“The farm is now running 60% on average on solar power generation. It is a big step into sustainable and environmentally correct flower growing and it makes us very proud”, says Peterson, farm manager at Rift Valley Roses. This Naivasha based rose farm recently added a floating solar power generator, being the first in Kenya, to their roof installation that they installed in 2019.
Peterson in front of the floating solar power generator
Reason for choosing the floating solar generation
According to Peterson, they adopted the floating solar generation option because of the huge advantages. “Firstly, it reduces water evaporation in the water lagoons. Secondly, by shading off the light it helps reducing the algae growth in the lagoons. Thirdly, it helps us to utilize otherwise idle space and finally and more importantly, it enhances optimal solar power generation through the water cooling effect.”
Installation challenges
The floating solar generation option was installed in February 2021, but installation was quite challenging and therefore had to be done by specialized staff. “The floating system together with the solar panels had to be installed on a bench erected outside the lagoon then slid into the lagoon, this required specialized staff to do the installation.”
More efficient and generates more power
The Rift Valley team is very pleased with the results so far. “We have already noted that the floating solar generation unit is more efficient and generates more power than the roof installation unit, despite the former being smaller in capacity; 69kw against 75kw.”
More innovations in the pipeline?
Peterson is pleased to be pioneers in Kenya with the first floating solar power generation and is looking forward to continue innovating their farm. “We believe in innovations, this is actually one of our missions for our business, because they bring efficiency and sustainability and eventually foster our aim in achieving our customer delight.”
For more information:
Rift Valley Roses
Stuart Millar
Email: stuart@hygrotech.co.ke
www.riftvalleyroses.com