Skip to content
Solar finance comparison

M-KOPA vs Sun King: which is right for you?

M-KOPA and Sun King both pioneered pay-as-you-go solar in Kenya, and both have since expanded beyond solar. M-KOPA pushed into smartphones, electric motorbikes, and consumer credit. Sun King stayed closer to its solar roots with strong rural distribution. Both collect daily or weekly payments via M-PESA paybill.

M-KOPA

lending,333222

The pioneer of pay-as-you-go solar in Kenya, now expanded into smartphones, electric motorbikes, and credit.

Detail page

Sun King

lending,323458

A global PAYG solar provider (a brand of Greenlight Planet) with deep Kenyan rural distribution.

Detail page

Which is better for what

Quick guide by use case. Pick the row that matches your situation.

For a first solar home system in a rural household

Sun King has the deeper village-level distribution and a wider range of small solar kits sized for first-time users.

Sun King

For a smartphone bought on credit

M-KOPA finances smartphones with daily M-PESA payments, a product Sun King does not offer at scale.

M-KOPA

For larger home solar (TV plus lights plus fan)

Both have comparable systems at the mid-tier. Compare the specific kit price and finance term, not the brand.

Either works

For an electric boda boda

M-KOPA has launched electric motorbike financing in Kenya. Sun King does not operate in this category yet.

M-KOPA

At a glance

M-KOPASun King
Sectorlendinglending
M-PESA paybill333222323458
Detail pageViewView

Common questions

What is M-KOPA's M-PESA paybill?

M-KOPA's M-PESA paybill is 333222. Account number is your M-KOPA account ID printed on the device.

What is Sun King's M-PESA paybill?

Sun King's M-PESA paybill is 323458. Account number is your Sun King customer ID (dial *305# on your registered Safaricom line to retrieve).

Do I own the solar system after paying it off?

Yes for both. Once you complete all daily or weekly payments over the agreed term, the system is yours outright. Skipping payments temporarily turns the unit off until you catch up.

Which is cheaper overall?

On the same-sized system, both price competitively. Total cost of ownership tracks closely. Compare the specific product and term, not the brand headline.

Related

paybillke is an independent directory and tools service. We are not affiliated with Safaricom, Airtel, T-Kash, or any listed company.

Last updated . How we verify.