Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta delivers his speech during the official opening of the 6th Global Off-Grid Solar Forum and Exhibition in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, Feb. 18, 2020. (Xinhua/Fred Mutune)
Chinese solar product manufacturers have attracted most consumers at the 2020 global off-grid solar forum and expo that opened at Kenyan capital Nairobi and the off-grid global solar market remains significant as 840 million people do not have access to electricity.
NAIROBI, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese solar product manufacturers were the main attraction for consumers at the 2020 global off-grid solar forum and expo that opened at Kenyan capital Nairobi on Tuesday.
Visitors thronged the Chinese exhibition stalls to find out the latest innovations in solar product technology for heating and lighting needs.
The three-day event brought together manufacturers, distributors, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and donors from more than 50 countries to share their knowledge on the evolving solar technology landscape.
More than 80 companies are also showcasing their latest products, services and innovations that seek to push forward the global agenda on universal electricity access.
Lidya Melessaw, sales manager for Shenzhen Lemi Technologies development, told Xinhua that they have received numerous visitors at their stand who were interested in purchasing solar home systems.
Melessaw said that they manufacture solar products for industrial and household lighting needs for consumers who cannot access the national electricity grids.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta (L) visits an exhibition stand during the official opening of the 6th Global Off-Grid Solar Forum and Exhibition in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, Feb. 18, 2020. (Xinhua/Fred Mutune)
"We aim to ensure that all individuals can benefit from electronic products even if they live in rural areas," she added.
China has emerged as the global leader in the manufacture of solar panels and so many global solar brands contract factories in China to produce for them.
According to the World Bank, the off-grid global solar market remains significant as 840 million people do not have access to electricity.
Su Wei, chief representative of Kenyan market for Poly Solar Technologies, said that their innovative solar solutions are designed to ensure that everyone regardless of their socio-economic status has access to electricity.
Su added that the sub-Saharan Africa region as a whole is well placed to exploit its abundant sunshine resources.
"Solar products will also help the region to switch to green energy which helps mitigate the negative effects of climate change," Su said.
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta (L) visits an exhibition stand during the official opening of the 6th Global Off-Grid Solar Forum and Exhibition in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, Feb. 18, 2020. (Xinhua/Fred Mutune)
Zhu Xiaoyan, Africa manager of Shanghai Easy Renewable Energy Technology, said Chinese manufacturers have developed the capability of developing solar products that can meet lightning needs even for those living in remote areas away from the national electricity grids.
Zhu noted that due to improved technology, off-grid solar products are now one of the alternatives to enable countries to achieve universal electricity access.
Kennedy Murenga, who was one of the visitors attending the expo, said Chinese solar products have developed a positive reputation in the marketplace because they come with product warranties that guarantee quality. ■
