A solar project on top of the Royal Nick Hotel at Tema is a collaboration with Messrs Wilkins Engineering Ltd
Ernest E. Amissah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SunPower Innovations Limited, says Ghana’s energy crisis can be solved if solar systems are firmly adopted by the government, which must ensure that policies concerning grid tied solutions (i.e. net metering) with Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) favour the varied solar energy off takers.
Mr Amissah, who disclosed this in an interview with BUSINESS GUIDE recently, said solar power, in the long run is relatively cheaper, safer and economically viable for citizens of a developing nation like Ghana.
SunPower Innovations Limited is an indigenous solar energy company that installs reliable, efficient and affordable solar power systems for residential and commercial businesses across the country.
He said if nothing is done about the port charges on photovoltaic balance of systems (BOS), the capital expenditure for solar systems would increasingly rise even though it is falling very fast in developed markets.
In Ghana, about 29 percent of the population is still not connected to the national grid; with solar energy capacity making up a little over 0.03 percent which is mostly found in private homes.
“The current state of our energy sector requires revision and swift action to curb the energy crisis in the country. But to do this, it is prudent for stakeholders and industry players to employ new thinking juxtaposed with new technologies.
“An encouraging trend is the emergence of solar energy as a viable option to provide electricity to even the most far-flung areas. The first is the installation of independent rooftop solar panels in homes and business premises. The possible integration of mini-grids with backup systems are the approaches currently available.”
The CEO revealed that despite the resistance to change and new technologies and fairly high cost of the installation of solar energy, the 25-year life span of panels and inverters and the long-term economic benefit of shedding off about 30-80 percent of a customer’s electricity bill, is incomparable.
According to him, the benefits of solar should motivate Ghanaians, especially government to embrace the emergence of solar energy and make it an integral component of every domestic and commercial project.
“Ultimately, the emission free advantage of solar is vital than all the economic factors discussed because the effects of green house gases is more dire than discussed in Ghana.”
SunPower Innovations Limited also has a presence in Nigeria.
The company’s effort to install Tier 1 panels and balance of systems to the highest engineering standards has brought it credible off takers like Aqua Safari Resort, Alisa Swiss Spirit Hotel, Total Ghana Ltd, CalBank Ltd, Special Ice Ltd and Local Government Secretariat Service.