Search “best solar company in Nairobi” and you’ll get a dozen lists, several of which are written by the companies on them, ranking themselves first. We’re not going to pretend we’re above that temptation — but instead of just telling you we’re the best, we’d rather tell you what actually separates a good installer from a bad one, so you can judge for yourself. Some of this will point in our favour. Some of it is just honest advice that applies regardless of who you end up choosing.

Check for EPRA licensing — don’t take it on faith

Any company installing solar PV systems in Kenya should be operating under proper EPRA (Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority) compliance, with licensed technicians doing the actual electrical work. This isn’t a nice-to-have — it protects your warranty, your home insurance, and frankly your safety, since solar installations involve real electrical risk if done badly. Ask directly: “Are your technicians EPRA licensed, and can I see documentation after installation?” A company with nothing to hide will answer this without hesitation.

Want to verify our licensing or see our compliance documentation before you commit to anything? Call or WhatsApp us on +254 741 163020 — we’re happy to share it upfront, not just after you’ve signed.

Ask what brands they actually stock, not just what they say

This sounds obvious, but it’s where a lot of buyers get caught out. Some installers quote with a named brand (Deye, Jinko, whatever’s trending) and then substitute something cheaper and unbranded at installation time, often because the original brand wasn’t actually in stock or was never genuinely available at that price. Ask for the specific model numbers in writing, and check the brand’s own website or local distributor to confirm the installer is an authorised dealer.

Get the quote itemised — not a single lump number

A trustworthy quote breaks down panels, inverter, batteries, mounting structure, cabling, protection devices, and labour as separate line items. A single number with no breakdown makes it impossible to compare against a competing quote properly, and makes it easier for “surprise” costs to appear at installation. If a company won’t itemise, that’s worth asking why.

Already have a quote from somewhere else and want a second opinion on whether it’s reasonable? Send it to info@happysolar.co.ke or WhatsApp +254 741 163020 — we’ll give you an honest read on it, even if you don’t end up going with us.

Watch for undersized or oversized recommendations

This is subtle, and it’s the one that costs people the most money long-term. Some installers oversize deliberately, because a bigger system means a bigger invoice. Others undersize to hit a price point you’ve mentioned, leaving you frustrated within months. A good installer does a genuine site assessment — checking your actual appliances, usage hours, and KPLC bill history — before recommending a size, not just asking “what’s your budget” and working backward from there.

If an installer quotes you a system size within minutes of a phone call, without ever asking about your appliances or seeing your bill, that’s a sign they’re guessing.

Ask about warranty terms specifically — not just “it’s warrantied”

“Warranty included” means almost nothing without specifics. Ask: how many years on the panels (both product defect and performance degradation — these are usually different numbers)? How many years on the inverter? On the battery? Is installation workmanship itself warrantied separately from the equipment? Who do you contact if something fails in year three — the installer, or do you have to chase the manufacturer yourself?

We cover this properly in a separate post on exactly what’s covered under typical solar warranties in Kenya — worth a read before you sign anything with any installer. And if you want our specific warranty terms spelled out directly, call +254 741 163020.

Check if they’re still around after the sale

A good way to gauge this before you buy: look at how old their reviews are, not just how many they have. A company with reviews spanning several years, including recent ones mentioning after-sales support, is a better sign than one with fifty reviews all posted in the same month (which can indicate a review-push campaign rather than organic, ongoing satisfaction). Ask directly what happens if something goes wrong after installation — a company that answers vaguely, or seems surprised by the question, probably hasn’t thought it through.

What we’d tell you to do next

Get two or three quotes, not just one. Ask every installer the questions above, and pay close attention to which ones answer clearly versus which ones get defensive or vague. The installer worth choosing isn’t necessarily the cheapest one — it’s the one who can answer every question on this list without hesitating.

Get in touch with us for a free site assessment and an itemised quote — or call +254 741 163020 and ask us any of the questions above directly. We’d rather earn the business by answering honestly than by being the loudest “best solar company” claim on a listicle.