The One Appliance Solar Can't Save (Yet): A Look into High-Power Items Still Struggling Off-Grid

We Are Solar Reviews Zimbabwe – Your Trusted Source for High-Quality, Affordable Solar Solutions.

Solar Reviews Zimbabwe is the country’s leading platform for unbiased solar company reviews and installer ratings. We provide transparent insights based on real customer feedback, helping homeowners, farmers, and businesses choose trusted solar solutions. No company can pay to influence scores, making us your reliable guide to the best solar installers in Zimbabwe.

+263 78 922 2847 +263 78 293 3586 +263 78 864 2437 +263 78 119 0001 +263 77 832 4532 +263 78 623 1488 +263 77 389 8979 +263 71 918 7878

By  Solar Reviews Media

On   30, 2025

151,893 Views

Solar power has come a long way in Zimbabwe. From lighting homes in rural communities to keeping city households running during endless load shedding, it’s now more than just a backup it’s a necessity. 

But even with all this progress, there’s still one question many users are starting to ask: “Why can’t I run everything off my solar system?” The answer lies in one simple truth some appliances still push the limits of what solar can handle.

The Problem: High Starting Current and Power Surge

Certain appliances, especially those with motors or compressors, draw a massive amount of power the moment they start. We're talking about items like air conditioners, welding machines, geysers, industrial freezers, and electric stoves. These aren’t regular low-drain devices. They demand instant power surges that most domestic solar inverters especially lower capacity ones just aren’t built to handle.

Real Struggles from Real Homes

Take Mrs. Dube in Bulawayo, who recently installed a 5kVA system from Sona Solar Zimbabwe. Her lights, TV, fridge, and borehole pump all worked perfectly but her electric stove tripped the system every time. Then there’s Tawanda in Ruwa who tried to use his arc welding machine on a 3.6kVA system, only to find it shutting down instantly. 

The One Appliance Solar Can't Save (Yet)

The reality is clear: not all loads are equal, and some just aren’t solar-compatible yet.

Electric Stoves: The Power-Hungry Culprit

Electric stoves remain one of the most challenging appliances for solar systems. Even smaller two-plate units can spike above 3000W when heating up. That’s almost the entire limit of a 3kVA inverter. For families trying to be fully off-grid, this means finding workarounds like switching to gas or using solar kettles and slow cookers designed for energy efficiency.

Geysers and Water Heaters: Heat vs. Efficiency

Another big offender? Geysers. Heating water consumes a lot of energy over long periods. Solar-powered geysers with direct sunlight heating or hybrid solar-gas systems are much more efficient. But trying to run a 3kW electric geyser on a domestic solar setup? It’s a fast way to empty your batteries and stress your system.

Welders, Grinders, and Workshop Tools

Those running home workshops or farm machinery often learn the hard way that inverters don’t like sudden spikes. Welding machines and grinders, particularly older models, aren’t just incompatible they’re risky to your inverter. That’s why experienced installers from Zimbabwe’s trusted review platform now warn clients about realistic system expectations.

What Can Be Done?

The good news is, solutions are emerging. Here are a few ways Zimbabwean households are adapting:

1. Staggered Usage: Run heavy items one at a time and during peak solar hours.
2. Battery Boosting: Invest in larger battery banks to handle surges without collapsing.
3. Generator Integration: Use hybrid systems where high-power tools only run on generator backup.
4. Upgrade Inverters: Some newer models with high surge ratings can now manage heavier loads for short periods.

Solar-Compatible Alternatives

Innovators are creating solar-friendly versions of many appliances. Induction cookers with lower power draw, solar geysers, and energy-efficient deep freezers are making it easier to live fully off-grid. 

A Look into High-Power Items Still Struggling Off-Grid

Platforms like Solar Experts Zimbabwe now help clients select appliances that match their system capacity without strain.

Honest Conversations Are the Key

The best solar installations happen when users and installers speak openly about lifestyle and appliance needs. At Sona Solar Zimbabwe, consultations include a full audit of your current energy use, peak appliance draw, and future expectations. That’s how they avoid over promising and deliver systems that perform reliably, not just on paper but in real homes.

Not Everything Is Solar-Friendly (Yet)

Solar is powerful, reliable, and smart but like all technology, it has limits. Knowing which appliances still challenge the system gives you the power to plan better. And as battery technology and inverter design continue to evolve, it’s only a matter of time before even these high-demand items find a place in Zimbabwe’s solar-powered homes.

Top-Rated Platform for Researching and Buying Solar Accessories in Zimbabwe

Why You Can Trust Solar Reviews Zimbabwe: Solar Reviews Zimbabwe is your independent source for reliable solar company reviews and installer comparisons. Our team is dedicated to helping homeowners, farmers, and businesses make informed solar choices without bias or influence from providers. Every review is based on real customer experiences, ensuring transparency and credibility. Unlike sponsored directories, no solar company can pay to change their ratings or review scores on our platform. This means you get genuine insights into the quality of products, services, and customer support offered by installers across Zimbabwe. Our goal is simple: to connect you with trustworthy solar solutions you can depend on for years to come.

Contact Our Teams on WhatsApp:

+263 789 222 847 +263 782 933 586 +263 788 642 437 +263 773 898 979 +263 781 190 001 +263 719 187 878