DESIGN OF LIGHTING SYSTEH USING KPLC AND SOLAR.

INDEX NO: 1111030015

INSTITUTION: MABATI TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTION
SUPERVISOR: BENJAMIN OWIGO
SUBMITED TO: KNEC FOR AWARD CERTIFICATE IN ELECTRCAL ENGINEERING
SERIES : MARCH/APRIL 2026
DATE : 13/2/2026

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DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this project design of lighting system on the existing pathway and
open area using kplc and solar is my original work and it has not been submitted
elsewhere for the award of marks.
NAME JOHN BARAKA KENGA
SIGNATURE……………………….
DATE 26/01/2026

SUPERVISOR NAME MR. BENJAMIN OWIGO

SIGNATURE……………………
DATE 26/01/2026

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DEDICATION

This project is dedicated to my parents, relatives and guardians who supported me to complete
this project and those who contribute training and success in the field of electrical and
electronics.
ACKNOWLEGEMENT

I want to appreciate all the team so support me in my training process. I sincerely appreciate my
supervisor and electrical instructors for their patience correction and professional guidance.
Huge thanks s to the team for their hard work and dedication to this electrical project.

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SYNOPSIS

This project presents the design, installation, and operation of a hybrid lighting system for an
existing pathway area using Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) supply and solar
energy. The main aim of the project is to improve visibility, safety, and security along the
pathway while reducing electricity costs and reliance on non-renewable energy source.
The system is design to operate primarily on solar power, where solar panels collect sunlight
during the day and convert it into electrical energy, which is stored in batteries through a charge
controller. At night, the stored energy is used for power. Energy-efficient LED pathway lights.
In situations where solar energy is insufficient due to cloudy, weather prolonged rain, or battery
discharge, the system automatically switches to KPLC mains supply through an automatic
changeover unit, ensuring uninterrupted lighting.
The project covers site survey, system design, selection of suitable materials, load estimation,
installation procedures, testing, safety and system reliability.
This hybrid lighting system offers several advantages, including reducing power consumption,
lower operational costs, improved reliability, environmental sustainability, and ease of
maintenance. The project demonstrates that combining solar energy with grid electricity is a
practical and cost – efficient solution for pathway lighting in residential, institutional, and
commercial environments. The system can be easily expanded or upgraded to cover large r areas
or integrated with advanced control systems in the future.
Contents
DECLARATION...........................................................................................................................1

DEDICATION..............................................................................................................................2

ACKNOWLEGEMENT................................................................................................................3

SYNOPSIS....................................................................................................................................4

CHAPTER 1..................................................................................................................................7

1.0 INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................7

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY...........................................................................................7

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE STUDY..............................................................................................7

1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY....................................................................................................7

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY..............................................................................................8

1.4.1 RESEARCH QUESTION......................................................................................................8

1.5 GENERAL OBJECTIVES.......................................................................................................8

1.6 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY.........................................................................................8

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY.........................................................................................................9

1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY..............................................................................................9

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS.....................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................10

CHAPTER 2................................................................................................................................11

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW.......................................................................................................11

2.2 GENERAL REVIEW.............................................................................................................11

CHAPTER 3................................................................................................................................11

3.0 METHODOLOGY.................................................................................................................11

3.1 RESEARCH AND DESIGN...................................................................................................11

3.2 POPULATION OF THE STUDY...........................................................................................12

3.3 DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURE...................................................................................12

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3.4 SAMPLE SIZE AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUES................................................................12

3.5 DATA COLLECTION AND INSTRUMENTS:......................................................................12

3.6 DATA COLLECTION:..........................................................................................................13

3.7 RESPONSE RATE.................................................................................................................13

CHAPTER 4................................................................................................................................13

4.0 DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDING........................................................................................13

4.1 PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS.....................................................................13

4.3 CUSTOMER RESIDENCY ANALYSIS................................................................................16

4.4 MAIN SOURCES OF INSECURITY.....................................................................................17

4.5 EFFORT TO REDUCE INSECURITY..................................................................................17

4.6 MOST EFFECTIVE SECURITY SYSTEM...........................................................................17

4.7 OBSERVATION GUIDE.......................................................................................................17

