How rooftop solar co-operatives are cutting costs for small traders
Market traders pooling their savings into shared solar systems report lower bills. The model works best where members already trust each other.
By Samuel Kiprono. 10 Oct 2026, 11:00 EAT
In a covered market, a group of traders pooled monthly contributions to install solar panels on the roof. Members now share the electricity for lighting, refrigeration and phone charging.
The group's treasurer says the hardest part was not the technology but agreeing on rules for maintenance and how to share power during cloudy weeks.
What made it work
• An existing savings group with a record of repayment
• A written agreement on maintenance costs
• A local technician trained to handle basic repairs