TPZ Commissions 1.5MW Rooftop Solar System at Hara...

TPZ Commissions 1.5MW Rooftop Solar System at Harare Facility

Witness Runodada- Zim Now Reporter

Tobacco processor TPZ has commissioned a 1.5 megawatt rooftop solar system at its Harare facility, marking a significant milestone in the company’s shift towards renewable energy.

The installation is part of a wider energy strategy aimed at reducing reliance on Zimbabwe’s national power grid and ensuring greater operational reliability.

The project was delivered by AfricaCicada Solar, a local energy solutions provider leading solar transitions for various commercial and industrial clients. The newly installed rooftop array marks the first phase of a broader initiative.

“This milestone is part of a bigger 3.6MWp photovoltaic and 3.8MW battery energy storage system (BESS) solution for TPZ,” AfricaCicada Solar said in a statement.

Once complete, the full system will integrate solar power generation with advanced battery storage, allowing TPZ to function independently from ZESA, the state-owned utility frequently plagued by power shortages and load shedding.

As Zimbabwe’s industrial sector continues to grapple with an aging grid and intermittent power supply, demand for solar solutions has surged. Businesses are increasingly turning to renewable energy to stabilise operations and cut long-term energy costs.

TPZ’s investment in solar is expected to significantly reduce its carbon footprint, in line with global trends in sustainable manufacturing.

The completed 3.6MWp solar and 3.8MW BESS project will place TPZ among Zimbabwe’s leading industrial users of renewable energy, highlighting the critical role of private-sector investment in addressing the country’s power challenges.