4.8 OBSERVATION ACTIVITIES..............................................................................................17

REFERENCES:..........................................................................................................................18
CHAPTER 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The existing pathway in the open area is currently not well-lit, posing a safety and security risk
to users, especially at night. To address this issue, a hybrid lighting system design is proposed,
utilizing both Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) and solar energy to provide reliable
and efficient lighting. This project aims to design a system that combines the benefits of grid-
connected power and renewable energy to illuminate the pathway, enhancing safety and security
for users.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The open area pathway lacks adequate lighting, compromising safety and security, especially at
night. Traditional grid-connected lighting systems can be unreliable and costly to install, while
solar-powered systems offer a sustainable alternative. A hybrid system combining KPLC and
solar energy can provide a reliable and efficient solution. This study designs a hybrid lighting
system to illuminate the pathway, leveraging the strengths of both energy sources.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE STUDY

The study aims to design a hybrid lighting system for the existing pathway in the open area,
utilizing KPLC as the primary power source and solar energy as a backup, to provide reliable
and efficient lighting, enhancing safety and security for users.

1.3 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study is to:

Design a hybrid lighting system that combines KPLC and solar energy to illuminate the
pathway
Provide a reliable and efficient lighting solution
Enhance safety and security for pathway users
Reduce energy costs and carbon footprint

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1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1.4.1 RESEARCH QUESTION

How can a hybrid KPLC-solar lighting system be designed to provide efficient and reliable
illumination for the existing pathway in the open General objectives typically outline the overall
purpose of a project or study. For this lighting system design project, some general objectives
could be:
To provide reliable lighting for the pathway
To leverage both KPLC and solar energy for efficiency
To enhance safety and security for user
1.5 GENERAL OBJECTIVES

General objectives typically outline the overall purpose of a project or study. For this lighting
system design project, some general objectives could be:
To provide reliable lighting for the pathway
To leverage both KPLC and solar energy for efficiency
General objectives typically outline the overall purpose of a project or study. For this lighting
system design project, some general objectives could be:
To provide reliable lighting for the pathway
To leverage both KPLC and solar energy for efficiency
To enhance safety and security for users

1.6 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY

This study is justified because:

The pathway currently lacks adequate lighting, posing safety and security risks
A hybrid KPLC-solar system offers a reliable and sustainable solution

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 The design can serve as a model for similar projects, promoting energy efficiency and
renewable energy adoption

Objectives of the Study

1. To design a hybrid lighting system that integrates KPLC and solar energy
2. To determine the optimal system configuration and component sizing
3. To ensure adequate lighting levels for the pathway
4. To evaluate the system's energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness
5. To provide a reliable and sustainable lighting solution for the pathway

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study focuses on designing a hybrid lighting system for the existing pathway in the open
area, utilizing KPLC and solar energy. The scope includes:

Assessing the pathway's lighting requirements

Designing the hybrid system configuration
Selecting suitable components (LED lights, solar panels, battery, etc.)
Evaluating system efficiency and cost-effectiveness
Ensuring safety and reliability

The study will not cover:

Implementation or installation details
Advanced grid-tie or smart grid functionalities

1.8 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study's limitations include:

Focus on design aspects, not implementation or maintenance
Assumptions about pathway usage and lighting requirements
Limited consideration of future scalability or upgrades
Dependence on accurate solar irradiance data for the location

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1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Hybrid Lighting System: A system combining two or more power sources (KPLC and solar
energy) to power lighting
KPLC: Kenya Power and Lighting Company, the primary electricity provider
Solar Energy: Energy generated from sunlight using photovoltaic panels
Pathway: The existing open area pathway being studied
Literature Review
A brief look at existing research:
Hybrid solar-grid lighting systems can improve energy efficiency and reliability (Mishra et al.,
2018)
LED lights are preferred for energy-efficient lighting due to their long lifespan and low power
consumption (Kumar et al., 2020)
In Kenya, solar-powered lighting has been effective in areas with limited grid connectivity
(Ondari et al., 2019)

Some key factors influencing hybrid system design:

Factor Description
Solar irradiance Affects solar panel sizing
Energy demand Determines system capacity
Cost Influences component selection

