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Brighton Gumbo Business Reporter—-
FIFTEEN solar companies have set up businesses in Bulawayo in the past few years as demand for alternative sources of power increases. Scores of consumers are increasingly seeking relief in relatively cheap renewable energy sources such as solar and gas due to incessant power cuts emanating from low generation capacity by Zesa.
Zimbabwe generates an average of 1,400MW of electricity from its five power plants against a 2,200MW industrial and domestic demand.
Following the recent introduction of pre-paid meters, consumers now exercise extreme caution on power usage fearing blackouts.
The 15 firms participated at a one day solar energy expo that was held at the Bulawayo City Hall car park on Saturday.
The inaugural event was organised by SNV Netherlands, a non-governmental organisation in collaboration with the local authority and the government.
The participating firms were afforded the opportunity to discuss opportunities for strategic linkages, showcase and sell their products while their engineers interacted with close to 4,000 members of the public.
SNV advisor for renewable energy, Thulani Ncube described the exhibition as a success.
“Fifteen companies from around Bulawayo came through to exhibit their solar wares today in this expo, with an average of 4,000 Bulawayo residents responding to the call to attend the fair,” he said.
Among the participating firms were Ilanga, Total Zimbabwe, Forster Irrigation, Greendot, Xmpla/Halsteds, Joamac, Summersrand, Greenation and Cowdray Solar Youth Entrepreneurs.
A majority of solar products on display were proved to be useful in bridging the energy challenges in the city and the country at large.
These included solar geysers, gas stoves and tanks and multipurpose solar lights that can recharge phones and provide lighting at the same time.
Those interviewed said the fair offered them huge business marketing and networking opportunities.
Joe Mthombeni from Total Zimbabwe said solar energy was an eco-solution initiative to provide a complementary alternative for the power cuts in the country.
“Some households and social activities come to a standstill like, for example, when your phone power goes off or when power shuts down at a time when children are doing their homework. With our solar products we offer an alternative to help avoid such situations,” he said.
Mthombeni said solar projects were not only energy efficient but also environmental friendly as they provide cleaner energy.
Greendot representative, Tinotenda Nyahundi said: “With increased awareness of our solar products people will find life easier in times of power outages, as they provide an alternative for total blackout.”
SNV has committed itself to working with the government building capacity for the private sector companies to engage youths and form companies for the distribution of solar products.
“The project is a strategic platform and space for solar market extension and expansion. It brings together companies, rural retailers and youth entrepreneurs. The solar fairs create spaces for product exhibition and market engagement,” said Ncube.
The organisation has pledged to conduct similar expos in all the 10 provinces. So far they have covered Bulawayo, Gwanda and Gweru.
“As Total Zimbabwe we’re very happy with the response we got from the people during the fair considering that a number of them came through unbudgeted. We made so many sales as you can see our products are almost finished and it’s a sign for a bright future in terms of our turnover given that the public is well aware of our products,” said Mthombeni.
Noreen Ncube from Ilanga solar company said: “We’re very happy that we received over a hundred buyers for our products and approximately 60 potential buyers whom we gave our flyers after showing some interests in our product.”
Officials from the solar companies indicated they were making an average of $15,000 income a month.
In the past two years hundreds of homes have been fitted with roof-top solar home and water pumping systems.
Online Reporter