Home | Goldstreet Business
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
  • Home
  • General News
    • Extractives
    • Auto
  • Business
    • Banking and Finance
    • AgriBusiness
    • Insurance
    • Mining
    • Oil and Gas
    • Real Estate/Housing
  • News
    • Top Stories
    • Agriculture
    • Maritime/Aviation
    • Energy
    • Education
    • Construction
  • Technology
    • ICT
    • Telecom
  • World
    • Africa
    • International
  • Editorial/Features
  • GSB Data Services
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • General News
    • Extractives
    • Auto
  • Business
    • Banking and Finance
    • AgriBusiness
    • Insurance
    • Mining
    • Oil and Gas
    • Real Estate/Housing
  • News
    • Top Stories
    • Agriculture
    • Maritime/Aviation
    • Energy
    • Education
    • Construction
  • Technology
    • ICT
    • Telecom
  • World
    • Africa
    • International
  • Editorial/Features
  • GSB Data Services
No Result
View All Result
Gold Business Logo
No Result
View All Result
Home News Energy

SOLAR – the global solution everyone knows about

August 22, 2022
in Energy, Macroeconomic Bulletin, Top Stories
0
SOLAR – the global solution everyone knows about
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Africa is blessed with abundant solar power due to the scorching sun. Solar power should be the alternative energy source to power vehicles, generating plants, and small-scale and commercial farming.

It could also be used for powering industries. For instance, during power outages, most heavy industries like Valco in Ghana had to close down because of insufficient power.

RELATED POSTS

‘The fundamentals haven’t changed’ – Prof. Baah Boateng cautions against cedi hype

92.3% of businesses in Ghana remain informal – GSS

Solar power is renewable and does not produce greenhouse gases or other pollutants. It is also a very efficient source of energy. It is estimated that if Africa could harness just 1% of its solar resources, it would be enough to meet the continent’s energy needs. Despite its many benefits, some challenges still need to be addressed to make solar power the main source of energy in Africa. (Trotter, 2016)

For example, the high cost of solar panels and batteries is a barrier to widespread adoption. In addition, the lack of trained personnel and infrastructure presents another challenge.

With the high cost of crude oil on the world market, solar power is becoming an increasingly attractive option for Africa. Solar power could be the continent’s main energy source if the challenges can be overcome.

Africa’s solar potential

Africa is a continent with immense untapped solar potential. Solar energy could provide a much-needed boost to Africa’s development, helping to address the continent’s electrification challenge and contribute to economic growth.

Solar energy currently provides just a fraction of Africa’s total electricity needs despite its huge potential. However, there are signs that this is changing, with a growing number of African countries investing in large-scale solar projects. (Hirth, 2015)

Solar power could play a major role in meeting Africa’s energy needs and supporting its development goals if harnessed effectively.

The challenge of electrification in Africa

Africa is the world’s least electrified continent, with over 600 million people (around 60% of the population) without access to electricity. This lack of access to electricity is a major barrier to development, as it limits economic growth and social progress opportunities.

In order to meet the needs of its growing population, Africa will need to increase its electricity generation capacity significantly. Solar energy could play a key role in meeting this demand, as the continent has huge untapped solar resources. (DURSUN, 2021)

Benefits of solar energy in Africa

Solar energy is an important resource for Africa. It has the potential to provide a clean and renewable source of power for the continent’s growing population and economy.

Solar energy can also help improve access to electricity in rural and remote areas, boosting economic development and reducing poverty.

There are many other benefits of solar energy that could greatly benefit Africa. For example, solar energy can help create jobs, improve food security, and promote peace and stability.

With the right policies in place, solar energy could significantly power Africa’s future. Let us look at the detailed benefits of solar energy.

1. Renewable Energy Source: Solar power is a renewable energy source, meaning it can be used repeatedly without running out. It is also environmentally friendly because it does not produce harmful emissions or pollutants.

2. Reduces Electricity Bills: Solar panels can help you save money on your electricity bills by generating free electricity from the sun. In some cases, you may even be eligible for government incentives or grants to offset the cost of installing solar panels.

3. Diverse Applications: Solar technology can be used for various applications, including generating electricity, powering homes and businesses, providing hot water, and even cooling buildings.

4. Low Maintenance Costs: Solar panels have very low maintenance costs and usually only need to be cleaned a few times a year. They also have a long lifespan, typically lasting 20 to 30 years.

