The Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) gazetted the draft Energy (Solar Water Heater) Regulations 2022 which will see changes in house designs in the country.
In the regulations published on Friday, January 13, it was stated that all premises would be required to incorporate a provision for solar water heating system installation.
The buildings included in the list were residential houses, education institutions, health centres and commercial buildings such as hotels and restaurants.
EPRA explained that the move was aimed at ensuring safety and quality in the solar water heating value chain.
"These regulations shall apply to a solar water heating manufacturer, importer, vendor, worker, contractor, and system owner, as well as solar water heating system installations," read the regulations in part.
Further, it was noted that the solar water heater installers will be required to be licensed by the authority before engaging in any work.
If approved, the regulations will require all the installations of the water system to be approved in advance.
"A person who, without a licence issued by the Authority undertakes the importation, manufacture, sale, design, installation, commissioning, maintenance or repair of solar water heating system commits an offence.
"Upon conviction, they shall be liable to a fine of Ksh20,000," the draft regulations stated in part.
According to the draft regulations, licencing of water heater installers will be charged between Ksh2,500 and Ksh8,000.
The regulations also spelt out the standardised materials to be used for the installation of the solar systems.
These include the unglazed flat plate, glazed flat plate or evacuated tube collector technologies among other technologies approved by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
EPRA also urged stakeholders and the public to submit their views on the regulations to the Director General. The grace period for the collection of views was set for 40 days.
