A living laboratory: Moi University’s solar PV plant

“The Solar PV Plant at Moi University serves as a living laboratory for three courses in the MSc – Sustainable Energy & Energy Access curriculum, namely Analysis of Decentralised Energy Systems, Solar Technologies and Energy Efficiency & Conservation. The system presents a platform for students to develop practical skills including solar panel installation, systems design, troubleshooting and energy efficiency assessment, connecting with the theoretical knowledge learnt in class. It is interesting that students are directly able to see and appreciate the benefits of clean energy. Also, as part of practical and research work, students utilise data from the PV system in conjunction with HOMERPro software to study system performance and forecasting, and analyse energy output as a function of system design, consumption characteristics and operational parameters.” – Augustine Makokha, Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Production & Energy Engineering

Professor Makokha explained that the system was installed in November 2024 to support training in renewable energy and also to supplement power supply for the university’s main administration block. It was funded through a partnership with RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, Germany.

The peak demand for the administration block is 58kWp. The system comprises 50 monocrystalline PV modules and has a capacity of 27kW, rated at 550W and installed on the rooftop, as shown in the figure attached. It is a grid tie installation with a 5 kw, 48V dc storage battery. The modules are installed with a tilt of 15 deg and Azimuth angle of Zero.

One of the masters’ students of the 2024 MSc in Sustainable Energy & Energy Access, Mr. Patrick Sugut, who was also the recipient of a TEA-LP scholarship, was attached to the team that installed the system. From November 2024 to March 2025, the system has been able to supply 20,497kWh of energy, translating to USD 3140 in reduced electricity bills!

It is fantastic to see these kinds of practical, hands-on learning experiences being made available for MSc students, providing them with invaluable technical skills.