The Rise of Solar Energy: Why Zimbos Are Going Off-Grid

By Newton Mambande

HARARE – IN RECENT years, Zimbabwe has witnessed a significant shift in energy consumption. With the country’s electricity woes showing no signs of abating, many residents, both rural and urban, are turning to solar energy as a reliable alternative—a trend driven not only by households but also by companies seeking to reduce costs and increase energy independence.

From an economic perspective, this shift is a rational response to the national energy crisis. As the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) struggles to meet demand, the declining cost and increasing efficiency of solar power have made it an attractive alternative for households and businesses.

The move towards solar energy is expected to significantly impact the economy. While it will reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels—conserving foreign exchange and cutting the energy import bill—it may also reduce government revenue from electricity sales, posing a potential challenge to fiscal policy.

Despite this, the government should avoid treating solar as a separate utility entity and instead encourage its adoption by providing incentives and creating an enabling environment. This could include tax breaks, subsidies, and other support mechanisms.

Furthermore, solar-generated electricity should be exempt from taxation, as imposing levies would raise energy costs for consumers. The government’s focus should be on fostering a conducive environment for the solar industry’s growth, which would spur investment, job creation, and broader economic growth.

Solar energy holds transformative potential for the economy and society. It can expand energy access in rural communities, improve healthcare services, enhance food security through irrigation, and power small and medium-sized enterprises, driving job creation and economic growth.

In conclusion, the shift toward solar energy is a welcome development with positive implications for the economy and society. The government should support this trend by creating an enabling environment and providing adoption incentives. Doing so would help Zimbabwe reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels, expand energy access, and promote sustainable growth.

Recommendations:

1. Provide incentives for solar adoption, such as tax breaks and subsidies.
2. Create an enabling regulatory and policy environment for the solar industry.
3. Exempt solar-generated electricity from taxation.
4. Invest in solar energy infrastructure, including solar parks and storage facilities.
5. Promote public awareness and education on the benefits of solar energy.

Implementing these measures would allow Zimbabwe to harness solar energy’s full potential to transform its economy and society.

Newton Mambande is an entrepreneur and researcher. He has published scientific research in academic journals and is reachable at newtonmunod@gmail.com or +263773411103.