Zambia surpasses 1 GW solar milestone — and why solar-plus-storage matters next
Zambia’s cumulative solar capacity has surpassed 1 GW, according to figures published by the country’s Ministry of Energy. Total solar capacity has risen from 178 MW in 2024 to 1,027 MW as of early October 2026, up from 841 MW in early September. New capacity includes the 100 MW Maamba solar energy project, the 136 MW Itimpi II PV plant, and the expansion of ZESCO’s Chisamba solar power plant from 100 MW to 200 MW.
Zambia is now one of Africa’s most dynamic solar markets, supported by ongoing market liberalisation and growing participation from private renewable energy developers. With the 1 GW solar milestone reached, the country is turning its attention to a longer-term goal of 10 GW of installed electricity generation capacity by 2031. Current installed capacity stands at 4,722 MW, a 52.3% increase since 2021.
The expansion has been accelerated by drought conditions that reduced water levels in major reservoirs and triggered severe load shedding. Energy Ministry Permanent Secretary Ephraim Munshifwa said investments in power generation and strategic reforms were aimed at strengthening long-term energy security, while Acting Minister of Energy Situmbeko Musokotwana said several energy projects are at different stages of development.
EVCity’s solar-plus-storage solutions can help turn this rapid PV growth into more reliable, dispatchable power. As Zambia adds more solar capacity, energy storage becomes essential for smoothing output, reducing curtailment, supporting grid stability, and providing backup power for households, commercial sites, and industrial users. EVCity’s EVC-580 high-power solar modules, combined with compatible storage and energy management systems, can support distributed generation, C&I rooftops, mini-grids, and hybrid solar-plus-storage projects. The EVC-580 delivers up to 580W per module with around 22.45% efficiency, helping developers and end users generate more power from limited roof or land area. Its dual-glass design, IP68-rated junction box, and -40°C to +85°C operating range make it suitable for high-temperature and variable climate conditions, while integration with EVCity’s monitoring platform enables real-time visibility of generation, storage status, and energy use.
Official ministry figures cover grid-connected utility-scale solar and installations under Zambia’s net-metering scheme, which stood at around 30 MW as of September 2026. The Africa Solar Industry Association has tracked 1,336 MW of operational solar projects in Zambia, including 538 MW of commercial and industrial capacity, with a further 1,619.7 MW under construction.
As Zambia moves toward its 10 GW target, solar-plus-storage will be key to ensuring new capacity delivers stable, bankable, and commercially viable power. With market reforms opening the sector to private developers, solutions that combine efficient PV modules, storage, and smart energy management can help Zambia reduce load shedding, strengthen energy security, and accelerate its clean energy transition.
