batteries to supply the house with electricity at night or during cloudy days.
Comparison Table: Solar Water Heating System and Solar Power System
| Feature | Solar Water Heating System | Solar Power System |
| Purpose | Heats water only | Generates electricity |
| Installation Cost | Ksh 80,000 – Ksh 250,000 | Ksh 100,000 – Ksh 1M+ |
| Best for | Homes, hotels, businesses using hot water | Lighting, appliances, entire house |
| Maintenance | Low (occasional cleaning) | Moderate (battery replacement, panel cleaning) |
| ROI (Payback Period) | 2-4 years | 5-10 years |
| Energy Savings | Reduces water heating costs by 60-80% | Can cut electricity bills entirely |
| Kenyan Regulations | Required for buildings using more than 100L hot water/day | VAT-free on solar panels |
Conclusion – Making the Right Choice for Your Home
So, which one should you invest in? The answer depends on your needs:
- Go for a Solar Water Heating System if your priority is reducing water heating costs.
- Choose a Solar Power System if you want electricity savings and you want to cut off KPLC.
Both are great investments for a Kenyan home, and some people even install both to maximize savings! Think about your household’s needs and budget, then make the best choice.
Have any questions or experiences to share? Drop a comment below, and let’s discuss! Also, share this with a friend who is thinking about going solar.