SNV Netherlands Development Organisation in conjunction with Hwange Agricultural Show will today hold a solar fair in Hwange to encourage use of solar as an alternative form of energy.
BY MTHANDAZO NYONI
SNV is rolling out provincial solar fairs in eight provinces as part of a public awareness and communication strategy that has contributed to the development and expansion of the solar market in the rural and peri-urban areas in Zimbabwe.
The solar expos, organised in partnership with the government, solar companies and provincial authorities, will bring together more than 25 major solar companies, to display products ranging from lights and home entertainment systems to agro-based solar solutions.
The expos will be held concurrently with provincial and district agricultural shows in July and August.
In an interview with Southern Eye yesterday, SNV renewable energy sector advisor Thulani Ncube said the fair would help people appreciate solar products.
“Companies will be showcasing their solar products in Hwange community. We are expecting a lot of people to come and appreciate our products,” he said.
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Ncube said since the beginning of the fair in Gweru last month, the response from the people had been overwhelming.
“People have started appreciating solar products and I think we are heading somewhere,” he said.
In Bulawayo the fair attracted a large number of people and it was a success.
Ncube urged individuals and companies to invest in solar due to its efficiency.
Running under the theme Solar Kumusha, iSolar Ekhaya and Zvirikufaya ne-/Ziyakhipha nge-solar, the publicity and awareness campaigns involve broadcasting of promotional programmes on radio and television stations.
SNV has struck strategic partnership agreements with key solar companies — Total Zimbabwe, Solar Shack, Samansco, Gemwitts and GreenDot — as part of the project.
Total Zimbabwe in partnership with SNV has already trained 360 youth entrepreneurs drawn from rural and peri-urban communities in marketing of new brand of lights and lanterns called Awango.
The solar fairs will include financial advisory support by financial institutions, including FBC Micro Plan, who will explain how customers who wish to install solar home systems could access finance.
