Kenya is a leader in renewable energy adoption in Africa, with solar power playing a crucial role in expanding electricity access. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) regulates the solar energy sector to ensure safety, quality, and compliance.

If you plan to design, install, import, or sell solar PV systems in Kenya, obtaining an EPRA Solar PV License is mandatory. This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of the licensing process, requirements, costs, and key considerations.

Why Do You Need an EPRA Solar PV License?

Under the Energy Act (2019), engaging in solar PV-related activities without an EPRA license is illegal. The license ensures:

• Legal Compliance – Avoid fines, business shutdowns, or confiscation of imported solar equipment.
• Professional Credibility – Build trust with clients, government agencies, and financial institutions.
• Access to Government & Donor-Funded Projects – Many tenders require licensed contractors.
• Consumer Protection – Ensures adherence to safety and quality standards.

Operating without a license risks:

• Penalties (KES 1 million+ fines or imprisonment)
• Blacklisting by EPRA and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA)
• Loss of business opportunities

Types of EPRA Solar PV Licenses in Kenya

EPRA issues licenses based on system capacity and role:

License Category	Who It's For	Allowed System Size
T1 (Technician/Installer)	Entry-level technicians	Up to 400W
T2 (Technician)	Certified technicians	Up to 3kW
T3 (Technologist)	Diploma holders & experienced professionals	Up to 50kW
T4 (Engineer/Advanced Technologist)	Degree-holders & large-scale installers	Above 50kW
Vendor/Importer License	Solar equipment sellers & importers	No size limit (sales only)
Contractor License	Solar installation companies	Depends on staff qualifications

Note:

• Individuals apply under T1-T4 (based on qualifications).
• Companies apply as Contractors or Vendors.

Requirements for a solar photovoltaic license

A. For Individuals (T1-T4 License)

• Academic Certificates (Relevant electrical/renewable energy training)
• Technical Training Certificate (Solar PV-specific course)
• Work Experience Proof (Recommendation letters or employment records)
• National ID/Passport & KRA PIN
• Passport-Sized Photo
• Certificate of Good Conduct (For Kenyans)

B. For Companies (Contractors, Vendors, Manufacturers, Importers)

When applying for a new solar PV contractor, vendor, manufacturer, or importer license, you must submit the following scanned documents and ensure your tools are available for inspection.

Mandatory Documents:

1. Certificate of Incorporation or Business Registration Certificate
2. Certified Copy of VAT Certificate or KRA PIN Certificate
3. Valid Tax Compliance Certificate (From Kenya Revenue Authority)
4. Certified Copy of CR12 (For limited companies, not older than 1 year)
5. Legible Copies of IDs/Passports for all company directors
6. Work Permits (Class "G") for foreign directors (as per CR12)
   • If foreign directors do not live or work in Kenya, a notarized letter (Annex I) from their country of residence is required
7. Certified Copy of a Valid Business Permit (From the County Government)
8. Proof of Office Occupancy (Title deed or valid lease agreement)
9. Licensed Technician's Consent Letter (Template in Annex II)
10. Copy of Technician's EPRA License (Must be valid)
11. Completion Certificates & Warranties Template (For contractors)
12. Details of Solar PV Design Tools & Equipment (For inspection)

Additional Requirements for Inspection:

• Physical verification of tools & equipment (EPRA will schedule an inspection)
• Proof of past solar projects (For contractors)
• Dealership agreements (For vendors/importers)

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Ensure all academic, business, and technical documents are ready (scanned copies).

Step 2: Apply via EPRA Online Portal

1. Visit EPRA Licensing Portal
2. Create an account (For individuals/companies)
3. Fill in the application form (Select correct license type)
4. Upload documents (PDF/JPEG format)
5. Pay application fees (Via M-Pesa or bank)

Step 3: EPRA Review & Inspection

• Document Verification (Qualifications, experience)
• Physical Inspection (For companies—tools, workspace check)
• Technical Assessment (Interview or project review)

Step 4: Approval & License Issuance

• Processing Time: 2-4 weeks (If no delays)
• License Validity: 1 year (Renewable annually)
• Digital Certificate Issued (Printable from EPRA portal)

Cost of EPRA Solar PV License (2024 Fees)

License Type	Application Fee (KES)	Annual License Fee (KES)
T1 (Installer)	1,000	5,000
T2 (Technician)	1,500	7,500
T3 (Technologist)	2,000	10,000
T4 (Engineer)	2,500	15,000
Vendor/Importer	5,000	20,000
Contractor	10,000	30,000+ (Based on capacity)

Additional Costs:

• Good Conduct Certificate (~KES 1,050)
• Business Registration & Permits (Varies by county)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)