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Chinese solar products draw visitors at Africa energy expo
NAIROBI, June 27 (Xinhua) -- From Thursday to Saturday, the 12th edition of Power and Energy Africa 2025 is underway in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, with Chinese solar products emerging as a key highlight.
Elijah Kairu, a 41-year-old solar entrepreneur based in the highlands of Mount Kenya, a region known for its chilly weather, shared his impressions of the expo. "I was impressed with Chinese solar water heaters that can efficiently convert sunlight into warm water for bathing, especially during the cold seasons," Kairu told Xinhua on Friday.
Kairu visited the booth of Jiangsu Micoe Solar Energy Company, which showcased advanced solar heaters as a viable alternative to electricity from the national grid or gas cookers.
Zuo Shuaishuai, general sales director of the Chinese company, said that the firm has developed products specifically suited for cold climates and areas with limited sunlight.
According to Zuo, their innovations can retain heat for extended periods, allowing households to reduce their dependence on electric or gas heaters for hot water.
The three-day event brought together more than 150 exhibitors from over 25 countries to showcase products and technologies in the renewable energy sector.
Ismail Boru, a horticulture farmer from Isiolo County in northern Kenya, grows fruits and vegetables on his 50-acre farm in an arid zone. Previously reliant on expensive diesel pumps to irrigate crops using water from seasonal rivers, Boru said he is now keen to adopt Chinese-made solar pumps to secure a more reliable water supply and protect his agricultural business from unpredictable weather.
Boru said Zhejiang Fullwill Electric Company is an ideal partner for his farming needs.
Scarlett Chen, general manager of Zhejiang Fullwill Electric Company, said Chinese-manufactured solar equipment offers African farmers greater control over water resources on their farms.
Meanwhile, the booth of Beebee Jump Technology also attracted heavy foot traffic, thanks to the innovative compact home solar kits. Wellington Bungei, a solar system distributor in Baringo County, northern Kenya, said the Shenzhen-based firm provides effective solutions for rural villages through their pay-as-you-go solar technology, which lowers the entry barrier for lower-income households.
Duncan Njagi, regional director for East Africa at Expo Group, the organizer, said Chinese exhibitors are popular due to their ability to meet the specific needs of African consumers.
