Solar energy has been suggested as the cheapest alternative source of energy generation for Ghana in resolving its energy crisis relative to hydro and thermal power production.
So why can’t Ghana use solar as a solution to the energy crisis?
Speaking on Joy News’ News Desk on MultiTV, Executive Secretary of the Energy Commisson, Dr. Alfred Ofosu Ahenkora, explained that, the main source of solar energy is the sun which is only available between the hours of 9am and 4pm daily. This he said, makes insufficient for the purpose of power generation, but it can however, be harnessed by a solar photo phone funnel, a storage device which can connect the solar energy to individual homes.
He added that, solar energy on a mass scale will not support a base load (i.e electricity), which is available 24 hours without interruption. This however implies that solar energy cannot completely replace the electricity use.
Dr. Ofosu Ahenkora further explained that the implementation of solar energy use is a gradual process and needs much preparation.
He says the commission is putting measures in place to come out with a scheme to help individuals have access to the solar energy, to be installed on the roofs of homes.
The scheme, according to Dr. Ofosu Ahenkora, is expected to be out within a year. Cost, availability of resources and most reliable technology are the major expectations of the scheme.
He added that the Commission has so far made provisions to implement the wind farm method of generating energy. He said licenses have been issued to three groups after thorough assessment to undertake this task. This, he said will commence soon.
Apart from the solar and wind farm sources, he also hinted that bio mass and oil are other alternative ways of generating energy that are being considered in addition to gas and hydro that Ghana currently uses.
Meanwhile solar energy expert robert wood is suggesting that people in Ghana who have the financial power, to invest in Solar energy. “In two or three years time solar will be cheaper than gas because there is a new system coming that is called 3 dimensional solar", he said.
Speaking on NewsDesk, Engineer Wood said investigations indicate that there are places in Ghana where you can get up to 2,300 watts per square meter; which is more than twice what Germany can access and the solar energy is not expensive.
He said we have a bigger advantage over those countries who are far away from the equator, "ghana needs a comprehensive national development agenda"
Latest Stories
-
Sunyani Technical University refutes sex-for-grades claim, describes allegation as baseless
6 mins -
I’ll win TGMA Artiste of the Year at the right time – Kofi Kinaata
32 mins -
Meet Fred Amugi’s 100-year-old mother
48 mins -
Brazil great Marta to retire from international duty
1 hour -
Otto Addo was forced to accept Black Stars coaching job – Mohammed Polo
1 hour -
Karim Zito qualified to be Black Stars head coach – Mohammed Polo
2 hours -
Platinum Cup makes return on April 27
2 hours -
MoE is not changing uniforms or re-painting all public schools – Kwasi Kwarteng clarifies
2 hours -
16th Africa Aquatics Swimming Championships: Nubia and Harry to represent Ghana in Angola
2 hours -
SuperJazzClub releases new single ‘911’
2 hours -
Four defendants in NDA case by OSP open defence today
2 hours -
GFA commissions first set of floodlights at Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence
2 hours -
Basic public school uniform change an initiative, not a policy – Kwasi Kwarteng
3 hours -
Bawumia appeals for peace in Gonjaland, donates GHȼ100K, bull
3 hours -
Drake: AI Tupac track gone from rapper’s Instagram after legal row
3 hours