Chinese solar PV module manufacturer, JinkoSolar, has announced that it has signed a distribution agreement with Zimbabwean solar systems distributor, Must Zimbabwe, for the supply of over 100MWh of its energy storage systems (ESS) to the company.

According to the agreement, JinkoSolar will supply its ESS products to Must Zimbabwe, including lithium iron phosphate battery system units for residential use and LFP container storage system for C&I power demand.

“The agreement signed between JinkoSolar and Must Zimbabwe indicates a significant relationship between two companies. As there is a booming ESS market in Zimbabwe, we’re certain that, together with JinkoSolar, we’ll be able to deliver desirable yet affordable ESS products & solutions in local market and develop a stronger local distribution network that meet our local demands,” said Mike Guo, Head of Must Zimbabwe.

JinkoSolar says its energy storage systems have higher energy density and maintain a long life span and have strong safety features. The company uses a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as its anode materials, which the company says have the additional advantage of no memory effect. The materials can ensure the battery can be charged and discharged shallowly and frequently, which can effectively improve the efficiency of the system.

JinkoSolar says its flexible design configuration for its energy storage systems meet the requirements for different application scenarios in Africa. In areas with high operating temperatures and limited installation space, the company says users can connect the battery units parallel to form a larger capacity battery pack to meet their requirements of long power backup time and long service life.

In relatively developed areas of Africa, JinkoSolar says the system supports on- and off-grid switching functions, which allows it to be integrated into the grid to maximize IRR and lower LCOE.

“Clear as day, electricity demand is expected to double to over 2300 TWh in Africa by the end of 2040, with most of the additional demand stemming from productive uses and emerging middle- and higher-income households,” says Jaffer Wang, GM of JinkSolar for Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Renewables will be the powerhouse that drives Africa’s brighter future. Our company is so proud to be part of African energy transformation and our PV+ ESS solutions can be applied in utility-scale projects connected to the grid, C&I power demand, or residential off-grid power demand,” Wang concludes.