Renting your roof for power? Zimbabwe’s innovative...

Renting your roof for power? Zimbabwe’s innovative plan to harness solar energy

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

Prevail Group International, a licensed Independent Power Producer, is launching an ambitious solar project in Zimbabwe.

This project, called the Presidential Solar Scheme, aims to reduce strain on the national grid and ultimately eliminate load-shedding, the practice of intentionally turning off power in certain areas.

The pilot programme will begin in Glen View, where PGI will rent and install solar panels on the roofs of 600 houses. The generated power will be sold to Zesa subsidiary, the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company. In return, Zesa has agreed to suspend load-shedding in areas participating in the initiative.

This project is inspired by similar programmes in Scotland and Mauritius. PGI believes using rooftops across the country is a more efficient use of space compared to building large solar farms. They will cover all the costs, including monthly payments to ensure residents can still pay their Zesa bills. Residents only need to register to participate.

Zimbabwe, like most of Southern Africa, faces an electricity shortage. Zesa has had to ration power, causing outages exceeding eight hours in some areas. This has severely impacted businesses, forcing some to lay off workers. Despite recent improvements, a lack of investment and delays from other power producers nearly caused a nationwide blackout last year.

PGI believes solar power is the solution. They point to Zimbabwe’s abundant sunlight and the success of similar projects elsewhere. PGI’s experts are confident that widespread adoption of this technology can end load-shedding within three years.

This is not PGI’s first foray into renewable energy. Last year, they spearheaded President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Presidential Borehole Scheme.