APPROXIMATELY 200 houses out of a targeted 400 have been connected to the pilot solar power project ahead of its launch by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The project is being spearheaded by the Special Presidential Investment adviser and Prevail Group International chairperson Paul Tungwarara, while the Zimbabwe Solar Energy Company, a subsidiary of PGI, is implementing the project.
The solar scheme initiative involves renting out and installing solar panels on rooftops, and the solar energy generated will be fed into the national grid.
Power utility Zesa Holdings has committed in principle to suspend load-shedding in the area participating in the scheme.
Speaking after touring the Glen View Rooftop Solar Project yesterday, special adviser to the President on monitoring of government programmes and projects, Jorum Gumbo, said the project would boost Zimbabwe’s economic development.
“The Glen View solar power project stands as a shining example of this transition, an innovation-driven initiative that not only addresses energy challenges but also contributes to environmental sustainability and economic empowerment,” he said.
Gumbo was accompanied by Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Charles Tawengwa during the tour.
He said there was need for Zimbabwe to transition to cleaner and resilient energy sources as the country confronted the realities of climate change, depleting natural resources and escalating energy demands.
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“Through thinking in other terms, we are advancing technological innovation, fostering energy independence and aligning with global sustainability goals, all the while ensuring a brighter, energy-secure Zimbabwe for generations to come,” he said.
“Community solar projects empower residents by providing affordable, clean energy solutions while reducing reliance on the national grid, thereby fostering resilience and economic development at the grassroots level.”
Tungwarara said the project was motivated by the need to end the challenges associated with load-shedding in communities.
“When we saw that there was too much load-shedding, we just came up with this concept of renting a roof, where we are going to put solar panels on each roof.
“The project is running under the Presidential Solar Scheme, as we announced before. For the pilot, we are going to put 400 houses. I think they have done nearly more than 200,” he said.
Tungwarara said all the 400 houses would be contributing electricity to the national grid, adding that by next year, the project would be feeding at least two megawatts.
Tawengwa expressed confidence that the project will end load-shedding in Harare.
“Even if there is load-shedding, the residents will not be affected,” he said.
“They are also set to benefit as they will be given a token of appreciation — about US$20 monthly for their roofs which are being rented.”
