By Admore Mbonda
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulating Authority (ZERA) is taking significant steps to enhance the green energy sector through the introduction of the proposed Energy (Solar Products and Installation) Regulations.
This initiative aims to ensure the safe and high-quality production of solar energy across the country, aligning with ZERA’s commitment to rural electrification.
ZERA is currently engaging in nationwide public consultations regarding these new regulations.
Eng. Victor Sibanda, a Research and Energy Efficiency Engineer, highlighted a pressing issue: “We have noticed the flooding of inferior solar products in the market, with installations often carried out by unqualified personnel. This poses a considerable risk, as these products can be dangerous.”
The proposed regulations are designed to establish robust safety standards that protect consumers, ensuring they receive quality and guaranteed solar products.
Eng. Sibanda emphasized the need for regulations that govern solar energy generation and thermal heating, stating, “We need solar products that conform to set standards as we transition to green energy.”
One of the key objectives of the regulations is to monitor the solar energy sector effectively, particularly concerning the quality of imported solar products.
“We need assurance that the products available in the market are genuine and come with safety warranties so that consumers are not short-changed, and our solar energy remains safe for individuals and properties,” he added.
Currently, the solar energy market is largely unregulated, allowing anyone to sell or install solar products. This lack of oversight has contributed to the proliferation of substandard installations.
During a recent stakeholder consultation meeting in Chinhoyi, Engineer Trust Sauramba from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) raised an important concern:
“While we need to regulate the sector, we must ensure that these regulations do not hinder our rural electrification drive by increasing the cost of solar energy.”
The challenge lies in creating a regulatory framework that ensures safety and quality without making solar solutions prohibitively expensive for rural communities.
Under the proposed regulations, all solar and electrical installations will need to be performed by qualified professionals, with mandatory electrical inspections carried out by certified personnel.
Eng. Sibanda noted a troubling statistic: the country experiences at least eight electrical accidents monthly, resulting in about one fatality due to improper installations, particularly in agricultural settings.
To mitigate these risks, the energy regulator is advocating for amendments to existing electricity safety and split metering regulations.
Proposed regulations also include site visits to solar energy retailers and rigorous quality examinations at points of entry to ensure that only accredited personnel are authorized to install solar products.
The introduction of the Energy (Solar Products and Installation) Regulations marks a crucial step towards enhancing the safety and quality of solar energy solutions in Zimbabwe. By addressing issues of substandard products and unqualified installations, ZERA aims to create a safer and more reliable solar energy landscape.
As the country moves towards a greener future, it is essential that these regulations strike a balance between safety, quality, and accessibility, particularly for rural communities.