Why Solar?

Trends in solar cell development and production have led to a steady decline in the cost of photovoltaic energy (PV), making it more competitive with generators and other conventional power sources than in the past.  Although the tariffs for grid-based electricity are artificially low, extending the grid to isolated communities can be expensive.  This makes solar based electricity the most attractive option for rural areas, and is an effective way for Ghana to expand electrification to all its people.  The useful life of a PV unit can exceed 30 years, making photovoltaic technology a cost effective energy solution in the long term as well as in the short term.

Photovoltaic technology provides additional environmental and social advantages over other energy sources such as gasoline fuels.  Some of the advantages are:

• Free energy
• Virtually no maintenance costs
• No pollution during operation
• No noise emission
• Provides power for many applications
• No unsightly or dangerous power lines
• Simple and reliable

Some limitations of PV technology are the high initial cost, the possibility of power interruption after more than three successive cloudy days, and the low power capacity.  Ghana averages over 250 days of sunshine, which means that power would hardly be interrupted.  A finance scheme which offsets the high initial costs of solar systems will facilitate the purchase of units by households.

Community Solar Applications:-

Water Supply

Photovoltaic electrification can be used to meet water needs in some communities.  Many areas have nearby ground water that can be made accessible by installing PV-powered pumps.  Communities that have high-salinity water supply could be serviced by solar powered purification plants.  Water pumping applications for irrigation and other uses can be made available to communities that identify such needs.

Health Centers

Rural health centers and clinics can use Solar Light PV systems for lighting and refrigeration.  Many clinics rely on poor lighting from lanterns which may even pose a risk to patients.  Solar powered lights allow clinics to serve patients at night and to extend hours for vaccination programs and primary care services.

Education

With solar lighting available, rural and urban schools can extend teaching hours, and students can use lights for studies at night.  The quality of education will be enhanced with the availability of audio-visual teaching aids.

Electricity in the classroom makes it possible to run demonstrations and science experiments in the classroom.  The photovoltaic system itself presents an interesting way to introduce pupils to the basic principles of electricity and physics.

Community Centers

Adequate lighting using PV systems allows community centers and churches to hold religious services, extend voter registration, hold meetings, and provide entertainment for the local community.

Call Solar Light today for your free evaluation and estimate.  By investing a little in energy today, you will save much more tomorrow and have the peace of mind that your energy needs are secure.  Solar Light is there to help every step of the way!