Rutendo Chirume

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) is coming up with a new set of regulations to curb the proliferation of substandard solar products and unprofessional conduct in the sector, EnviroPress can report.

Dubbed the ‘Energy (Solar Products and Installation) Regulations 2024, the new control mechanisms, according to ZERA, seek to sanitise the solar energy sector which apparently is awash with substandard solar products and uncompetitive workmanship.

This came up at a stakeholder consultations held in Masvingo recently.  The event was also meant to consult stakeholders on the proposed amendments to the Electricity (Public Safety) Regulations of 2018 as well as net-metering regulations.

Speaking at the event, ZERA consultant Victor Sibanda said the energy regulator sought to rationalise the supply and use of solar energy to prevent risk of damage to property, and injury and death to consumers.

“Due to electricity shortages, many people now use solar power but the market has become somehow chaotic, posing many risks and dangers to the public. There is no awareness on the use of counterfeit or substandard solar equipment, and there is a proliferation of unlicensed solar energy providers. These are among the reasons why the sector should be regularised,” said Sibanda.

Among other things, the regulations will compel installers of solar products to be registered practitioners, and to be registered, one would need to be a qualified technician from a recognised institution. Moreover, installations would be subject to regular inspections, and products sold and installed should be clearly labelled, and they should meet local and international electro-technical standards.

In a side interview, Tobias Mudzingwa, an engineer with Noble Energy said the new regulation were a positive development as they were meant to protect consumers.

“We want to ensure safe electrical in installations and operations in order to protect consumers and property which results from unsafe installations. There are a lot of gaps in the current regulations so it would be good if the work is carried out by certified professionals,” said Mudzingwa.

He said the new controls would stamp out illegal connections and extensions while defining protocols for inspection and approval of electrical installations, and mandating statutory inspections of private sector participation to enhance awareness and compliance.