Zambia Launches 25MW Rooftop Solar Programme for Public Institutions
Sunflow and Kiyona Launch 25MW Rooftop Solar Project in Zambia
Zambia has launched a 25MW rooftop solar programme aimed at improving electricity reliability at public institutions while using existing buildings and carports to expand renewable energy generation.
The project, being implemented by Sunflow Energy and Kiyona Energy, will begin with a 500kW installation at Mulungushi House in Lusaka before extending to selected public universities and other institutions across the country.
Minister of Electricity Peter Kapala officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony, saying the programme supported Government’s ambition to increase installed electricity generation capacity to 10,000MW by 2031 under the Grow Zambia Agenda.
The planned installations will incorporate battery storage, described by project officials as equivalent to 20 per cent of solar capacity.
Kapala said the initiative formed part of President Hakainde Hichilema’s drive to install solar systems at public institutions and demonstrated the role of partnerships in expanding Zambia’s energy infrastructure.
He put the country’s installed generation capacity at approximately 4,777MW and called for further private sector investment to help meet the national target.
Kapala also encouraged consumers to participate in net metering, which allows customers generating renewable electricity to supply surplus power to the grid. He said the initiative was already contributing approximately 40MW.
Speaking on behalf of the three ministries housed at Mulungushi House, Minister of Lands Patrick Mucheleka said the first installation would demonstrate how public infrastructure could accommodate electricity generation without requiring additional land.
He said the use of rooftops and carports would preserve land for other purposes while supporting more reliable electricity supply and effective public service delivery.
Kiyona Acting Chief Executive Officer Alister Kandyata said the Mulungushi House system would serve as the starting point for the wider rollout.
Its expected electricity output was estimated to be equivalent to the consumption of approximately 200 households.
Sunflow Energy Regional Representative James McDowell said reliable power was essential to production certainty and economic growth.
He welcomed the collaboration, saying it strengthened confidence in further energy investment in Zambia.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Director Wesley Lwiindi, ZESCO Managing Director Justin Loongo stressed the importance of additional generation capacity in meeting growing electricity demand.
He highlighted net metering and open access as reforms supporting wider participation in the electricity sector, alongside continued investment and partnerships.
The programme is intended to strengthen power supply at participating institutions while contributing to Zambia’s broader renewable energy expansion.
