Solar scam threatens Zimbabwe's renewable energy drive

Published: 2 hours ago

Zimbabwe's booming solar energy market is under threat as unscrupulous dealers exploit rising demand to sell counterfeit and substandard products, experts warn.

Over the past decade, prices for solar panels, batteries, inverters, water pumps, and lighting systems have declined due to technological advances and globalised manufacturing. This has led to a surge in local adoption of renewable energy solutions, particularly for irrigation and home power.

However, investigations reveal a growing influx of fake products, especially in Harare's Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, Julius Nyerere Way, the Gulf Complex, and Mbare flea markets. Many consumers, lacking technical knowledge or legal recourse, fall victim to poorly labelled or outright counterfeit items.

"I bought a 1kVA home solar system from a shop advertising on social media. Instead of improving my life, it brought endless problems," said Edmore Maredza, a recent victim. "The battery would not charge properly and the system eventually caught fire - likely due to poor connections. If we had not been home, the entire house could have burnt down."

Investigations show that some importers deliberately rebrand low-wattage panels to inflate their value, while uncertified technicians often carry out faulty installations. "When a panel marked 100W only produces 60W, the customer is robbed twice - financially and in performance. It undermines trust in solar energy," noted Dr Farai Mandizha, an independent energy consultant.

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has warned about the dangers of counterfeit solar products, which can cause system failures, shorten battery lifespans, and pose serious safety risks. ZERA is conducting on-site inspections and urging consumers to check engraved power ratings instead of removable stickers.

"Our initiative aims to ensure that only genuine and reliable solar products reach consumers," said ZERA CEO Edington Mazambani.

Official statistics indicate that electrical accidents linked to substandard products have claimed dozens of lives, with 27 deaths reported from more than 200 incidents last year, and 45 fatalities in 2023.

The Government is developing the Energy (Solar Products and Installation) Regulations, a regulatory framework intended to ensure the safety and quality of solar energy products.

Shop owner Tawanda Moyo of Mufakose said he lost US$600 on a solar system for his store after the inverter and batteries failed within weeks. In Glen View, another business owner lost nearly US$500 when batteries malfunctioned after only three months, and the dealer disappeared.

Experts warn that distinguishing genuine from counterfeit products is difficult. Authentic LED bulbs take two to three seconds to light up, whereas counterfeits switch on instantly. Yet, in a market desperate for affordable solutions, consumers often overlook these indicators.

Most counterfeit solar products are imported from China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Dubai, Taiwan, South Africa, and Nigeria. Some shipments arrive disguised as "household electricals," bypassing necessary checks at ports.

According to Professor Milton Hare, an energy economist at the University of Zimbabwe, the unchecked inflow of counterfeit products threatens local industry. "Manufacturers spend millions on research, quality control and compliance. Counterfeits kill innovation and drive legitimate players out of the market. In the long run, it is the economy that suffers," he said.

The rise of briefcase dealers has also sparked a brutal price war, with counterfeit sellers undercutting certified companies and luring consumers with low prices.

Globally, counterfeiting costs companies an estimated US$630 billion annually. In Zimbabwe, experts warn that unless border controls are tightened, penalties enforced, and consumers educated, the country risks turning solar energy into a failed promise, undermining the Government's renewable energy agenda aimed at mitigating the power crisis.
- Sunday Mail

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