Workers fixing solar panels on a building [PHOTO/nation.co.ke]
Owners of large commercial and residential buildings who have not yet installed solar water heaters are at risk of a Sh1 million fine or imprisonment starting next month when the enforcement of the law that was enacted five years ago begins.
The law stipulates that owners of houses whose hot water needs go beyond 100 litres a day instal solar water heating systems in their buildings.
In an official notice, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said it will commence enforcement of the Energy (Solar Water Heating) Regulations Law 2012 as from May 27 when last year's grace period comes to an end.
“Beginning next month, ERC and police officers attached to the commission will start conducting surveillance to ascertain compliance,” said ERC acting director-general Pavel Oimeke.
“Where we confirm non-compliance, the law requires that we issue the building owner with a six-month notice to instal the equipment failure to which we shall charge them,” he added.
This solar law will affect residential premises (three-bedrooms and above), restaurants and hotels, boarding schools, health institutions and other similar commercial places.