Wessex Solar Zimbabwe, owned by Sona Solar Zimbabwe, is your trusted solar energy solutions provider and Zimbabwe’s leading online solar media house. We specialize in high-quality solar equipment—including Must, Sako inverters, Canadian/Jinko/JA Solar panels, and SVolts/Leoch/Polaris lithium batteries—for homes and businesses. As authorized dealers, we guarantee genuine products and expert advice to help you transition to reliable solar power.
Zimbabwe's Big Bet on Battery Storage: A Lifeline Amidst Power Cuts
As worsening droughts slash Zimbabwe's hydropower production and trigger lengthy power cuts, a quiet revolution is underway. Industries, led by the telecommunications sector, are turning to solar power combined with advanced battery storage to keep the nation's economy humming.
The Deepening Energy Crisis
Zimbabwe has long relied on hydropower, but increasingly frequent and severe droughts, linked to climate change, have crippled production. This has led to an unreliable grid and crippling power cuts that affect every corner of the economy.
According to the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), businesses have been forced to rely on expensive diesel generators to maintain operations. Shepherd Chawira, a CZI representative, noted that running on diesel for over 10 hours a day is unsustainable, leading to increased costs, scaled-down operations, and job losses.
The Solar and Storage Solution
Distributed Power Africa (DPA), a subsidiary of Econet Global, is at the forefront of this transition. Over the last year, DPA has begun installing solar panels and Tesla-supplied battery packs on its telecommunications towers across Zimbabwe, replacing polluting diesel generators and ensuring network reliability.
DPA's CEO, Divyajeet Mahajan, called the switch a "major development in improving energy security for critical users." The model is drawing significant interest from businesses in other sub-Saharan countries, from South Africa to Kenya, highlighting its potential as a continental solution.
Hurdles on the Horizon
Despite its benefits, the technology remains expensive. A battery system capable of running a single telecom tower can cost around $13,000, making it prohibitive for many households. To counter this, DPA offers leasing options to make the systems more accessible to businesses.
Battery theft has become a significant problem. Econet's COO, Kezito Makuni, confirmed that the company has contracted its own technicians for installations to mitigate this risk. In one incident, thieves stole 24 batteries from a facility, though they were later recovered by police.
The Path fForward
Recognizing the importance of renewable energy, the Zimbabwean government has taken steps to support the transition. In July, it removed import duties on solar-power equipment and accessories, a move designed to make solar solutions more affordable for businesses and individuals.
Energy experts like Tendai Marowa are optimistic that as global investment and adoption of battery storage technology rise, the costs will inevitably fall. This would make these crucial systems more accessible to households and small businesses, further accelerating Zimbabwe's shift towards energy independence.
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary reason is worsening drought, which has severely reduced the country's hydropower production, leading to an unstable grid and frequent electricity shortages.
Businesses are increasingly turning to solar power systems combined with advanced battery storage (like Tesla Powerwalls) to ensure a reliable electricity supply and replace costly, polluting diesel generators.
Sona Solar Zimbabwe is a major distributor and installer of residential and small-business solar systems. The company provides reliable, affordable energy solutions by partnering with global manufacturers to supply quality components across the country.
Products and Services
| Category | Products / Services |
|---|---|
| System Packages | 1.5kVA – 11kVA Solar Systems |
| Solar Panels | Canadian Solar, Jinko, JA Solar, Longi |
| Inverters | Codi, Growatt, SRNE |
| Batteries | SVolt, Dyness, Evolt, Must, Leorch |
| Installation & Support | Expert Technical Team |
| Solar-Powered Boreholes | Water Systems & Borehole Drilling |
Available Inverters & Batteries
| Type | Model / Brand | Voltage / Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Polaris | 12V 100Ah |
| Battery | Must | 12V 100Ah |
| Battery | SVolt | 25.6V 106Ah |
| Battery | Genix | 25.6V 100Ah |
| Battery | Leorch | 25.6V 100Ah |
| Battery | Dyness | 25.6V 100Ah |
| Battery | Evolt | 51.2V 100Ah / 184Ah |
| Battery | SVolt | 51.2V 106Ah / 100Ah |
| Battery | Must | 51.2V 100Ah |
| Inverter | Sumry | 3.2kVA |
| Inverter | Codi | 3.5kVA / 4.2kVA |
| Inverter | Must | 3.0kVA – 4.0kVA |
| Inverter | Hanchu | 3.5kVA 24V |
| Inverter | SRNE | 3.0kVA – 5.0kVA |
| Inverter | Growtech / Livoltek / Growatt | 5.0kVA – 6.2kVA |
| Inverter | Primax | 8.0kVA – 11kVA |
| Inverter | SRNE | 10kVA – 12kVA |
The two main challenges are the high upfront cost of the systems (around $13,000 for a commercial-grade setup) and the significant risk of battery theft.
Zimbabwe’s Solar Authority: Products, Power and Proven Expertise
Welcome to Wessex Solar Zimbabwe, your trusted source for reliable solar solutions. As an authorized dealer of top brands like Codi, SRNE, Must and Sako inverters, Canadian, Jinko, and JA Solar panels, and SVolts, Leoch, and Polaris batteries, we provide high-quality products and expert guidance for homes and businesses across Zimbabwe.
Our mission is to make solar energy accessible and sustainable. With in-depth insights, professional advice, and customer-focused service, we help you harness the sun’s power efficiently. Join us on the journey to a brighter, greener future with Wessex Solar Zimbabwe.
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