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Case study 8 October, 2025 Battery / Energy StorageHybridInverters / Power ComponentsSolar PV OtherWater Mini-grid

Burhani Solar – Powering BMU’s for Local Fishing Communities (Kenya)

Description

  • Type of system: Off-grid Solar PV Systems (3×7 kW + 1×16 kW) with Lithium Battery Storage, Water Purifiers & Solar Lanterns
  • Location of project: Kenya
  • Completion date: 2024

Company description

Burhani Solar is a solar energy company based in Mombasa, Kenya. Burhani Solar’s main areas of expertise are solar hybrid systems, grid-tie, solar water pumping, etc. We have been installing various systems over the past 14 years.

Project Objectives

  • Empower coastal fishing communities through access to reliable solar energy and clean water.
  • Enable fish preservation and income growth with solar-powered cold storage and ice production.
  • Improve community health via water purification systems.
  • Support women fish traders (“Mama Karangas”) with portable solar lanterns for safe evening work.
  • Demonstrate scalable renewable energy models that promote Blue Economy growth and environmental resilience.

Renewable solution

As part of the Go Blue Program — an initiative by the European Union (EU) and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) to advance Kenya’s Blue Economy — Burhani Solar designed, supplied, and installed four solar energy systems for Beach Management Units (BMUs) along Kenya’s coastline.

Technical details & key features:

  • Installed Systems:
    – Three 7 kW off-grid solar PV systems for BMU offices and community facilities.
    – One 16 kW solar PV system powering an existing cold chain facility, including an ice flakes machine and cold storage unit.
  • Energy Storage: all systems are equipped with lithium battery banks for a dependable 24-hour power supply.
  • Solar-powered water purifiers provide safe drinking water for BMU communities.
  • Solar lanterns were distributed to Mama Karangas to improve nighttime fish processing and trading.
  • Training and capacity building: local technicians and BMU members trained for daily operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
  • Systems engineered for long lifespan, low maintenance, and resilience in coastal climates.

Two Buhrani Solar's workers are installing an electric system

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project financing and costs:

  • Funding: European Union (EU)
  • Technical Partner: Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS)
  • Implementation: Burhani Solar
  • Local Partners: County Governments & Beach Management Units (BMUs)
  • Program: Go Blue Program
  • Sector: Blue Economy / Productive Use of Renewable Energy / Water Access

Project outcome:

  • Reliable clean energy: continuous power for BMU operations, lighting, communication, and cold chain facilities.
  • Enhanced livelihoods: cold storage reduces fish spoilage and expands market opportunities.
  • Safe drinking water: clean water access improves community health and reduces bottled water dependency.
  • Women’s empowerment: solar lanterns enable Mama Karangas to safely and productively work after dark.
  • Environmental sustainability: full transition from diesel-based operations to 100% renewable energy.
  • Replicable model: demonstrates how solar and storage solutions can drive inclusive Blue Economy growth in coastal and island regions.