Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) says renewable energy products and installations should be done in line with procedures to produce desired results.
In an interview on the sidelines of a stakeholders’ workshop in Lilongwe on Thursday, Mera chief officer Collins Magalasi said the energy regulator will now go flat out to check authenticity of products-on the market and qualifications of installers.
“We have seen a steep rise in the use of renewable energy by the public at household, community and institutional levels. There is increasing number of solar photovoltaic systems in homes, schools, health centres and even in offices.
“We have also noted the emergence of many publicly-funded renewable energy projects meant to benefit public institutions, but they have not lived up to expectations,” he said.
Magalasi said there are also emerging isolated solar powered mini grids being used for water pumping and irrigation, in addition to lighting and other light energy uses, both in rural and urban areas, a development which shows that renewable energy technologies are becoming the alternative and-the preferred source of energy in the country.
In his presentation, Mera senior energy specialist Wilfred Kasakula said some installers of solar panels are doing shoddy work leading to poor functioning of the panels and, in some instances, endangering the lives of people.
Mera legal officer Cynthia Chawani said they have powers the claw to fine or even take to court installers not conforming to the regulatory framework.