What SolarGen Technologies does

SolarGen Technologies (Solargen Technologies Ltd) is a Nairobi-headquartered, privately held solar energy equipment distributor and EPC solutions provider operating across East Africa. Founded in 2010 by Abubakar Aidarus while at the University of Nairobi, the company designs, procures, installs, and maintains solar power systems for off-grid energy access, community mini-grids, borehole solarization, irrigation, water treatment, and post-harvest cold chain. Its primary customer segments are underserved rural and conflict-affected communities, international NGOs and humanitarian organizations, smallholder and pastoralist farmers, and a smaller base of residential/commercial property owners and conservation enterprises across Kenya, Somalia, Somaliland, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.

The company sells a broad solar hardware portfolio through an e-commerce storefront and direct sales, including Jinko monocrystalline and bi-facial PV modules (490W-615W), Hanti-branded GEL batteries and Maqbul LiFePO4 all-in-one systems (2 kWh-10.24 kWh), inverters and MPPT charge controllers (Eastman, Hanti, Revo-Maqbul, Victron), Hanti and Lorentz solar water pumps, solar water heaters (flat plate and heat pipe, 200L-300L), water treatment and RO units, drip irrigation kits, and balance-of-system accessories. Alongside hardware, it delivers integrated solutions: 3kW-100kW community solar mini-grids (8 deployed, ~1,600 households served), 500+ solarized boreholes, 24-farm solar irrigation covering 1,400+ acres under PAYGO financing, solar desalination and water treatment plants (including the Bamburi 75 m3/day plant with GivePower), off-grid solar packages for offices, clinics, and schools, and the proprietary JuaBaridi solar cold-chain brand. Engineering, procurement, construction (EPC), and ongoing operations & maintenance (O&M) are bundled with project sales.

SolarGen operates a multi-channel go-to-market combining enterprise field sales for NGO and government projects, an e-commerce/WhatsApp retail channel for SMBs and individuals, a distribution/reseller arm selling to third-party installers, and PAYGO installment financing for irrigation customers. Revenue is generated through hardware sales, EPC professional services, managed O&M services, and PAYGO recurring installments. Capitalization to date has come from founder seed capital, the Somalia Stability Fund (interest-free financing, 2014), SIMA Fund (Murabaha, 2018), and a USADF grant (2020), indicating reliance on development and Islamic finance rather than institutional equity, and the company remains founder-controlled under CEO Abubakar Aidarus.

Name

SolarGen Technologies

Legal name

Solargen Technologies Ltd

Website

https://solargentechnologies.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

SolarGen Technologies is a Nairobi-headquartered solar EPC and equipment distributor serving East Africa, delivering off-grid solar, mini-grids, borehole solarization, irrigation, water treatment, and cold-chain solutions to NGOs, humanitarian organizations, and underserved communities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Solar Energy Equipment

NAICS

Solar Electric Power Generation (221114)

SIC

Cogeneration Services & Small Power Producers (4991), Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)

akta.pro primary industry

Solar EPC & Construction (Utility-Scale, Rooftop, Balance of System) (EUAMABAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Solar PV Power Plant EPC (Utility-Scale) (EUAEAAAG), Solar Balance-of-Plant EPC (Piles/Foundations, Trenching, Combiner Networks) (EUAEADAJ), Utility-Scale PV EPC (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) (EUACAGAB), Renewable Distributed Generation (Rooftop/Onsite Solar, Small Wind, Small Hydro) (EUACALAJ)

Keywords

• Solar equipment distribution
• Solar EPC services
• Solar water pumping
• Solar irrigation systems
• Solar mini-grids

Headquarters

HQ city

Nairobi

HQ country

Kenya

HQ region

Africa

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Product Sales: Sale of solar equipment including panels, batteries, inverters, pumps, charge controllers, water heaters, and accessories through e-commerce shop and direct sales.
2. EPC Services: Engineering, Procurement, and Construction services for solar projects including mini-grids, borehole solarization, irrigation systems, water treatment plants, and off-grid systems.
3. Operations and Maintenance: Ongoing O&M services for implemented projects to ensure sustainability.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

SolarGen Technologies distributes solar energy equipment and delivers turnkey EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) solar solutions across East Africa. Its portfolio spans solar PV panels, batteries, hybrid inverters, charge controllers, solar water pumps, solar water heaters, water treatment and irrigation systems, solar mini-grids, off-grid power systems, and the JuaBaridi solar cold chain. The company sells its own Hanti brand alongside Tier-1 international brands and operates a PAYGO financing scheme for smallholder farmers.

Product overview

SolarGen Technologies is a solar energy equipment distributor and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction) solutions provider serving East and Horn of Africa. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of solar products including Jinko solar panels (monocrystalline and bi-facial modules from 490W to 615W), Hanti and Maqbul branded batteries (GEL, LiFePO4, and all-in-one systems ranging from 2KWh to 10.24KWh), inverters and charge controllers (Eastman, Hanti Hybrid, Revo-Maqbul, and Victron MPPT), solar water pumps (Hanti submersible/surface and Lorentz systems), solar water heaters (Hanti flat plate and heat pipe systems from 200L to 300L), water treatment systems (3-stage and 7-stage purifiers, reverse osmosis), drip irrigation kits, and balance of system accessories. Beyond product sales, the company provides integrated solutions including Solar Mini-Grids (3kW-100kW systems), Solar Water Pumping, Solar Irrigation with PAYGO financing, Solar Water Treatment and Desalination, Solar Off-Grid Systems (1kW-5kW packages), and JuaBaridi Solar Cold Chain solutions. Services include development, EPC, and O&M for complete project implementation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Hanti: Own brand of solar products including solar pumps, inverters, batteries, and water heaters offering reliability to the market.
• JuaBaridi

