Cicada Solar, a leading renewable energy provider, has proudly announced the successful commissioning of a 1.5 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the NatPak Sacks facility in Harare. This significant project marks a major step forward in advancing Zimbabwe’s national shift towards sustainable energy and highlights a growing trend of industrial players adopting clean power solutions.
NatPak, a premier provider of packaging solutions in Zimbabwe, will now power a substantial portion of its production operations with clean, renewable energy. The new solar plant is set to deliver significant benefits, including a drastic reduction in the company’s carbon footprint and enhanced operational stability. By harnessing solar power, NatPak can mitigate the impacts of an inconsistent national grid and hedge against rising electricity tariffs, ensuring cost-effective and reliable energy for its manufacturing processes. This move not only supports the company’s sustainability goals but also boosts its overall production efficiency.
This commissioning reflects the strong and ongoing partnership between the two companies. It marks Cicada Solar’s second major solar installation for NatPak, reinforcing a shared dedication to pioneering sustainable industrial growth in the region. This repeated collaboration underscores NatPak’s confidence in Cicada Solar’s expertise and the tangible benefits delivered by their renewable energy solutions.
A key aspect of this landmark project is its innovative financing model. Cicada Solar has fully financed the 1.5 MWp asset and will continue to operate and maintain it throughout its lifespan. This “energy-as-a-service” model removes the significant upfront capital barrier for large-scale industrial clients like NatPak, making the transition to solar power more accessible and financially viable. It allows companies to immediately benefit from cheaper, cleaner power without the complexities of system ownership and management.
The NatPak Sacks project serves as a powerful example for Zimbabwe’s industrial sector, demonstrating that green energy is not just environmentally responsible but also a smart economic decision. As Cicada Solar continues to expand its portfolio of high-impact renewable energy assets, it solidifies its role as a crucial driver of Zimbabwe’s sustainable energy future.