A groundbreaking study published in the International Journal of Green Energy reveals that Ghana stands to recover as much as $4 million from solar photovoltaic (PV) waste through the implementation of proactive recycling and materials recovery strategies.

This research, spearheaded by Professor David Ato Quansah from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, is the first comprehensive analysis to quantify PV waste in the country.

The study projects that Ghana will generate an estimated 324,000 kilograms of solar PV waste between the years 2043 and 2060.

This significant figure highlights the urgent need for effective waste management solutions as the adoption of solar energy continues to grow in the nation.

Professor Quansah and his team caution that a large portion of this anticipated waste will comprise non-metal components, including glass and polymers, along with hazardous materials that could pose serious environmental and health risks if they are not managed appropriately.

“Early intervention will help Ghana avoid the complex challenges of managing end-of-life PV modules while tapping into the economic potential they offer,” the authors emphasised, highlighting the importance of timely action.

The researchers advocate for a circular economy approach to solar waste management, urging policymakers to establish clear regulations, invest in recycling infrastructure, and support capacity-building initiatives within the sector.

They argue that without such measures, Ghana risks compromising the environmental integrity of its burgeoning renewable energy sector and losing out on the economic benefits embedded within retired solar modules.

In addition to Professor Quansah, the study involved contributions from Dr. Eric Agyeman, Dr. Augustine Ntiamoah, Dr. Lena Mensah, and Professor Emmanuel Ramde, all of whom highlight the pressing need for sustainable practices in the solar energy landscape.

As Ghana continues to embrace renewable energy solutions, the findings of this study serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of establishing robust recycling and waste management systems to ensure a sustainable future for both the environment and the economy.