ZERA to Audit Household Solar Installations Across Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has announced plans to conduct a nationwide audit of household electricity generation from solar power. According to ZERA chief executive Edington Mazambani, the audit aims to measure the amount of electricity produced by domestic solar systems.

The information gathered will be used for planning purposes, helping the government understand actual energy access levels and integrate private solar systems into the national grid. Mazambani stated that the audit will determine the electrification rate, support national planning, and anticipate integration within the grid.

Zimbabwe's official electrification rate stands at 62%, with approximately 1.1 million households off the grid, according to the 2022 census by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat). As a result, many households are turning to solar power due to frequent power cuts and decreasing prices for solar equipment.

The demand for solar power has increased in Zimbabwe, driven by the availability of affordable and diverse solar products in the market. A standard 3.2kVA solar system, which once cost US$3,000, can now be installed for as little as US$1,000.

ZERA is currently in the procurement stage for a contractor to undertake the study. The authority expects to finalize timelines after procurement and agree on an implementation schedule