Anglo Solar Expands into Zimbabwe

Anglo Solar announced plans today to expand solar panel distribution into Zimbabwe.

More than 100 000 solar power systems are installed in homes across Zimbabwe, according to figures from the Ministry of Energy

Residents of Zimbabwe's capital have found a solution to a deepening electricity crisis.  

More than 18 hours every day, there is no power which resumes only around 11.00 p.m. local time (2100GMT). But the majority of homes in a medium-density area called Homelink, in Westlea in Harare, are immune from the country’s electricity crisis, with solar panels installed on every rooftop, lighting homes in the midst of incessant power cuts.

About two months ago, Zimbabwe hiked power tariffs by more than 300% despite power cuts lasting more than 18 hours daily amid intensified power rationing, as the country contends with energy deficits.

But as Zimbabweans have taken the first steps to embrace solar energy, the government has been on record in the media saying it requires $3 billion in aid to meet its goals to expand off-grid solar power laid out in a plan drawn up as part of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Five months ago, Zimbabwe removed import duties on solar-energy-related products.