Harare – Zimbabweans may soon bid farewell to the bane of load shedding as the government unveils ambitious plans to locally manufacture solar panels and lithium batteries. Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo has announced that a project framework has already been approved by Cabinet to kickstart this initiative, aimed at averting crippling power outages and embracing clean, renewable energy sources.
The scheme will hinge on collaborations between local universities and international firms, leveraging expertise and technology to establish commercial production capabilities. Minister Moyo emphasised the importance of partnerships, particularly with institutions of higher learning, to drive innovation and research in the renewable energy sector.
Speaking at the recent sixth International Renewable Energy Conference and Expo, Minister Moyo highlighted the government’s commitment to the project. “We are convinced that the future is here, because of the technology we have. We want to partner our universities, and this week, the Cabinet approved a project to partner with Chinhoyi University of Technology on solar energy, covering all aspects of solar innovation, research, training and potentially manufacturing our own solar panels and exploring battery options, given our lithium resources,” he stated, as quoted by State media. “We believe the opportunities are now available for everyone to participate.”
A significant step towards realising this vision is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) consummated with the International Solar Alliance (ISA). This agreement will pave the way for the establishment of a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C) at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT). The STAR-C will serve as a hub for building capacity in solar energy deployment, research, development, and innovation, further bolstering Zimbabwe’s renewable energy landscape.
Minister Moyo stressed the need to contextualise solar and renewable energy within the broader Zimbabwean economy, noting the importance of identifying opportunities within key sectors. “When we are thinking about these things, solar or renewable energy must be contextualised in our economy, and our economy right now has 17 sectors. The big ones are agriculture, the mining, industry, manufacturing. As stakeholders in renewable energy, we must also focus on these areas and identify opportunities within each one,” he explained.
The Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting clean energy solutions for households. “And we’re looking at clean cooking, and when considering clean cooking, we want to liberate ourselves and our women from the smoke produced by wet wood during the rainy season, which can be overwhelming. So, promoting clean cooking is also part of our goals.” This initiative aims to address the health hazards associated with traditional cooking methods, particularly for women in rural areas.
Furthermore, Minister Moyo emphasised the critical role of energy efficiency in achieving sustainable development goals. “Energy efficiency is no longer an option—it is a necessity. It is one of the most cost-effective ways to expand energy access, reduce emissions, and support economic productivity across all sectors,” he asserted.
Harnessing the Power of the Sun: A Brighter Future for Zimbabwe
Solar energy holds immense potential for Zimbabwe, a country blessed with abundant sunshine. Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, work by converting sunlight directly into electricity. These panels are composed of numerous solar cells made from semiconductor materials, typically silicon. When sunlight strikes these cells, it excites electrons, causing them to flow and generate an electric current. This direct conversion of sunlight into electricity makes solar energy a clean, efficient, and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
For a standard household in Zimbabwe, a home solar system typically requires between 1500 and 2500 watts of solar panels. However, for smaller systems that can power a small television, charge a single laptop, several smart phones and light 4 to 6 rooms from 6pm to around midnight, a single 100ah 12.6V lithium battery and about 600 to 900 watts of solar panels can get the job done.
This is because Zimbabwe enjoys more than six hours of sunshine on many months of the year, making it ideal for solar energy generation. On the other hand, a system that comprises of about 1 or 2 by 100ah 25.6V lithium batteries and 1500w to 2500w of solar panels size can power essential appliances such as lights, a refrigerator, a television, and charging most household electronic devices, depending on the capacity of the inverter. By adopting solar energy, households can significantly reduce their reliance on the national grid, mitigate the impact of load shedding, and save money on electricity bills in the long run.
Lithium Batteries: The Key to Reliable Solar Power
While solar panels generate electricity during the day, batteries are essential for storing this energy for use at night or during periods of low sunlight. Lithium batteries, particularly Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, are increasingly becoming the preferred choice for solar energy storage due to their superior performance and longevity compared to traditional gel or lead-acid batteries.
LiFePO4 batteries offer several advantages. They have a much longer lifespan, typically lasting for thousands of charge-discharge cycles, compared to a few hundred cycles for lead-acid batteries. They also have a higher energy density, meaning they can store more energy in a smaller and lighter package. Additionally, LiFePO4 batteries are safer and more stable, with a lower risk of overheating or explosion.
Smart Energy Choices: What Solar Can and Cannot Do
While solar energy can power many household appliances, it is essential to make smart energy choices to maximise its benefits and avoid overloading the system. Solar systems should ideally not be used to power high-energy-consuming appliances such as electric stoves, ovens, and geysers. These appliances require a large amount of electricity and can quickly drain the battery storage, reducing the overall efficiency of the solar system.
Instead, households should consider using gas stoves for cooking and explore alternative water heating solutions such as solar geysers or heat pumps. By making these adjustments, households can significantly reduce their energy consumption and ensure that their solar system can reliably power their essential appliances.
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