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In a significant move towards sustainable energy, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) is developing a comprehensive regulatory framework to address the burgeoning solar energy sector.
The Need for Regulation:
Zimbabwe's electricity shortage has been a persistent issue, costing the country millions of scarce US dollars in imports each year and affecting operations in industry, commerce, mining, and agriculture. Solar energy has emerged as a readily available and efficient alternative source of power for both industrial and household usage.![]() |
ZERA Crafts Regulations for Solar Energy Sector - Renewable Energy Landscape |
Stakeholder Engagement:
On Thursday, ZERA engaged stakeholders in Bulawayo as part of the final leg of national public consultations regarding the new regulations. These consultations are crucial for gathering input from various sectors and ensuring that the regulations are comprehensive and effective.Key Aspects of the Regulations:
- Quality Control: The regulations will focus on monitoring the quality of imported solar products to ensure they meet Zimbabwean and International Electrochemical Commission (IEC) standards.
- Qualified Installers: All solar and electrical installations will need to be performed by qualified professionals, with mandatory electrical inspections carried out by certified personnel.
- Mandatory Training: Due to the presence of unqualified personnel in the sector, there will be mandatory training of 40 hours, which includes both theory and practical sessions.
Expert Insights:
Eng Man’arai Ndovorwi, ZERA's senior engineer-electricity, highlighted the need for regulation in the sector. He noted that the influx of sub-standard products and unqualified personnel has led to poor workmanship, giving rise to the notion that solar energy use is not good. "The sector is generally not regulated, and the influx of sub-standard products in the market characterized the sector. Poor workmanship has given rise to the notion that solar energy use is not good. Therefore, there is a need to regulate the sector and restore sanity. We are mandated to come up with a standard of equipment to harness the resource," said Eng Ndovorwi.The Impact of Sub-Standard Products:
Participants in the consultations urged authorities to move swiftly to implement the regulations, noting that the influx of sub-standard products, particularly imports, undermines the sector’s efforts. Enhanced inspection efforts are needed to ensure that only qualified individuals are mandated to install solar energy gadgets.ZERA Crafts Regulations for Solar Energy Sector: A New Dawn for Zimbabwe's Renewable Energy Landscape
The development of these regulations marks a significant step towards ensuring the safe and efficient use of solar energy in Zimbabwe. By addressing the issues of sub-standard products and unqualified installers, ZERA aims to protect consumers and elevate the standards of the solar energy sector. As Zimbabwe continues to seek sustainable solutions to its energy challenges, these regulations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of renewable energy in the country.As these regulations come into effect, it is essential for all stakeholders, including consumers, installers, and suppliers, to adhere to the new standards. This collective effort will ensure the success of the solar energy sector and contribute to Zimbabwe's sustainable energy future.
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