AS PERSISTENT power shortages continue to afflict much of Africa, Zimbabwe included, solar energy has emerged as a critical alternative for households and businesses alike.
In Zimbabwe, the rapid uptake of solar solutions has reshaped daily life and commercial operations, offering a more reliable and cost-effective source of power amid ongoing electricity supply constraints. Against this backdrop, demand for solar installations has surged, bringing both opportunities and challenges for energy providers and consumers. Senior Lifestyle Writer Anesu Mirisawu spoke to Crispen Rateiwa, a solar energy specialist at Sungrip Solar Energy, to discuss the growing appetite for solar power in Zimbabwe, the practical and technical hurdles faced during installations, and the future of renewable energy in the country.
Below are excerpts from the interview…
Q. Zimbabwe continues to face power shortages. How is the growing demand for solar energy changing the way businesses and households operate?
A. A solar system can significantly impact business operations, especially in areas with unreliable grid power or where there is erratic load shedding. By installing a solar system to power a freezer (machine for ice block production), incubators or service stations, a business cuts costs and increases profitability. For butchery fridges, consistent solar energy ensures proper meat storage, reducing spoilage and increasing customer trust. What differentiates a thriving and struggling business at growth point shops, is lack or presence of solar-powered fridges and entertainment. As a company we ensure our solar systems support uninterrupted refrigeration, lighting and entertainment systems thereby enhancing customer experience and sales. We also offer piggery and poultry businesses solar-powered water pumping which ensures consistent water supply, supporting animal health and productivity.
Q. What are the biggest challenges facing solar installation companies in Zimbabwe today, particularly in terms of costs, imports and skill?
A. Solar installation companies in Zimbabwe face several challenges such as high upfront costs and lack of access to low-interest loans. For example, Sungrip Solar Energy delivers solar systems on credit which requires huge capital to buy bulky solar systems and meet solar systems demands for businesses and households. We rely on imported lithium batteries, which increases costs as there is a lack of a local battery manufacturing plant in Zimbabwe. It is important to note that despite Zimbabwe’s lithium mining industry booming, the high costs of lithium batteries is a significant barrier to solar energy adoption, especially for low-income households. Zimbabwe exports raw lithium ore which is then processed and sold back to us at a higher price. Global demand for lithium batteries drives up prices, making them unaffordable for many Zimbabweans. Among many components of a solar system is a lithium battery. Therefore, developing a local battery manufacturing industry in Zimbabwe could be a game -changer. Importing solar energy products and systems in Zimbabwe comes with its own set of challenges. These includes; lack of streamlining customs, lowering or eliminating tariffs and implementation of quality control. Unskilled and unregulated services entail unfair competition which drives down prices, making it difficult for legitimate businesses to survive. Some unregistered individuals and institutions are churning out unregistered, unscrupulous solar installers who pounce on unsuspecting customers offering tempered lithium batteries, cheap substandard installations, unregulated services that may lead to fire, electrical shocks and other accidents. They may not only compromise safety, but also undermine the efforts of legitimate businesses.
Q. How affordable is solar energy for the average Zimbabwean, and what options exist for low-and middle-income households.
A. The average Zimbabwean cannot afford solar energy as they lack disposable income. However, Sungrip Solar Energy’s innovative approach has made solar energy more accessible. Its pay-as-yougo business model whereby a client pays only 20 percent after solar system delivery and installation, fix and supply, services is a game-changer. It offers a bundle of joy with immediate solar energy benefits and flexible payments as the balance is paid over months, making solar energy more affordable.
Q. What role can government policy and incentives play in accelerating the adoption of solar power across the county?
A. Government incentives and policies can make a huge difference. Implementing net metering policies allow households and businesses to offset their energy bills with solar power. Government can provide low-interest loans for solar systems installation companies. Furthermore, the government can offer tax incentives for solar system installations. Additionally, the government can guarantee a price for excess energy fed into the grid.
Q. Looking ahead, how do you see the future of the solar energy industry in Zimbabwe over the next five to 10 years?
A. Zimbabwe’s solar energy industry is poised for rapid growth, driven by government support, abundant solar resources and increasing demand.