Zimbabwean Govt adopts Rooftop Solar Program

In November 2020, Government adopted and launched the Rooftop Solar Programme (RTS).

This programme entails provision of access for both domestic and commercial BPC customers to generate solar photovoltaic electricity for own use and selling excess to BPC.

The programme allows net-metering for domestic and commercial customers with grid tied ground or roof mounted solar PV systems generating up to 5kW and 1MW respectively.

Under the RTS programme, BPC tracks and credits excess kWh generated towards the next billing cycle.

Currently, total generation under this programme is capped at 10 MW but subject to annual re-evaluation.

In terms of performance, a total of 291 applications have since been received by Botswana Power Corporation of which 181 were awarded.

Of the 181 awarded, only 86 have been commissioned with a combined generation capacity of 5.37MW.

According to Minister of Minerals & Energy Lefoko Moagi “this is a clear indication that this programme is experiencing low uptake and a slow pace at which customers install the systems once granted”.