- Zambia’s solar industry is experiencing rapid expansion, particularly within the residential sector, as increasing demand drives the market to new heights.
- Alarmingly, the market is also being flooded with companies that have little to no technical background.
Zambia’s solar industry is experiencing rapid expansion, particularly within the residential sector, as increasing demand drives the market to new heights. This surge has attracted a wave of new Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) companies eager to seize the opportunity.
However, a growing concern is emerging; many of these new entrants prioritise quick profits over sound engineering and system integrity, potentially jeopardising the industry’s future.
The rush to dominate the market has led to poorly designed solar systems, significant energy losses, and wasted customer investments. What was once a sector focused on quality engineering and long-term value is now at risk of becoming a “Soweto Market” – dominated by price wars instead of focusing on quality and system performance.
Many new EPCs are relying heavily on sponsored social media ads and aggressive marketing strategies to attract customers. In doing so, they are cutting corners on crucial aspects such as system design, installation processes, and the quality of products used. To maintain profitability, some companies are engaging in price-slashing tactics, sacrificing both margins and system reliability just to secure contracts.
Alarmingly, the market is also being flooded with companies that have little to no technical background. These inexperienced players are underbidding established EPCs, delivering subpar solar projects that lead to short-term gains but long-term losses. Poorly installed systems are causing high maintenance costs, lower energy yields, and premature failures, leaving customers frustrated and disillusioned when their systems underperform or fail entirely.
Meanwhile, established, quality-driven EPCs are finding themselves squeezed out of the market or forced into unrealistic price competition. The result is a market that risks becoming increasingly unreliable, with substandard installations leading to higher system failures and a damaged reputation for the industry as a whole. This could slow down the growth of Zambia’s solar market, undermining the country’s efforts to transition to more sustainable energy solutions.
As Zambia’s solar industry continues to evolve, there is a pressing need to shift the focus back to sustainable pricing and long-term system quality. The market must balance cost efficiency with performance to ensure that solar installations remain reliable and effective over time.
The temptation of cheap solar today could ultimately cost consumers and the industry dearly tomorrow. The future of Zambia’s solar market hinges on prioritising technical excellence, fair pricing, and lasting value over quick, unsustainable profits.