ZCSA Strengthens Solar Oversight


Calls for compliance with compulsory solar standards to protect consumers

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24  -- (30th April 2026) – The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) has strengthened its oversight of the solar industry by urging importers and suppliers to comply with compulsory safety and quality standards for solar products introduced to protect consumers, as Zambia continues to expand access to solar energy, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas.

Speaking during the official opening of a stakeholder engagement meeting in Lusaka, ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga said stronger oversight is necessary to ensure that only safe and compliant solar products reach the market.

He said the meeting, held under the theme “Enhancing Compliance and Safety of Solar Products through Standards and Conformity Assessment,” comes at a time when the solar sector is growing but facing challenges linked to substandard products.

Chizinga reminded stakeholders that in 2025, the Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry issued Statutory Instrument No. 20, which introduced 41 compulsory standards, including those covering key solar products such as batteries, charge controllers, system installation, and lighting devices used in photovoltaic systems.

He warned that unregulated solar products could expose consumers to safety risks and undermine confidence in renewable energy solutions.

Chizinga emphasized that conformity assessment processes such as testing, inspection, and certification are essential in ensuring products meet required standards before reaching consumers.

He said compliance should be viewed as a tool for protecting consumers, strengthening market confidence, and supporting growth in the renewable energy sector.

The Agency urged importers and suppliers to fully comply with the compulsory standards, noting that adherence will help promote safe solar solutions and support national energy access goals.

ZCSA said continued collaboration with industry players and regulators remains key to effective implementation of the standards and strengthening compliance across the sector.

Chizinga officially declared the stakeholder engagement meeting open, expressing confidence that it would enhance cooperation and improve regulation of the solar industry.

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