Prospects and Challenges of Deploying Solar-Wind Hybrid Energy Systems for Off-Grid Electrification in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Zimbabwe has a long history of electricity shortages especially in off-grid and rural regions where extension of grids is costly. Although the solar photovoltaic systems are quite common, their intermittency restricts regular power supply. The combination of wind and solar power can be more reliable due to the complementary nature of the resources. The paper evaluates these opportunities and challenges of implementing solar-wind hybrid energy systems to off-grid electrification in Zimbabwe, including the resource potential, the main strengths, and the obstacles, including the high cost, inaccessible wind data, and policy limitations.