ZERA to conduct survey on private solar boom as most households generate own power

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) says it will this year conduct a nationwide energy survey with the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) to determine how much of the country’s electricity demand is now being met by privately-funded solar systems, amid a growing shift by households and businesses towards self-generation.

The survey comes as Zimbabwe continues to experience electricity supply challenges, prompting many consumers to invest in rooftop solar systems, mini-grids and other off-grid energy solutions to cushion themselves against power outages.

In an interview, ZERA chief executive officer Edington Mazambani said while the authority had observed significant growth in private solar generation, it was still working to establish the sector’s full contribution to the national electricity supply.

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