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By Sona Solar Knowledge & Solar Systems Education Team

On March 16, 2026

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

The Grid Flip | The Inside Story of Zimbabwe’s Renewable Energy Revolution

By Tinashe Makurira • March 16, 2026

The Energy Shift. As persistent power shortages continue to afflict much of the region, solar energy has emerged as a critical lifeline for Zimbabwean households and businesses alike. The rapid uptake of solar solutions has reshaped daily commercial operations, offering a more reliable and cost-effective source of power amid ongoing electricity supply constraints.

RENEWABLE BOOM

Demand for solar installations has surged, bringing both opportunities and challenges.

The Industry Perspective. Against this backdrop, demand has skyrocketed, fundamentally changing how Zimbabweans do business. To understand this boom, we sat down with Oudney Patsika, a digital strategist and solar energy specialist at Sona Solar Zimbabwe. We discussed the growing appetite for solar power, the practical hurdles faced during installations, and how flexible payment facilities are changing the game.

Transforming the Local Economy

Powering Profitability

When asked how the growing demand for solar is changing operations, Patsika noted that it is the difference between failure and survival for many enterprises.

"A solar system can significantly impact business operations, especially in areas with unreliable grid power or erratic load shedding," he explained. "By installing a solar system to power a freezer for ice block production, incubators, or service stations, a business cuts costs and drastically increases profitability."

The Growth Point Economy

For butcheries, consistent solar energy ensures proper meat storage and builds customer trust. Patsika notes: "What differentiates a thriving and struggling business at growth point shops is the lack or presence of solar-powered fridges and entertainment. At Sona Solar Zimbabwe, we ensure our systems support uninterrupted refrigeration and lighting, directly enhancing sales."

Agricultural Boost

Sona Solar Zimbabwe also designs and installs solar-powered water pumping solutions for piggery and poultry businesses, ensuring a consistent water supply that supports animal health and farm productivity.

The Bottlenecks & Dangers

The Lithium Paradox

Despite the boom, installation companies face massive hurdles, primarily regarding upfront capital, low-interest loans, and import logistics.

"We rely on imported lithium batteries, which increases costs as there is a lack of a local battery manufacturing plant in Zimbabwe," Patsika stated.

Exporting Ore, Importing Batteries

Despite Zimbabwe’s booming lithium mining industry, raw ore is exported, processed, and sold back as finished batteries at a premium. Patsika argues that a local manufacturing industry would be a massive game-changer for affordability across low-income households.

The Rogue Installer Threat

Beyond customs and tariffs, the industry is plagued by unregulated services driving down prices unfairly.

"Unregistered individuals are churning out unscrupulous installers who pounce on unsuspecting customers offering tampered lithium batteries and cheap substandard installations," he warned. These unregulated services can lead to fires, electrical shocks, and ultimately undermine the efforts of legitimate, certified businesses like Sona Solar.

Bridging the Wealth Gap

The Laybye Solution

Is solar affordable for the average Zimbabwean? According to Patsika, the initial cash outlay remains a barrier due to a lack of disposable income. However, the market is adapting, and Sona Solar is leading the charge with debt-free financing.

Sona Solar's Laybye Facility

To make solar accessible without the trap of high-interest debt, Sona Solar Zimbabwe introduced a flexible laybye business model. A client can secure their solar equipment at current prices and pay for it in manageable installments over a set period. Once fully paid, the system is delivered and installed. This zero-interest flexibility is a game-changer for households planning their energy independence.

Government Policy & The 10-Year Outlook

Incentivizing the Switch

Oudney Patsika argues that for solar to be truly "for the people," policy must move beyond compliance and focus on direct household relief. His strategic recommendations include:

Zero-Duty on Energy Storage: While panels are exempt, lithium batteries and smart inverters often carry hidden costs. Removing all duties on storage components would slash installation prices for the ordinary family by up to 20%.

Neighborhood Net-Metering: Streamlining the process so a household with excess power can sell it back to the grid for cash or ZETDC credits, turning a home roof into a passive income generator.

Localized Manufacturing Incentives: Pushing for "Made in Zimbabwe" solar components to create local jobs and reduce the reliance on expensive imports, making hardware more affordable for the local market.

The Future Outlook

Looking ahead to the next five to ten years, Patsika remains highly optimistic about the sector's trajectory.

"Zimbabwe’s solar energy industry is poised for massive and rapid growth, driven by eventual government support, our abundant solar resources, and the ever-increasing demand from consumers seeking reliable power," he concluded.

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