Zesco to sign agreements for solar panel installation in upcoming weeks

The Energy Minister, Peter Kapala, spoke to Frank Mutubila on The Big Debate on 25 June and revealed that solar power companies are set to sign power purchase agreements with Zesco in the upcoming weeks.

The agreements will facilitate the installation of solar panels into critical institutions across Zambia. Hospitals and universities are being prioritised.

Mr. Kapala said, “Already, we have set up a ministerial committee to look into this so that throughout the country, we are going to get the coordinates and the power demand on each building.” He continued, “All government institutions by the end of two weeks, we should be able to know the load that is required at UTH, Levy Mwanawasa or University of Zambia, and we are going to accelerate.”

In light of rising levels of vandalism on the already installed infrastructure, the minister appealed to the people of Zambia to report vandals to the police.

In parallel with Mr. Kapala’s announcement, the president of the Zambia National Farmer’s Union, Jervis Zimba, has implored farmers who have the financial capacity, to

invest in solar energy whilst the Kariba Dam is unable to generate electricity as a result of the drought.