ZERA denies household solar tax rumour

THE Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has denounced a viral social‑media claim that it intends to levy a tax on domestic solar‑energy users, describing the report as “entirely false”. In a press statement released today, the authority said the story should be dismissed with the contempt it deserves. “This report is entirely false, devoid of any truth and should be dismissed with the contempt it deserves.” ZERA also reassured the public that Government policy actively supports the expansion of solar use, directly contradicting the widely shared rumour.

“The Government, through its recently launched National Energy Compact, aims to ensure universal access to energy by 2030,” it said. “It has already put in place mechanisms to ensure that there is increased roll-out of all energy forms, including solar, to ensure that “no one and no place is left behind”. To support this goal, ZERA also revealed that incentives had been put in place, which include duty-free importation of solar equipment, training for solar installers to boost the industry and ensure adherence to safety standards, and net-metering regulations that allow households to supply excess energy to the grid.

“ZERA reassures the public that there is no levy or charge required or will be required to install or own a solar system for domestic use,” it said. “Members of the public are therefore advised to completely ignore malicious statements as they are contrary to Government policy and priorities.”