Zimbabwe’s TelOne Seeks Bids for Solar Expansion

Key Figures & Findings:
TelOne Zimbabwe, the state-owned telecom provider, has issued a competitive domestic tender (CBTD 34-25) to deploy hybrid solar power systems at four key sites. The project aims to reduce energy costs, improve operational reliability, and support Zimbabwe’s growing renewable energy sector. The installations will be located in Chitungwiza, Hatfield, Glenview, and the TelOne Centre for Learning. Bidders must supply 620 Wp monocrystalline PV modules with a 25-year warranty, lithium-ion batteries supporting 4,500 cycles at 90% depth of discharge, and Sunsynk inverters with grid integration. Financing will be vendor-based, allowing suppliers to recover costs through a six-month repayment plan after commissioning.

Statistics & Insights:
The total project capacity is 140 kWp, with 96 kWh battery storage for three sites and 48 kWh for the TelOne Centre. According to IRENA, Zimbabwe’s cumulative installed PV capacity stood at 17 MW by 2023, underscoring the country’s slow but steady progress in adopting renewable energy.

Future Implications:
This project could pave the way for expanded solar adoption in Zimbabwe’s telecom sector, reducing dependence on grid electricity and diesel generators. If successful, similar initiatives could drive greater private investment in off-grid and hybrid energy solutions in Zimbabwe.

Source: PV Magazine