ZESA Promotes Solar Net-metering, a benefit to consumers

Introduction

Solar usage results in general improvement in energy efficiency assisting the country in Demand Side Management and production of energy efficient goods

Net Metering was introduced to allow customers to reduce their electricity bills by exporting or banking excess energy to the electricity grid. This presents a win-win situation were client export excess power to the grid during the day reducing load shedding and use the banked energy during the night at no cost when there is no sun to power the solar systems. The ability to generate export excess power requires that the system be done using the right type of equipment and a knowledgeable technical team for implementation. At Solar Power Shop you will get all this under one roof.

There is reduction of national demand thus reducing load shedding in the long run

Fosters sustainable renewable energy, small-scale enterprises, value-added industries, and a competitive electricity market.

It allows import substitution of energy thus save scarce foreign currency resources through rooftop electricity generation

By generating sustainable electricity onsite, companies with solar systems become less reliant on the national grid and other outside sources to deliver all of their energy needs.

A solar system enables your business to be less vulnerable to power cuts and other outages. The loss of productivity during load shedding is one of the biggest threats that can severely limit your ability to complete work for your clients and customers, which can quickly end up costing you money.

Generating and storing energy on-site through a solar system means that you can potentially give yourself a supply to fall back on if the main power fails, which limits this loss of productivity, preserving your flow of revenue

Businesses without an alternative source of energy are forced to go offline and stop operations in the event of a power outage, hence more and more commercial solar power systems are now being installed with a sustainable battery backup.

Installing solar batteries on your commercial solar system enables you to continuously produce electricity that can be stored and used throughout the property. At Solar Power Shop we sell high quality solar batteries suitable for domestic and commercial installations.

Can you tell us more on the concept of Net Metering?

Net Metering is a program in which any existing customer generating renewable energy on their premises can feed excess power back into the ZETDC Network through a grid-tied inverter and a smart meter, which measures both power consumed by the customer and power supplied to the grid.

Are there any direct financial benefits to those that enroll for Net Metering?

• Reduce your electricity bills: Net metering allows you to export excess solar energy back to the grid, offsetting your monthly energy costs and lowering your overall electricity costs. This results in an increase of your disposable income
• Increase capacity utilization: Net metering helps maximize the output of your solar panels by providing an outlet for excess energy when your batteries are full. This means your solar system is working efficiently even during peak sunlight hours when your energy needs are lower. By capturing and utilizing this extra energy, you’re getting the most out of your solar investment. Net metering unlocks the full potential of solar systems.
• Extend battery lifespan: Net metering can extend your battery’s lifespan by reducing the number of charge and discharge cycles. During peak solar production, your home runs directly on solar power, and at night, you can draw from the grid, minimizing battery usage. This preserves battery health and maximizes its longevity.
• Reduction of solar battery costs: Net metering can help you reduce battery bank costs because it allows you to send excess solar energy back to the grid when your batteries are full thereby reducing the need for a larger battery bank, utilizing the grid as a virtual battery and saving you money in the long run.
• Power multiple properties: Net metering allows you to utilize solar energy generated at one of your properties to offset electricity consumption at another property you own, further reducing operational costs and increasing profits.
• Accelerate return on investment: Net metering allows you to earn credits for excess solar energy exported to the grid. These credits can be used to reduce your electricity bills, effectively shortening the payback period and return on investment (ROI) for your solar investment.
• Net metering communities will become net generators of electricity and will be prioritized during periods of load management resulting in exemption from load shedding

For a layman, how do you simplify Net Metering in Brief?

A Net metering system is a solar energy system (typically consists of solar panels, an inverter, a bi-directional meter, and a grid connection) that has the capability to bank excess energy into the electricity grid when batteries are fully charged and there is no local load to supply.

How does one enroll for Net Metering?

There are four steps that have to be followed in enrolling for Net Metering, you can go through it by yourself, but at solar power shop, we are committed to making it easier for our clients; we can take them through the whole process from inception to completion.

Step 1: Initiate Application

Prospective applicants for ZETDC’s net metering program have two convenient options to submit their application:

Online Application: Access the ENM1-2 form directly on the ZETDC self-service portal at selfservice.zetdc.co.zw and have ready following documents for uploading,

a. ZETDC Meter- image

b. ZETDC opened meter box- image

c. Identity Document- image

d. Proof of residence- image

e. On grid Inverter -image (off grid inverter is not compatible)

In-Person Application: Visit any ZETDC customer service center nationwide to complete the online form with assistance.

Step 2: Application Review and Scheduling

Following application submission, clients will receive notification regarding its approval status within one week. Upon successful approval, ZETDC officials will collaborate with the client to schedule a convenient date for enrolling the installation into the net metering program.

Step 3: Installation and Commissioning

A ZETDC approved technician will install a net meter at the client’s premises. Following installation, the connection will be officially commissioned, enabling the system to begin operation.

Step 4: Flexible Connection Fee Payment

Connection fees associated with the net metering setup will be invoiced after the successful commissioning. Clients have the option to pay the fees in full over a period of 12 months. Alternatively, these fees can be offset by the client’s exported energy over time.

How much do you pay to be enrolled on Net Metering?

ZETDC is currently offering a Net Metering promotion. From June 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025, clients will not be required to pay upfront connection fees. Instead, these fees will be recovered through a deduction from the energy credits generated by the client’s solar system.

What is the Minimum and Maximum solar capacity allowed for Net Metering?

The maximum power exportable through Net Metering is currently limited to 5MW, regardless of the system capacity. Hybrid with export function or grid-tied inverters typically have a minimum technical specification of 5KW

Which Solar Systems or Renewable Energy Systems are compatible for Net Metering?

Net Metering is compatible with grid-tied solar systems. Off-grid systems  and hybrid without export function,  do not have  Net Metering capabilities .

What are the advantages of connecting to Net Metering as a  community/suburb?

If you generate considerable power as a group and a good  number of households have on boarded to net metering , you may be exempted from load shedding given that you would have become a  net power generating suburb.

Can I use energy credits/units generated on my property for my other properties?

Yes, you can use the electricity grid to transfer energy from one property to another with the same ownership and pay use of system charges like an Independent Power Producer (IPP). This enables net metering clients to save more than 60% on electricity bills on multiple properties. To initiate this process, please submit a transfer request. Please note that there will be a transfer fee associated with this service.

no extra cost within the 1 year period.