From KSh10,000 to a Green Energy Revolution: RVTTI Students Unveil Innovative Solar Water Heating System

Science, Research & Innovation, PS Professor Shaukat Abdulrazak inspecting the Helio Water System    during the 14th Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) International Conference 2026

 By Wasike Elvis

 A team of innovative students from Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) has captured attention with the development of an affordable solar-powered water heating system that could provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution for thousands of households across Kenya.

The innovation, dubbed the Helio Water System, was developed by students led by Nelson Leshan and Elvis Ndiolo as part of efforts to promote green energy, environmental conservation, and affordable technology for ordinary citizens.

The students showcased the innovation during an exhibition at the institution, demonstrating how locally available materials can be transformed into a practical solution for household water heating needs at a fraction of the cost of conventional systems.

According to Nelson Leshan, the Helio Water System was inspired by the need to provide a low-cost alternative to expensive commercial solar water heaters while promoting the use of renewable energy.

"My name is Nelson Leshan from Rift Valley Technical Training Institute. We have developed an innovation called the Helio Water System. It is a solar heating system designed to provide a cost-effective and convenient solution for households while promoting green energy," he explained.

How the Innovation Works

Unlike conventional solar water heating systems that rely heavily on costly solar panels and specialized equipment, the Helio Water System uses a unique combination of simple, affordable, and locally available materials.

The system consists of a specially designed framework covered with transparent glass that allows sunlight to penetrate and generate heat. Beneath the glass is a black polythene sheet that absorbs and retains heat efficiently.

A High-Density Polyethylene (HDP) pipe is then arranged in a coiled pattern within the structure, allowing water to flow slowly through the system and absorb the trapped heat.

"The transparent glass helps create a greenhouse effect, trapping heat inside the system. The black polythene absorbs the heat while the coiled HDP pipe controls the flow of water, allowing it enough time to heat up effectively," Leshan explained.

Water entering the system from a cold-water reservoir takes approximately five to ten minutes to reach the desired temperature before being directed to a storage tank.

The students also developed an innovative heat retention mechanism to ensure that hot water remains available for extended periods.

The heated water is stored in a metallic reservoir insulated using cotton and blankets through a process known as lagging. This enables the system to retain heat for between eight and twelve hours.

From the reservoir, hot water is distributed to household facilities such as showers and sinks. A mixing valve allows users to adjust water temperatures by blending hot and cold water according to their preferences.

Solving a Real Household Challenge

The students said their primary objective was to address the high cost associated with modern solar water heating systems, which remain out of reach for many households.

"We are trying to solve the problem of cost-effectiveness. When we compare our solar heater with many modern systems available in the market, ours is significantly cheaper," said Leshan.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the project is its affordability.

The entire prototype was developed at a cost of approximately KSh10,000, making it one of the most affordable solar water heating solutions developed locally by students.

The innovation uses readily available materials including transparent glass, black polythene sheets, HDP pipes, PPR pipes, elbow sockets, water fittings, shower accessories, and a metallic storage tank.

The students believe the affordability of the system could make it attractive to low-income households, schools, hostels, institutions, and rural communities seeking sustainable energy solutions.

Overcoming Challenges

Despite the success of the project, the students revealed that the journey was not without obstacles.

Elvis Ndiolo noted that limited resources and time constraints presented significant challenges during the development phase.

"One of the biggest challenges we faced was the lack of materials and the limited time available to complete the project. However, we remained committed to our vision and worked together to ensure the innovation became a reality," he said.

The students believe that with additional funding, mentorship, and technical support, the Helio Water System can be improved further and scaled up for commercial production.

Dreaming Beyond the Classroom

The young innovators have ambitious plans for the future.

They envision establishing a company dedicated to developing affordable green technologies that address everyday challenges facing Kenyan households.

"Our goal is to establish our own company within the next five years and continue developing innovative projects like this. We want to install these systems in households across the country and contribute to environmental sustainability," Ndiolo said.

The students expressed confidence that local innovations have the potential to drive economic growth while creating employment opportunities for young people.

Principal Commends Innovation

RVTTI Principal Ms. Loice Kutoh praised the students for their creativity, dedication, and commitment to finding practical solutions to real-world challenges.

She lauded the team for demonstrating the power of technical and vocational education in nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship among young people.

"This is a commendable achievement by our students. They have demonstrated that with creativity, determination, and technical knowledge, young people can develop solutions that address societal challenges while contributing to national development," said Ms. Kutoh.

The principal assured the students of the institution's continued support as they work to refine and commercialize their innovation.

"As an institution, we are proud of what these students have achieved. We will continue supporting them through mentorship, technical guidance, and innovation platforms to ensure their ideas grow into viable enterprises that can benefit communities across Kenya," she added.

A Bright Future for Local Innovation

The Helio Water System comes at a time when Kenya is increasingly embracing renewable energy and climate-smart technologies as part of efforts to reduce energy costs and combat climate change.

Experts say locally developed innovations such as the Helio Water System demonstrate the critical role that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions can play in driving technological advancement and sustainable development.

For Nelson Leshan, Elvis Ndiolo, and their colleagues, the project represents more than just an academic exercise.

It is a symbol of what young innovators can achieve when given an opportunity to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems.

As the students continue refining their invention, many believe the Helio Water System could become one of the success stories emerging from Kenya's growing innovation ecosystem—providing affordable hot water solutions while advancing the country's green energy agenda.

From a modest investment of KSh10,000 to a potentially transformative clean-energy solution, the RVTTI students are proving that innovation, determination, and local talent can help shape a more sustainable future for Kenya.