Energy stakeholders in Zimbabwe have come together to accelerate the expansion of household solar market and help achieve universal energy access by 2030.
Stakeholders including the Ministry of Energy, Standards Association of Zimbabwe, Climate Change Management Department, Africa Clean Energy Technical Assistance Facility (ACE_TAF), Renewable Energy Association of Zimbabwe (REAZ) and the private sector have commended the review and adoption of IEC 62257-9-5 & IEC 62257-9-8 standards for solar products.
The National Standards for Renewable Energy and Hybrid Systems for Rural Electrification will ensure influx of standard renewable energy technologies with a specific focus on high quality stand-alone solar systems in Zimbabwe.
The IEC 62257-9-5 & IEC 62257-9-8 standards for solar had a specific focus on products less than or equal to 10W, Whilst the review focuses on systems is less than or equals to 350W. Other elements incorporated in the review includes durability tests and warranty of at least two years.
The implementation of this standard can be induced by conducting results based funding initiatives. However disposal of default or damaged products is a matter of concern, as most e-waste finds its way to dumpsters and illegal landfills.