Off-Grid Dreams: How Solar Energy Is Lighting Up The Forgotten Villages of Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study aims to identify how solar adoption can alleviate energy poverty and sustain development in rural Zimbabwe, Chivi District. The research was qualitative, consisting of semi-structured interviews with locals, government officials and stakeholders, and secondary data collection. These results indicate large socioeconomic upsides, such as increased study time with solar lighting, better storage and healthcare provision through solar-powered refrigeration, and greater agricultural yields through solar irrigation. Despite these advantages, major impediments like the high initial cost of installing solar systems and the lack of technical support in-country hinder widespread deployment. Those outcomes require specific interventions, such as subsidies, capacity building to raise technical knowledge, and new forms of financing to improve affordability. Addressing these challenges allows governments, NGOs and the private sector to scale solar technologies for energy equity, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability, as defined by SDGs 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action).