What is the difference between solar PV and solar thermal panels?

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electricity from sunlight, which can power your entire home. Solar thermal panels (or solar geysers) only use sunlight to heat water. This guide focuses on solar PV panels for electricity.

Do solar panels work on cloudy days or during the rainy season?

Yes. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight, not direct sunlight. While their output is reduced on overcast days (typically 10-25% of their maximum), they still produce enough power to charge your batteries, ensuring you have stored energy for load shedding or nighttime use.

Is a solar system right for my home in Zimbabwe?

A solar system is an excellent investment for most Zimbabwean homeowners. Key benefits include drastically reducing or eliminating your ZESA bill, providing reliable backup power during load shedding, and increasing your property's value. The suitability depends on your energy needs and roof condition, which we assess for free.

How are solar panels fixed to my roof without causing leaks?

We use professional mounting systems with rails that are fixed to your roof's underlying trusses. The panels are then clamped to these rails. We do not drill through your roof tiles, which is an incorrect method that leads to leaks. Our process ensures your roof remains 100% watertight.

How often do solar panels need maintenance?

Solar panels are very low-maintenance. We recommend cleaning them once or twice a year, especially after the dry season, to remove dust that can reduce efficiency. The system itself has no moving parts. The most important maintenance is to monitor your system's performance through its app and schedule an annual professional inspection.

Home Best Solar Installers Genuine Solar Panels Installers Near Me Must Inverter Installers Solar Installers In Harare Solar Packages Solar Panels Solar Panels For Sale Solar Panels in Zimbabwe – Expert FAQs, Top Brands & Buying Guide (Your Questions Answered)

By Sona Brands

On September 24, 2025

15,690,958 Views

We Are Sona Solar Zimbabwe – The Best Solar Systems Company and
Your Trusted Source for High-Quality, Affordable Solar Solutions.

Need expert Guidance to choose the Perfect Solar System or Solar-Powered Boreholes in Zimbabwe? Chat with our friendly Sona Solar Zimbabwe team on WhatsApp for fast, personalized advice. We typically respond within 30 minutes and Guarantee a reply within one hour.

Explore reliable Solar Solutions for Businesses in Zimbabwe. Sona Solar Zimbabwe offers Trusted Brands and expert guidance to optimize your energy systems.

Q: How much electricity can my solar panels generate in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe has excellent solar irradiation. A well-located 5kW solar system can generate approximately 23 kWh of electricity per day on average, which is typically enough to power a standard household and charge batteries for overnight use.

This comprehensive guide from Sona Solar Zimbabwe answers the most frequently asked questions about solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, giving you the clarity you need to make the right choice for your home, business, or farm.

We provide insights on performance, durability, and installation while showcasing trusted brands such as Aiko Solar Panels, Jinko Solar Panels, Canadian Solar Panels, and JA Solar Panels. Whether you are considering premium monocrystalline panels or reliable polycrystalline options, our product range ensures you get solutions tailored to Zimbabwe’s unique energy needs.

General Questions About Solar Panels in Zimbabwe

Solar panels are the foundation of clean energy systems, converting sunlight into reliable power for homes, businesses, and farms across Zimbabwe. At Sona Solar Zimbabwe, we provide trusted brands such as Longi, Jinko, Canadian Solar, and Aiko, ensuring durability, efficiency, and long-term performance. This FAQ section answers the most common questions about solar panels, helping you make informed decisions for your energy needs.

The term ‘solar panel’ can be confusing. It's important to distinguish between two main types:

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Panels: These are the panels that generate electricity. They are made from semiconductor materials (like silicon) that convert sunlight directly into DC electricity through the photovoltaic effect. This is the technology used for powering homes and businesses.
Solar Thermal Panels (Geysers): These panels use sunlight to heat water directly. They do not generate electricity.

This guide focuses exclusively on Solar PV Panels for electricity generation.

The most common solar PV technologies we recommend and supply are:

Monocrystalline Silicon Panels: These are the most efficient type, meaning they generate the most power per square metre. They have a sleek, uniform black appearance and are ideal for homes with limited roof space.
Polycrystalline Silicon Panels: These are slightly less efficient but offer excellent value. They are identifiable by their blue, speckled appearance.

At Sona Solar Zimbabwe, we stock only high-performance, Tier-1 panels from world-leading brands like Jinko Solar, Longi, Canadian Solar, and Aiko to ensure reliability and longevity.

The amount of electricity generated depends on system size, location, panel orientation, and weather. Zimbabwe has excellent solar irradiation, making it one of the best places in the world for solar energy.

As a general rule, you can estimate daily production with this formula: System Size (kW) × 5.5 Sun Hours × 0.85 Efficiency Factor = Daily kWh Production.

For example, a well-located 5kW system in Zimbabwe can generate approximately 23 kWh of electricity per day on average, which is more than enough to cover the daily consumption of a typical household.

