Zambia is on the verge of a significant milestone in its clean energy transition. The 136 MW Itimpi Phase II solar photovoltaic plant in Kitwe — the largest single solar PV project ever developed in the country — is scheduled to begin commercial operations on 30 April 2026. The facility is owned and operated by Copperbelt Energy Corporation Plc (CEC) and relies entirely on power conversion technology supplied by Chinese renewables giant Sungrow, delivered in collaboration with the project's engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partner.

Sungrow's scope covers the plant's complete inverter infrastructure, with the SG350HX-20 string inverter and the EMU200A energy management unit forming the technological backbone of the installation. The project represents Sungrow's first engagement with CEC and is expected to set a new benchmark for utility-scale solar development across Zambia.

Solar as a Strategic Complement to Zambia's Hydropower Grid

Zambia currently derives more than 80% of its electricity from hydropower — a dependency that leaves the national grid exposed to the growing risks of drought and seasonal water variability, both of which have intensified in recent years. In response, the Government of Zambia has been actively pursuing solar integration as a means of diversifying the generation mix and improving grid resilience.

As the single largest PV plant ever commissioned in the country, Itimpi Phase II is positioned as a direct answer to that challenge. By feeding solar generation into the grid during dry seasons — when hydropower output typically declines — the plant is expected to help stabilise electricity supply, reduce load-shedding risks, and support Zambia's broader clean energy ambitions.

A Solution Tailored to CEC's Project Design and Long-Term Plans

Sungrow offers utility-scale customers in Zambia a range of deployment options, spanning from string-inverter configurations to fully integrated turnkey medium-voltage (MV) station solutions — sometimes referred to as "all-in-one" systems. For Itimpi Phase II, CEC selected a string-inverter architecture as the most appropriate fit for the plant's technical design and the operator's long-term operational strategy.

The selected SG350HX-20, paired with the EMU200A energy management unit, delivers a rated efficiency of up to 99%. The system is also engineered to maintain stable output under weak grid conditions, with a short-circuit ratio (SCR) tolerance as low as 1.1 — a meaningful advantage in emerging markets where grid infrastructure can be variable. The inverter is rated for operation across a temperature range of −30°C to 60°C and carries an IP66 ingress protection rating along with a C5 anti-corrosion classification, making it well-suited to Kitwe's African savanna climate conditions.

Commenting on the project, Nigel Sun, Head of Sungrow's Southern Africa Region, said the company is proud to support CEC on a project he described as setting a new benchmark for utility-scale solar in Zambia. He framed the deployment as part of Sungrow's wider mission of delivering clean power for all, and as a contribution to building a more resilient and sustainable energy system for the region.

Sungrow Consolidates Its Position in the Zambian Market

Itimpi Phase II is far from Sungrow's first footprint in Zambia. The company reports having installed approximately 370 MW of inverter capacity across the country to date, making it one of the most active PV technology suppliers in the market. Sungrow continues to promote both string-inverter and turnkey MV Station solutions to independent power producers (IPPs) and utilities across Sub-Saharan Africa.

As Sungrow's inaugural collaboration with CEC, the Itimpi Phase II project is described by the company as further cementing its standing as a leading provider of PV power conversion technology in Zambia and a trusted partner for the region's growing pipeline of utility-scale renewable energy projects.