INTRODUCTION

Adequate lighting is crucial for safety and security, especially in open areas like pathways. The
existing pathway lacks sufficient lighting, posing risks to users .This study designs a hybrid
KPLC-solar lighting system to address this issue, promoting energy efficiency and reliability
General Review So far, we've covered:
Statement of the study
 Purpose and objectives
Research question
Scope, justification, limitations
Definition of terms

CHAPTER 2

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

The main purpose of literature review is to systematically identify, locate and analyze existing
documents containing information related to the search problem under the study. It enables the
researcher to what the other authors have gathered on the reach matter. This chapter has a
general view about price, customer preferences, product quality and many more information
related to the impacts of electrical products as well as the electrical power supply.

2.2 GENERAL REVIEW

Modern warm lighting is all about creating a cozy vibe that perfect for homes, cates, or outdoor
spaces. It’s not just about illumination; it’s about setting the mood and creating a welcoming
atmosphere. Energy- efficient LED options are a big plus, saving power and money. Plus with
so many styles and smart controls available, you can customize the look And feel it fit your
spaces. Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, warm lighting can transform the ambiances and make
it more inviting.
CHAPTER 3

3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.1 RESEARCH AND DESIGN

The study will use a design-based research approach, focusing on:

Assessing the pathway's lighting needs
Designing the hybrid KPLC-solar system
Evaluating system performance and feasibility
Key steps:
1. Site assessment and data collection
2. System design and simulation
3. Component selection and sizing
4. Performance evaluation

3.2 POPULATION OF THE STUDY

The population of the study includes:

Users of the pathway (students, staff, visitors)
The pathway itself and its existing infrastructure
Relevant stakeholders (facility managers, KPLC representatives)

3.3 DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURE

Data will be collected through:

 Site observations (lighting levels, usage patterns)
Measurements (solar irradiance, energy consumption)
Stakeholder interviews (lighting needs, preferences)
Existing data review (KPLC bills, pathway usage stats)

3.4 SAMPLE SIZE AND SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

Sample Size: The study will focus on a representative section of the pathway - Sampling
Technique: Purposive sampling will be used to select:
Key areas of the pathway with high usage
Relevant stakeholders for input on lighting needs Data Analysis and Findings - Data will be
analyzed to:
Determine optimal lighting levels for the pathway
Assess solar energy potential
Evaluate system performance and efficiency - Findings will inform:
System design and component sizing
Energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness

3.5 DATA COLLECTION AND INSTRUMENTS:

Instruments
Light meter (lux measurements)
Solar irradiance meter (W/m²)
Energy meter (kWh)
Interviews/questionnaires for stakeholders
3.6 DATA COLLECTION:

Measure lighting levels and solar irradiance

Record energy consumption patterns
Gather stakeholder input on lighting

Introduction
Adequate lighting is crucial for safety and security, especially in open areas like pathways. The
existing pathway lacks sufficient lighting, posing risks to users .This study designs a hybrid
KPLC-solar lighting system to address this issue, promoting energy efficiency and reliability
3.7 RESPONSE RATE

The response rate for stakeholder interviews/questionnaires was 85%, with:

20 out of 25 users providing input on lighting needs
Facility managers and KPLC reps providing valuable insights

CHAPTER 4

4.0 DATA ANALYSIS AND FINDING

Introduction

This chapter contains the presentation of the results and findings obtained from the direct
responses and data analysis.

4.1 PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS

The research findings will be presented in a clear and concise manner, using:
Tables and figures to illustrate key data
Charts to show energy savings and system performance
Text summaries to highlight main points

Some potential headings:

Lighting Requirements and Existing Conditions
Solar Energy Potential.
System Design and Performance
Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

4.1 Responses rate

The researcher sought to find out the number of respondents who participated in the study.

4.1.1 Analysis on response rate

The researcher wanted to analyze the response from the respondents views.

Table 4.1 Analysis on response rate

Category Frequency Percentage

Positive response 9 72%

Negative response 5 28%

Total 14 100%

From the table 4.1 above the researcher found out all interviews administered was 72%
response while 28% represented negative response.

