Founded in Guangzhou, China, in 2007, after discovering a gap in the renewable energy manufacturing industry, Felicity Solar has since expanded its market, starting with the manufacture of a wide range of products, including street lights, inverters, gel batteries, and lithium batteries. Their market offerings range from solar home systems, solar boreholes, and solar panels, to charge controllers and more.
After establishing itself as a trusted producer of solar system components, the company grew rapidly and established various offices in many African countries, such as Cameroon, Kenya, and Ghana, among others. As the demand for solar products grew in the southern region, they opened a branch in Zimbabwe, the first in Southern Africa.
“We are driven by the mission to be the leading Southern African renewable energy company, providing the most innovative clean energy solutions to our clients. We strive to operate ethically, fairly, and with the highest standards of corporate governance at all times. While continually advancing stakeholder interest and possessing unique technology superiority and product superiority,” said Lucas Chibwe, Managing Director.
Felicity Solar designs and installs complete home solar systems. Projects include the installation of a 7.5 kVA solar system with a 20 kwh battery bank and a 5400 PV array for a home in Bluffhill. The system is powering an electric fence, a borehole, and all household appliances. In Borrowdale, they have installed a 10kVA solar home system with a 40kwh battery bank and an 880 PV array. Another happy client, Dr. Zinyengeri, has a 5kVA solar system at his homestead, powering all household appliances and a borehole system.
Felicity Solar has installed systems for many cooperate clients, such as a 40kva solar system for Varichem Pharmaceuticals Harare with a 30kwh battery bank; Shurugwi City Council had a 10kva solar system; and Catholic University and National Handling Services also had a 10kVA system installed with a 10kwh battery bank.
“Felicity Solar has ensured that the needs of our corporate clients are satisfied by designing cost-effective systems with high efficiency that cater to their energy usage patterns,” said the managing director.
The company provides financial options on case-to-case basis, as solar systems may differ. However, for the residential market, they offer three-month lay-by payment terms. The company guarantees a 50% deposit on delivery to corporate clients, with the remaining 50% spread over 3 months. While discounts are offered for repeat clients.
As Felicity Solar manufactures solar product components, quality and efficiency are achieved by testing the materials used, inspecting physical components such as the photovoltaic cells of solar panels, cables, and inverters, and evaluating the overall product design’s effectiveness. Overall, making sure inspected finished products meet user needs.
“Felicity Solar has encountered some inevitable challenges along the way, despite our significant growth. Key among these has been the lack of a skilled workforce and expertise in a growing industry that needs and demands the absorption of professionals with specialized knowledge in renewable energy technologies,” said Chibwe.
“Another major challenge is that of fake solar panels, inverters, and batteries, which have flooded the local market at a very low cost. The rising demand for solar products has led to the influx of counterfeit and substandard solar panel accessories in the country,” he noted.
Felicity Solar Zimbabwe has highly qualified, skilled engineers and solar technicians who take time to hold what they call “Product Knowledge Sessions (PKS)” aimed at educating and enlightening various individuals on the specifications of different solar products as well as their usage. The company thrives on quality and efficiency; thus, product testing before and after purchase for a client is essential. They also do after-purchase service maintenance or assessments for both residential and corporate clients.
As Felicity Solar has various branches all across Africa, they aim to expand in the Southern African region by opening another branch in Zambia. Here in Zimbabwe, plans include opening branches in Bulawayo and Masvingo.
The Felicity Solar brand is gaining traction on the local market and will, in the near future, be competing regionally by offering high-quality solar products and service to the satisfaction of customers.
Visit their conveniently located Harare location at 45 Glenara Avenue South, Eastlea.
Text by Martin Chemhere