SIAZ’s view: Why Zambia needs to think beyond hydro
AT the Solar Industry Association of Zambia (SIAZ), we believe Zambia’s energy future must be built on diversity, resilience and informed choices.
SIAZ is the industry association representing Zambia’s solar sector. Our membership brings together more than 30 companies working across the solar value chain from importers and distributors of solar equipment to Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) firms, installers, Solar Home System providers and mini-grid developers.
We exist to bring the industry together, promote responsible growth and create a stronger, more organised solar sector that can contribute meaningfully to Zambia’s energy future.
For us, the conversation around El Niño, changing weather patterns and climate change is also a conversation about energy security.
Zambia’s heavy reliance on hydropower means that prolonged periods of low rainfall and reduced water levels can place pressure on electricity generation. As we face increasing climate variability, we believe it is important to consider how other energy sources can complement hydropower and strengthen the resilience of our electricity supply.
Solar energy is one of those opportunities.
With abundant sunlight and an expanding solar industry, Zambia has an opportunity to harness solar not only as an alternative during periods of constrained hydropower generation, but as an important part of a more diversified energy mix.
But as the solar market grows, we also have a responsibility to make sure that growth is responsible.
We are seeing increasing interest in solar from households, businesses and other consumers. While this is encouraging, we want consumers to understand that not every person selling a solar product is necessarily qualified to recommend, supply or install the right system for you.
Before making an investment, we encourage consumers to ask questions. Who is supplying the equipment? Are they registered with the relevant authorities? Are they qualified to install the system? What happens if something goes wrong? Is there a warranty and after-sales support?
Consumers should verify that solar providers and installers are appropriately registered with the Energy Regulation Board (ERB) and other relevant authorities.
As part of our commitment to a more informed and responsible solar market, SIAZ has published a public register of solar companies within our membership. The register provides consumers with a useful starting point when looking for companies operating within the organized solar industry.
But we also recognise that an informed consumer is a safer consumer. This is why we are taking the conversation directly to the public through Solar Week 2026, running from 31 August to 4 September.
Solar Week is our public awareness and engagement initiative designed to help Zambians better understand solar energy, the solutions available and what to consider when choosing a solar provider. Throughout the week, we will share podcast conversations and other media engagements featuring voices from the solar industry. We encourage the public to follow SIAZ’s social media platforms to watch and engage with these conversations.
The public will also have an opportunity to experience solar solutions firsthand at our two-day Solar Exhibition on 2nd and 3rd September at the East Park Mall Fountains next to RocoMamas Restaurant, where participating solar companies will showcase their products and technologies.
Our role as an Association goes beyond bringing solar companies together. We want to help build an industry that consumers can trust, businesses can grow in and Zambia can rely on.
For those working in the solar sector, we believe there is value in being part of a collective voice. One that advocates for the industry, promotes good practice and works towards creating an environment where responsible solar businesses can thrive.
For consumers, our message is simple: Solar is an opportunity. But choose your provider as carefully as you choose your system.
As Zambia looks towards a more resilient energy future, we believe the sun should be part of the solution.
Article courtesy of the Solar Industry Association of Zambia (SIAZ)