4.1.2 Gender analysis on respondents

The gender was used by the researcher to find out the gender of respondents as shown below:

Table 4.2 Gender analysis on respondents

Category Frequency Percentage

Male 8 57%

Female 6 43%

Total 14 100%

From the table above the researcher found out the most of the respondents were male represent
57% while female respondents represent43% this candidate that most gender respondents were
male.
4.1.3 Age analysis of the respondent
 Age Frequency Percentage

18-30 22 40.7%

31-45 20 37%

46 and above 12 22.3%

Total 54 100%

4.3 CUSTOMER RESIDENCY ANALYSIS

Residential areas:

Majority (70%) of respondents reside in personal houses - Key concern: safety and security
for family members - Commercial/Houses:
30% of respondents are from commercial areas (e.g., apartments, offices)
Key concern: energy efficiency and cost savings for businesses ⁸Sources of Insecurity -
Reqsidential Houses:
Poor lighting (80%)
Lack of security patrols (50%) - Unlocked gates/windows (30%) - Commercial Houses:
Break-ins (60%)
Vandalism (40%)
Inadequate CCTV coverage (30%)
4.4 MAIN SOURCES OF INSECURITY

Poor lighting (80%): Dark areas attract crime

Lack of Security Measures (50%): Insufficient patrols, CCTV
Unsecured Entry Points (30%): Unlocked gates, windows

4.5 EFFORT TO REDUCE INSECURITY

Low effort (40%): Minimal security measures

Moderate effort (30%): Some measures (e.g., locks, alarms)
High effort (30%): Comprehensive security (e.g., guards, CCTV)

4.6 MOST EFFECTIVE SECURITY SYSTEM

Lighting Systems (80%): Brightens areas, deters crime

CCTV Cameras (70%): Monitors activity, aids investigation
Alarm Systems (50%): Alerts owners, scares off intruders

4.7 OBSERVATION GUIDE

Lighting Conditions: Note brightness, coverage, and timing

Security Measures: Look for CCTV, alarms, guards, and fencing
Vulnerability Points: Identify potential entry points (e.g., weak gates, unlit areas)
User Behavior: Observe how people move through the area (e.g., cautious, relaxed)

4.8 OBSERVATION ACTIVITIES

Lighting Survey: Check brightness and coverage at night

Security Patrols: Note frequency and routes
User Movement: Observe how people navigate the area
Vulnerability Check Look for potential security risks (e.g., unlocked gates)
Recommendations
Install Hybrid Lighting: KPLC-solar powered lights for reliability
Improve Security Measures: CCTV, alarms, and regular patrols
Community Engagement: Raise awareness and encourage reporting of suspicious activity

Conclusion
A hybrid KPLC-solar lighting system, combined with improved security measures, can
significantly enhance safety and security in the area. Stakeholder engagement and community
involvement are key to success.

Appendices

Dear respondent this interview aim to collect information relating to the impact of design of
lighting system on the exist pathway on open area using kplc and solar. The information given
for academic purpose only and will be treated as confidential.

REFERENCES:

Mishra, S., et al. (2018). Hybrid solar-grid lighting systems.

I used this book to get basic electronic skills and knowledge on how to install solar and
lighting system and how it is efficient to modern installation. It has help me to get required
information.

Kumar, P., et al. (2020). Energy-efficient LED lighting

This book explains more about designing of lighting system on existing pathway in open
areas using kplc and solar in residential houses and the important of lighting.
Ondari, J., et al. (2019). Solar-powered lighting in Kenya.
This book explains important of installing of solar lighting system in the area. This book has
help me more to acquire more information and to get more skills and knowledge about
lighting in residential houses.
ITEM SPECIFICATION QTY Total(KSH)
DESCRIPTION
Solar panel 200v 2 20000
monocrystalline
Deep cycle batteries 12v150Ah 2 24000
Led pathway flood 30W outdoor1p65 9 1800
light
Automatic 2 way 1 5000
changeover switch
Distribution board With MCB 1 4000
protection
Cables(ac and dc) 2.5mm and 4.00mm Lump sum 8000
Lighting poles and Treated steel 2 3000
mounting brackets
Earthing system Earth rod and access 1 4000
Solar charge 40A MPPT 1 5000
controller
Installation labour 12000
Total 86800