Harare, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwean authorities have issued a grave warning to the public regarding the increasing danger of faulty lithium batteries used in solar power systems, which are being blamed for a recent spate of deadly house fires, particularly in Bulawayo.
What many have embraced as a solution to the country's power outages is now becoming a life-threatening hazard due to improper installations and substandard components.
Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo explained the cause of that specific fire, stating, "The explosion originated from a poorly installed gel battery with exposed wiring."
Shocking Statistics Reveal a Growing Crisis
The Fire Brigade in Bulawayo has reported an alarming and dangerous trend, linking 42 residential fires to lithium batteries since last year. This includes 10 separate incidents in 2025 alone, which have already resulted in one confirmed fatality. The most recent fire, which occurred in Cowdray Park on August 4, completely destroyed a bedroom before firefighters were able to contain the blaze.Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo explained the cause of that specific fire, stating, "The explosion originated from a poorly installed gel battery with exposed wiring."
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| Deadly House Fires Linked to Faulty Solar Batteries Spark Safety Warning from Authorities |
He emphasized the preventable nature of these incidents, adding, "These aren’t accidents – they’re the result of dangerous shortcuts."
Recent Incidents Highlight the Danger:
Several recent fires underscore the growing threat:- Pumula Incident (May 24): A domestic worker suffered severe burns after batteries exploded in her room.
- Burnside Disaster: A Greek investor lost his entire $350,000 property after it was gutted by a fire that originated from a lithium battery.
- Cowdray Park Fire: A family returned home from school to find their neighbours desperately battling flames erupting from their house.
Why These Batteries Are Becoming Firebombs
Fire officials have identified three primary causes behind these dangerous fires:- Unqualified Installers: Many solar systems are being installed by individuals without the proper electrical qualifications, who often use substandard materials and incorrect wiring techniques.
- Overcharging: Improperly configured systems that lack sophisticated monitoring can lead to batteries being overcharged, causing them to overheat and ignite.
- Lack of Safety Mechanisms: Cheap, uncertified battery units often do not have the essential built-in safety features, like a reliable Battery Management System (BMS), to prevent such catastrophic failures.
Protecting Your Home: Sourcing Original Products and Using Certified Installers is Critical
In light of these preventable tragedies, authorities and industry experts are urging residents to exercise extreme caution when investing in solar power. Chief Moyo has advised the public to:- Only purchase batteries from certified manufacturers.
- Hire licensed electricians for all installations.
- Install proper battery monitoring systems and temperature alarms.
- Conduct monthly inspections of all solar components.
- Avoid overcharging by following manufacturer guidelines.
Bulawayo Fire Brigade Reports Alarming Trend as Improperly Installed Lithium Batteries Cause Devastation
To ensure the authenticity and quality of components, it is highly recommended to source solar products from official and reputable distributors.
Companies like Sona Solar Zimbabwe, who are official distributors for trusted brands like Must and Svolt, provide a reliable source for original products that come with manufacturer warranties and the necessary safety certifications.
Furthermore, using their certified installation teams ensures that the system is installed correctly and safely, complete with a Certificate of Compliance (COC).
"These tragedies are completely preventable," Chief Moyo emphasized. "Investing in proper installation today can save your family’s life tomorrow."
As solar power adoption continues to grow across Zimbabwe, authorities warn that safety standards must keep pace. The Bulawayo City Council is reportedly considering new regulations for solar installations following these disturbing incidents, underscoring the urgent need for consumer diligence and professional accountability.
"These tragedies are completely preventable," Chief Moyo emphasized. "Investing in proper installation today can save your family’s life tomorrow."
As solar power adoption continues to grow across Zimbabwe, authorities warn that safety standards must keep pace. The Bulawayo City Council is reportedly considering new regulations for solar installations following these disturbing incidents, underscoring the urgent need for consumer diligence and professional accountability.
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