Yes. Solar panels generate electricity from daylight (photons), not direct sunlight or heat. On overcast or cloudy days, they will still produce power, typically at 10-25% of their maximum rated capacity. While production is lower, it is often still sufficient to charge your batteries, ensuring you have power stored for the evening and potential load shedding.

Solar Solutions for Your Home in Zimbabwe

Harnessing solar energy at home has never been easier. Sona Solar Zimbabwe offers top-quality panels and inverters from trusted brands like Longi, Jinko, Canadian Solar, Aiko, Must, and Sumry, helping you reduce electricity bills, gain energy independence, and ensure reliable power for your household. This guide answers key questions to help you choose the right solar solution for your home.

A solar system is an excellent investment for most Zimbabwean homeowners. The key considerations are:

Energy Needs: A solar system can drastically reduce or eliminate your ZESA bill and provide reliable backup during load shedding.
Roof Suitability: An ideal roof is north-facing, in good condition, and has minimal shading from trees or other buildings. However, east and west-facing roofs are also highly effective.
Financial Goals: Solar increases your property value and provides a hedge against constantly rising electricity tariffs.

Our team conducts a free, detailed site assessment to determine the perfect system for your specific needs and property.

A complete Sona Solar system includes four main components:

Solar Panels: To capture sunlight and produce DC electricity.
Hybrid Inverter: To convert DC to usable AC power and manage energy from panels, batteries, and the grid.
Lithium-ion Battery: To store excess energy for use at night and during load shedding.
Mounting Structure: A certified, durable frame to securely fix the panels to your roof without causing leaks.

We use professional, certified mounting systems that are designed for your specific roof type (e.g., tile, IBR, corrugated iron). The process involves fixing aluminium rails to the roof's structural trusses. The solar panels are then securely clamped onto these rails. Crucially, we do not drill through your roof tiles, which is an improper technique that can lead to leaks. Our method ensures your roof remains 100% watertight and secure.

Reliable Solar Solutions for Your Business in Zimbabwe

Ensure uninterrupted operations and cost savings with commercial solar solutions from Sona Solar Zimbabwe. Featuring trusted brands like Growatt, Must, SRNE, Primax, Codi, and Hanchu, our systems are designed for offices, retail outlets, and industrial facilities. This guide answers common questions to help you select the right solar setup for your business needs.

Absolutely. For businesses, a solar system is a strategic investment that offers significant returns:

Reduced Operating Costs: Drastically cut your monthly electricity bills, which are often a major operational expense.
Operational Continuity: Eliminate downtime and lost revenue caused by load shedding. Keep your lights, computers, and machinery running.
Energy Independence: Protect your business from ZESA's rising commercial tariffs and unpredictable power supply.
Enhanced Brand Image: Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability, which can be a strong selling point for modern customers.

While most residential rooftop systems do not require planning permission, larger commercial or industrial installations may have specific requirements depending on their size and location. As part of our service, the Sona Solar team handles all necessary paperwork, compliance checks, and engagement with relevant authorities to ensure your installation is fully compliant.

Solar for Farms & Large-Scale Energy Systems in Zimbabwe

For agricultural producers and large-scale operations, solar power is more than just an energy solution—it’s a productivity booster and a cost stabilizer. Whether you’re powering irrigation systems, cold storage, or processing facilities, solar offers long-term savings and energy independence. At Sona Solar Zimbabwe, we provide robust solutions using trusted brands like Longi, Jinko, Canadian Solar, Aiko panels, and high-capacity inverter and battery systems from Must, Growatt, Primax, SRNE, and SVolt. These scalable systems ensure reliability and efficiency for commercial and farming needs.

For farms, plots, and large properties where roof space may be insufficient or unsuitable, a ground-mounted solar system is an excellent solution. These systems involve installing solar panels on durable mounting structures fixed into the ground.

This approach is ideal for powering demanding agricultural operations such as:

Irrigation and borehole pumps
Cold rooms and refrigeration units
Processing facilities and workshops
Staff housing and security lighting

A ground-mounted system provides robust, reliable power, ensuring operational independence from an often-unreliable rural grid.

Ready to Harness the Power of the Sun?

If you have more questions or are ready for a free, no-obligation site assessment and a personalized quote, our expert team at Sona Solar Zimbabwe is here to help you on your journey to energy independence.

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Sona Solar Zimbabwe – Your Trusted Partner for Solar Energy Solutions

Sona Solar Zimbabwe provides premium Solar Panels, Lithium Batteries, Inverters, and complete Solar Systems for homes, businesses, and industries. We also specialize in expert Borehole Drilling Solutions and Solar-Powered Water Systems. Trust our experienced team for professional Solar installations in Harare, Marondera, Mutare, Chitungwiza, and across Zimbabwe, delivering reliable, efficient, and cost-effective renewable energy solutions.