Products and services

• Solar PV Panels (Jinko monocrystalline and bifacial)

Quantifiable outcome

• 500+ boreholes solarized providing water access to communities
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• LorentzcoreTechnology or IntegrationEquipment manufacturer partner for solar water pumping systems. Lorentz pumps are distributed and installed as part of Solargen's water pumping solutions across East Africa.
• Victron EnergycoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership with leading manufacturer of power conversion equipment including charge controllers, inverters, and battery systems. Products integrated into Solargen's solar solutions.
• Jinko SolarcoreTechnology or IntegrationSupplier of solar photovoltaic panels including bi-facial monocrystalline modules. Major brand in Solargen's panel inventory.
• Schneider ElectriccoreTechnology or IntegrationGlobal energy management and automation company providing electrical distribution equipment integrated into solar installations.
• SMA Solar TechnologycoreTechnology or IntegrationGerman manufacturer of solar inverters supplying power electronics for Solargen's solar systems.
• GrundfoscoreTechnology or IntegrationPump manufacturer partner providing water pump solutions for solar water pumping applications.
• Aston UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner15-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership to develop smart irrigation system using solar and wind energy. Collaboration aims to increase crop yields by 30-50% using control and sensor systems. Expected to increase company revenue by 77%.
• University of NairobicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Aston University for smart irrigation system development.
• UNHCRcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLong-standing partnership for implementing solar solutions for refugee communities and field offices. Multiple projects including off-grid systems and borehole solarization.
• GivePowercoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnership for solar-powered desalination plants including the Bamburi project (75m3/day capacity) in Mombasa.
• Mercy CorpscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerOff-grid solar implementation partner for offices in Turkana County and other project locations.
• World VisioncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBorehole solarization projects including Chesangich implementation for community water access.
• Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWater access projects through borehole solarization across Somalia and Kenya operations.
• IOMcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerInternational Organization for Migration partner for water and energy projects in displacement contexts.
• ALIGHTcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerImplemented over 20 boreholes for ALIGHT Somalia providing clean water access to communities.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves12 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Others

• GiveDirectly: GiveDirectly is a major cash transfer NGO operating across East Africa. While not a direct solar competitor, GiveDirectly shares the same humanitarian ecosystem and donor relationships as SolarGen's NGO customer base (UNHCR, GivePower-adjacent), making it a relevant ecosystem player in the humanitarian development finance flow that funds SolarGen's projects.

Direct peers

• BBOXX: BBOXX is a UK-based solar energy company deploying solar home systems and mini-grids across East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda) via PAYGO financing. Direct competitor to SolarGen's mini-grid and PAYGO solar offerings with overlapping target customer segments and geographies.
• d.light: d.light designs, manufactures, and finances solar-powered products for off-grid households and businesses across East Africa and globally. Comparable in target customer (underserved, off-grid), PAYGO financing approach, and solar product portfolio including lighting, phone charging, and small appliances.
• Sun King (formerly Greenlight Planet): Sun King is a global leader in solar energy products for off-grid households, with significant East African distribution. Comparable in PAYGO model, product range (panels, batteries, lighting, appliances), and customer base of low-income off-grid households.
• PowerGen Renewable Energy: PowerGen is a Kenya- and Tanzania-based renewable energy EPC and mini-grid developer focused on East Africa. Direct competitor in the solar mini-grid and energy access space with overlapping NGO/humanitarian donor relationships and similar technology stack.
• Zola Electric: Zola Electric provides solar home systems and mini-grids across Africa, including East Africa, via PAYGO financing. Directly comparable to SolarGen's mini-grid deployments and PAYGO financing model for underserved communities.
• Fenix International (acquired by ENGIE): Fenix International, now part of ENGIE, pioneered PAYGO solar home systems in Uganda and expanded across East Africa. Direct competitor to SolarGen in off-grid PAYGO solar and similar smallholder customer base.
• M-KOPA: M-KOPA is the leading PAYGO solar home systems provider in East Africa, with overlapping product categories (solar panels, batteries, lighting), similar PAYGO financing model for off-grid households, and overlapping geographies in Kenya and Uganda — directly comparable to SolarGen's PAYGO and off-grid offerings.

Regional players

• Davis & Shirtliff: Davis & Shirtliff is a leading East African distributor of water pumps, solar equipment, and related engineering products. Comparable in distribution of solar pumps and water equipment, regional East African footprint, and water/irrigation use cases, though broader in scope (water treatment, generators).

Emerging players

• Equatorial Power: Equatorial Power is a Uganda-based mini-grid developer focused on rural electrification in East Africa. Comparable to SolarGen's mini-grid deployments (3kW-100kW systems) and shared focus on underserved communities and donor-funded electrification projects.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/solargentech
• Facebookfacebook.com/solargentechnologies
• LinkedInke.linkedin.com/company/solargen-technologies
• Instagraminstagram.com/solargentechnologiesltdea

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SolarGen Technologies