Solarcentury and London Distillers to deliver East Africa’s largest rooftop solar project

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Solarcentury is to install a 1MWp rooftop PV system that should generate enough electricity to power London Distillers' building during daytime hours. Source: Flickr - Miradas.com.br

UK solar energy giant Solarcentury has teamed up with London Distillers to ensure that its building in Athi River, Kenya, will soon house the largest rooftop solar project in East Africa.

Solarcentury is to install a 1MWp rooftop PV system that should generate enough electricity to power the entire building during daytime hours. London Distillers estimates it will save at least US$180,000 per year for the next 25 years. The London-headquartered company is to both design and install a hybrid solar-diesel system that will operate in conjunction with the grid. Hybrid systems are ideal as the generators work to offset solar’s fluctuating energy source for a harmonised delivery of power.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

Not ready to commit yet?
  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

“We are always looking for ways to improve the cost efficiency of our operations and protect the environment, and investing in solar presented us with a solution for both these ambitions,” said London Distillers’ chairman Mohan Galot. “We worked with Solarcentury to review our long-term energy needs, and help us understand the most effective solar solution for our company. Being able to power the whole building using solar electricity during the day is very impressive – we’re saving money and helping the environment.”

The cost of the system will be paid for in six years after which London Distillers will enjoy free solar electricity for the lifetime of the plant.

Central operation is to happen via Solarcentury’s Nairobi office, with EPC support from the team in the London HQ. The system is expected to be fully-operational and connected to the grid by the end of this year.

“We are excited to be delivering the largest commercial rooftop solar system in East Africa,” said Guy Lawrence, director of Solarcentury in East Africa. “This solar investment makes London Distillers a pioneer company in the manufacturing sector and also demonstrates a genuine commitment to reducing its environmental impact.”

Solarcentury continues to gain international traction. The company recently secured a US$2.5 million solar project in Kenya earlier this year.

Read Next

August 28, 2025
Bahraini, Chinese, Egyptian and Emirati groups have agreed to develop a new solar and storage manufacturing facility in Egypt
August 26, 2025
India installed 14.3GW of new utility-scale solar capacity in the first half (H1) of 2025, marking a 49% increase year-on-year.
Premium
August 26, 2025
Africa imported over 15GW of panels from China in the 12 months to June 2025, a 60% increase over the imports recorded in the prior year.
August 22, 2025
AEMO has predicted the NEM will see a steady rise in renewable energy generation capacity, reaching 229TWh by 2035.
August 21, 2025
Qair has secured a US$5.7 million senior debt facility to finance the development of a 5.8MW floating solar (FPV) project in Seychelles.
August 14, 2025
South Africa’s state-owned energy utility, Eskom, has issued a request for proposals for 291MW of solar capacity.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines