Technical Sensitivity Analysis of Solar Photovoltaic System Design in Kenya’s Tea Industry.

Abstract

This study evaluates the integration of grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) for medium-scale tea factories in two different regions located in Kenya; Region Central and Region West. Since tea production is both electricity intensive and highly dependent on grid supply, renewable energy technologies can offer opportunities to improve energy reliability and reduce dependence on conventional electricity sources. Given the importance of the tea sector to the Kenyan economy, the implementation of PV-based energy systems can also contribute to broader national sustainability and energy transition objectives.

This study was conducted through sensitivity analyses and simulations in Python and System Advisor Model (SAM), where the tilt angle, azimuth angle, PV system size and BESS size were varied to evaluate their effect on PV generation, utilised energy, self-consumption, self-sufficiency and curtailment. The simulations were based on hourly weather data, industrial load profile modeling and operational data from 71 Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) factories.

The results show that the tilt and azimuth angles that maximise total PV generation differ from those that maximise utilised energy. Orientations favoring morning generation improved load matching in both regions. Increasing PV system size increased utilised energy more slowly due to increasing curtailment at larger system sizes. The integration of BESS improved utilised energy and self-sufficiency by storing otherwise curtailed electricity for later use, although the marginal benefit decreased for larger battery capacities.

The study demonstrates that optimal PV-only and PV-BESS system configurations are region-dependent and strongly influenced by irradiation patterns, operational behavior and load matching characteristics. Overall, the results confirm that solar PV systems can provide technically feasible solutions for increasing self-sufficiency and renewable electricity utilisation within the Kenyan tea industry.

Popular Abstract

Can Solar Energy Power Kenya's Tea Industry?

Kenya's tea factories depend on reliable electricity, but power outages and rising energy costs remain a challenge. This study shows how solar panels and battery storage could help tea producers become more energy independent while making better use of Kenya's abundant sunshine.

Every cup of tea has an energy story behind it. Before tea reaches consumers around the world, the leaves must be withered, rolled, fermented, dried and packaged in energy-intensive factories. In Kenya, one of the world's largest tea producers, these factories rely heavily on electricity to keep production running.

At the same time, Kenya has some of the best solar conditions in the world. Located close to the equator, the country receives strong sunlight throughout the year. This raises an important question: could solar energy help power Kenya's tea industry?

In this master's thesis, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery energy storage systems (BESS) were evaluated for medium-sized tea factories in two tea-producing regions of Kenya. Using weather data, energy consumption data from 71 factories and simulations, different system designs were tested to determine how much solar electricity could be generated and, more importantly, how much could actually be used by the factories.

One of the most interesting findings was that the solar panel orientation that produces the most electricity is not necessarily the most useful. Orientations that generated more electricity during the morning often matched the factories' electricity demand better, increasing the amount of solar energy that could be directly utilised. In other words, producing electricity at the right time turned out to be more important than producing a large amount of it when no BESS was installed.

The study also showed that larger solar installations do not automatically lead to proportionally larger benefits. As systems grow, more electricity is produced than the factories can immediately use. BESS can capture part of this surplus energy and make it available later, increasing self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on the electricity grid. However, the benefits of adding more batteries gradually decrease, meaning that bigger is not always better.

The results demonstrate that solar energy can be a technically feasible solution for Kenya's tea industry. By carefully matching solar generation to factory demand, tea producers could increase their use of renewable electricity, reduce grid dependence and improve energy resilience. As Kenya continues its transition towards a more sustainable energy system, solar-powered tea production may become an important part of the country's green future.

• author: Delden, Vilma
• supervisor: Martin Andersson
• organization: Department of Energy Sciences
• course: MVKM01 20261
• year: 2026
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Technology and Engineering
• keywords: Solar photovoltaic systems, battery energy storage systems, tea industry, load matching, sensitivity analysis, Kenya, renewable energy.
• report number: ISRN LUTMDN/TMHP-26/5701-SE
• ISSN: 0282-1990
• language: English
• id: 9243147
• date added to LUP: 2026-06-24 11:22:23
• date last changed: 2026-08-13 14:18:20