Viability of Using Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Textiles Industries in Kenya: a Case of Rivatex East Africa Limited
David R. Tuigong1, Thomas K. Kipkurgat2
1Prof. David R. Tuigong, Department of Textiles Engineering, Moi University School of Engineering, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Finance Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya.
2Prof. Thomas Kipkurgat, Managing Director, Department of Agricultural Economics, Moi University School of Business and Economics, Rivatex East Africa Limited (REAL), Eldoret, Kenya.
Manuscript received on 15 October 2015 | Revised Manuscript received on 25 October 2015 | Manuscript Published on 30 October 2015 | PP: 13-16 | Volume-5 Issue-1, October 2015 | Retrieval Number: A4266105115/15©BEIESP
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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: The low supply and the high cost of electricity create a huge gap between demand and supply in Kenya, making industries to look for alternative ways of generating cheap and renewable power. This paper attempts to identify the challenges and drivers of the using solar photovoltaic system in textiles industries with a case of Rivatex East Africa Limited. The study adopted a qualitative research method in order to achieve the intended objectives. Data was collected using interviews. The findings indicates that for textiles industries to operate optimally and cut down on the production cost, there is need for alternative means of generating power and one of the options is to purchase and install solar PVC’s. Another factor that motivates the textiles industry to invest on PVC is the sustainability that solar energy creates. The study also reveals that inadequate policies to encourage subsidies by the government, high cost of installation, challenges to access funding, high and fluctuating interest rates for loans to invest on renewable technology were identified as the major barriers to industries adapting to solar energy. Furthermore, the study revealed other barriers such as lack of awareness and inappropriate information concerning solar energy coupled with poor implementation of policies were also factors that were identified in the study. The study recommends that appropriate structures and policies that encourage subsidies for industries to be put in place to encourage such industries to invest in renewable energy. The government should also give support to industries in terms of funding renewable energy investments
Keywords: Renewable Energy, Textiles Industries, Photovoltaic, Rivatex, Solar Energy
Scope of the Article: Renewable Energy