SOLAR PANELS: GHANA’S ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOLUTIONS?

Energy in all its forms are the fulcrum on which industries, manufacturing companies, business and homes thrives on. Being on the search for alternative energy source without unnecessary pressure on the existing supply has been a rather cumbersome one.
Solar energy is basically the harnessing of the radiance of light and heat from the sun using ever evolving technologies. It is a significant source of renewable energy which is likely to overtake traditional power source like electricity and an over-reliance on it. This alternative source of energy cannot be underestimated without causing a few glares heading your direction.
Any human invention and it consequent improvement is expected to obviously have better specifications than the former. The questions many may ask is: “Is solar energy the way out of the woods on discussions and solutions to energy issues?” That is quite a legitimate question.
Myths surrounding the cost, installation and effectiveness of solar energy are quite disconcerting. In Ghana, although we have major issues and discrepancies in our power and energy dispensation, there was alarming hang-ups and lack of proper elucidation on the benefits on going solar. Fears of people were put to rest when a UK Energy firm by name Blue Energy set to build the largest solar power project in West Africa.
The prospects elicited by the company were quite optimistic and seemingly feasible with great economic laurels as the cherry on top of the development. Ghana has had quite a turbulent power and energy crisis over the years, earning its name and being ridiculously tagged as ‘DUMSOR’. The storm isn’t yet over, how about we strategize and ferret ways of curbing this humongous problem. So let’s talk about Solar Energy then, shall we?
The benefits of solar power, speaks for itself and its ability to bolster our energy sector can be vouched for as success stories are replicated in most western countries and some parts of Africa. For one thing, solar energy is quite a sustainable model. Its renewable nature translates to its inexhaustible uniqueness. Our economic aptitude can translate into productivity and profits with this renewable source. Homes, offices and industry wouldn’t have to go on a striking move with the saving properties of solar panels.
Solar power is rapidly developing energy source in western countries and has turned out to be quite a lucrative and beneficial venture for both consumers and manufacturers. Invariably, large solar energy facilities can produce electricity regardless of whether the sun is shining or not making them sustainable and reliable electricity producers. Thermal solar plants is capable of achieving this feat and also has the ability of storing heat to generate power especially in the absence of sunlight. It will certainly bring and ensure economic growth.
Granted, solar energy isn’t exactly the most inexpensive source, maintenance culture is rarely needed. Global warming has been of topical concern globally, a guaranteed zero emission with no adverse effects due to its Eco friendliness is a welcome gesture.
Genuinely, the benefit of using solar energy is its proficiency of being distributed in our communities with strong awareness. Primarily, as rooftop solar panels are becoming more widespread and more homes are installing them, the load on electricity and gas will diminish over time. Albeit, a lot of money may be pushed into the formation of large-scale commercial solar power plants, it is the application of the space found on the roofs of our own homes that is going to make the biggest difference over the longer term.
The next phase of our country’s energy concerns shouldn’t be one of slandering and finger pointing antics, but rather shinning the light of the sun on the economy.

BY:Angela Ashong, Africa Home Building News