Quick answer
Net metering lets a Kenya Power customer export surplus renewable electricity to the grid legally. Under the Energy (Net-Metering) Regulations, 2024, systems must be under 1 MW; domestic customers are limited to 4 kW single-phase or 10 kW three-phase. Exported units earn credits worth 50% of each unit, not cash, and unused credits are forfeited at the end of Kenya Power's financial year.
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Shop all inverter products →Key takeaways
- Domestic: up to 4 kW single-phase, 10 kW three-phase.
- Commercial and industrial: up to 1 MW.
- Credits are 50% of exported units, not cash.
- Needs a net-metering agreement and a bidirectional meter.
- Systems over 10 kW need an engineer's feasibility study.
01The rules at a glance
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Eligible systems | Renewable, under 1 MW |
| Domestic limit | 4 kW single-phase, 10 kW three-phase |
| Commercial/industrial | Up to 1 MW, subject to demand and conditions |
| Credit | 50% of each exported unit, per billing period |
| Unused credit | Carried forward, forfeited at the end of the licensee's financial year |
| Meter | Bidirectional meter recording import and export |
| Over 10 kW | Feasibility study by an engineer |
02How to apply
- 01Design the systemSize the solar to your daytime use; net metering rewards self-use more than export.
- 02Use a compliant inverterGrid-tie or hybrid inverter that synchronises with the grid and disconnects in an outage.
- 03Apply to Kenya PowerSubmit the application with system details; larger systems include the feasibility study.
- 04Sign the agreementKenya Power installs or approves a bidirectional meter.
- 05Don't export before approvalKeep export at zero until the agreement is in place.
TipBecause credits are only worth half a unit, most homes save more by using solar during the day and storing surplus in batteries than by exporting it.
03Is net metering worth it?
Worth it
Large daytime surplus
Batteries too costly for your load
Business closed weekends
Skip it
Most solar used on site
You already have batteries
Small system under your daytime load
If you don't need to export, set the inverter to zero export. Read about the EPRA dumping charge.
04Frequently asked questions
Does Kenya Power pay cash for exported solar?
No. Exports earn credits at 50% of each unit, set against your bill.
What size of solar can a home export?
Up to 4 kW on single-phase or 10 kW on three-phase supply.
Can I export without approval?
No. Unapproved export is treated as dumping and charged under EPRA's 2026 notice.
