Solar Output Across Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is genuinely blessed when it comes to solar energy. With average peak sun hours ranging from 4.5 to 6.5 across the country, we outperform most of Europe, much of North America, and large parts of Asia. If you live in Zimbabwe and you have a roof, solar makes sense.

But not all parts of Zimbabwe are equal. The amount of power your panels produce depends on where you are — and the differences are bigger than most people realise. A system in Beitbridge can produce 20-30% more than the same system in Mutare, depending on the season.

Let's break down what each region looks like.

Why Location Matters

Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. The more direct sunlight they receive, the more power they produce. Three factors vary by location:

• Irradiance — the intensity of sunlight reaching your panels (measured in kWh/m2/day)
• Cloud cover — clouds scatter and block sunlight, reducing output
• Temperature — panels lose efficiency as they get hotter (typically 0.3-0.5% per degree above 25 degrees C)

Altitude plays a role too. Higher-altitude locations like Harare (1,490m) are cooler than lowveld towns like Chiredzi (430m), which means panels run more efficiently even if total irradiance is similar.

Peak Sun Hours by Region

Peak Sun Hours (PSH) is the standard measure for comparing solar resources. One PSH equals one hour of sunlight at 1,000 W/m2 — the intensity used to rate panels.

Region-by-Region Breakdown

Bulawayo and Matabeleland

This is arguably Zimbabwe's best solar region on paper. High irradiance, relatively low cloud cover year-round, and long dry seasons mean consistent output from April through November.

The catch is dust. Matabeleland is dry, and if you're near mining activity or unpaved roads, a fine layer of dust settles on your panels quickly. Uncleaned panels in Bulawayo can lose 10-15% of their output within a few weeks during the dry season.

What this means for you: Budget for monthly cleaning in the dry season. Steeper tilt angles (25-30 degrees) help panels self-clean when it does rain. The raw solar resource is excellent — just keep your panels clean.

Harare and Mashonaland

Harare is Zimbabwe's most common location for residential solar, and it performs well. Annual averages sit around 5.5-5.8 PSH, which is better than most places on earth.

The wet season (November-March) brings afternoon thunderstorms and increased cloud cover that can reduce daily output by 20-30% compared to peak months. Morning production is usually strong even in the wet season — the clouds tend to build in the afternoon.

What this means for you: Run your heaviest loads in the morning during the wet season. Dry season output is excellent and consistent. A well-sized system handles Harare's climate comfortably.

Eastern Highlands (Mutare, Chimanimani, Nyanga)

The Eastern Highlands receive more rainfall than anywhere else in Zimbabwe. Orographic clouds (formed as moist air rises over the mountains) mean persistent overcast conditions, especially from November through March.

Annual PSH drops to 4.5-5.2 — still good by global standards, but noticeably lower than the rest of Zimbabwe. Nyanga at higher elevation benefits from cooler temperatures that boost panel efficiency, partially offsetting the cloud cover.

What this means for you: You may need 15-20% more panel capacity than the same household in Harare to achieve equivalent annual output. Battery sizing should account for more consecutive cloudy days. The upside is that cooler temperatures mean your panels degrade more slowly over their 25-year lifespan.

Lowveld (Chiredzi, Beitbridge, Triangle)

The lowveld is Zimbabwe's solar powerhouse in terms of raw irradiance. Beitbridge regularly records the highest PSH values in the country — 6.0-6.5 on an annual basis.

But there's a trade-off: heat. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 40 degrees C, and panel surface temperatures can hit 65-70 degrees C. At those temperatures, a typical panel loses 15-20% of its rated output. The irradiance gain is partially eaten by thermal losses.

What this means for you: Panel choice matters more here than anywhere else. Look for panels with a low temperature coefficient (below -0.35%/degree C). Good airflow under the panels is critical — leave at least 100mm between the panel and the roof surface. Despite the heat penalty, annual output is still among the highest in the country.

Victoria Falls and the Zambezi Valley

Victoria Falls, Kariba, and Chirundu sit in the Zambezi Valley and enjoy strong solar resources, especially during the long dry season from May to October. The wet season brings humidity and convective cloud buildup in the afternoons, but mornings are typically clear.

Kariba and Chirundu get particularly hot (similar to the lowveld), while Victoria Falls at slightly higher elevation is more moderate.

What this means for you: Expect strong, reliable output from May to October. Wet season is more variable but still productive. If you're running a lodge or tourism operation, the dry season (peak tourist season) aligns perfectly with peak solar output.

How Altitude Affects Your Panels

This is something most people overlook. Altitude affects temperature, and temperature affects panel output.

• Harare (1,490m) — average panel operating temperature around 45-50 degrees C
• Beitbridge (460m) — average panel operating temperature around 55-65 degrees C
• Nyanga (1,800m) — average panel operating temperature around 40-45 degrees C

That 15-20 degree difference translates to a 5-8% efficiency gap. Nyanga's panels run cooler and more efficiently, which partially compensates for the lower irradiance.

What This Means for System Sizing

When you use SolMate's sizing calculator, your location is factored into the calculations automatically. A 5kW system recommendation for Beitbridge will have different panel and battery specs than the same recommendation for Mutare — because the tool accounts for local irradiance, temperature derating, and dust soiling.

This is why generic "how many panels do I need" calculators from overseas websites give misleading results. They don't know about Bulawayo's dust, Beitbridge's heat, or Chimanimani's cloud cover.

Seasonal Planning

No matter where you are in Zimbabwe, output follows a seasonal pattern:

1. Peak months (August-October): Dry, clear skies, moderate temperatures. This is when your system produces the most.
2. Hot months (October-December): Irradiance is high but heat reduces efficiency. Output is good but not as high as you'd expect from the sunshine.
3. Wet season (December-March): Cloud cover reduces output, especially in the afternoons. Morning production remains strong.
4. Cool dry season (May-July): Shorter days but excellent efficiency due to cool temperatures. Daily output is moderate but very consistent.

Use the weekly forecast view to plan around these patterns. If a cloudy week is coming, pre-charge your batteries and shift heavy loads to the days with the best forecast.

Check Your Location's Forecast

SolMate's forecast tool uses location-specific weather and irradiance data for 22 towns across Zimbabwe. Select your nearest town to get forecasts calibrated to your region's actual conditions — not national averages.

The forecast accounts for your location's typical cloud patterns, temperature effects, and seasonal variation. It is the most practical way to see what your panels will actually produce today, this week, and in the months ahead.