5. Technology Development: Solar technology is constantly evolving and becoming more efficient and affordable. In the past few years, the cost of solar panels has dropped significantly, making them more accessible to a wider range of people. (Scheer, 1995)

Disadvantages of Solar Energy

Let us look at the other side of the coin and examine some disadvantages of solar energy.

1. Cost: Solar panels are a significant initial investment. However, they will eventually pay for themselves through savings on your energy bill. In the meantime, government incentives are available to offset some of the costs.

2. Weather-Dependent: Solar panels rely on sunlight to generate power. This means that output can be reduced on cloudy or overcast days.

3. Solar Energy Storage Is Expensive: Batteries that store solar energy can be expensive and have a limited lifespan.

4. Uses much Space: Solar panels need much space to generate enough power for most homes and businesses. This may not be practical for everyone.

5. Associated with Pollution: The manufacturing process of solar panels can release harmful environmental pollutants. However, once installed, solar panels create clean energy with no emissions.

Challenges to implementing solar energy in Africa

There are many challenges to implementing solar energy in Africa. These include:

– The high cost of solar panels and other equipment.

– The lack of trained personnel to install and maintain the equipment.

– The lack of an adequate electrical grid to connect the solar panels.

– Political instability in many African countries.

– The continent’s high levels of poverty and illiteracy.

Despite these challenges, there are, as stated, many reasons solar energy is a good option for Africa.

The future of solar energy in Africa

The future of solar energy in Africa is very promising. The continent has an abundance of sunlight, making it an ideal location for solar power generation. Solar energy is also a clean and renewable resource, making it an attractive option for Africa’s development.

There are already many successful solar energy projects underway in Africa. In South Africa, for example, a large-scale solar farm has been built that can generate enough electricity to power over 200,000 homes.

Here are also smaller-scale solar projects being implemented in rural areas of the continent, providing much-needed power to communities that traditionally had no electricity access.

The potential for solar energy in Africa is huge. With the right investment and support, solar could become a major power source for the continent, providing clean, renewable energy that would help drive Africa’s development.

It is in our best interest to support companies and individuals that are pushing the needle on the electrification of Africa through Solar.

Conclusion

Solar energy is a renewable resource that has many advantages. It is abundant, low-cost, and clean. However, there are also some challenges to implementing solar energy in Africa.

These include the high cost of solar panels and other equipment, the lack of trained personnel to install and maintain the equipment, and the lack of an adequate electrical grid to connect the solar panels.

Despite these challenges, there are also many reasons solar energy is a good option for Africa. Solar energy can help create jobs and generate income in African countries. The future of solar energy in Africa is very promising.

With the right investment and support, solar could become a major power source for the continent, providing clean, renewable energy that would help drive Africa’s development.

I hope you enjoyed the read. Hit me up and let’s keep the conversation going! I read all the feedback you send. Also, feel free to throw at me topics you’d like to read or hear my thoughts on. You can always head to my Calendly at calendly.com/maxwellampong or connect with me your own way through my Linktree: https://linktr.ee/themax.

Have a blessed week!

♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕

References

 Trotter, P. (2016). Rural electrification, electrification inequality and democratic institutions in sub-Saharan Africa. Energy For Sustainable Development, 34, 111-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esd.2016.07.008

Hirth, L. (2015). Market value of solar power: Is photovoltaics cost‐competitive?. IET Renewable Power Generation, 9(1), 37-45. https://doi.org/10.1049/iet-rpg.2014.0101

DURSUN, E. (2021). Solar Energy Potential in Horn of Africa: A Comparative Study using Matlab/Simulink. Balkan Journal Of Electrical And Computer Engineering. https://doi.org/10.17694/bajece.974404

Scheer, H. (1995). Solar energy’s economic and social benefits. Solar Energy Materials And Solar Cells, 38(1-4), 555-568. https://doi.org/10.1016/0927-0248(94)00243-6

♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕ —- ♕

Dr. Maxwell Ampong is an Investment Strategist with Maxwell Investments Group (MIG). MIG has a disciplined approach towards executing ESG-centric Sustainability Development Models, actively engages in Local & International Trade of Agricultural Commodities, and Market-Acquisition Strategies. He writes about trending and relevant economic topics, and general perspective pieces.
facebookShare on Facebook
TwitterTweet
Source: Dr. Maxwell Ampong
Tags: SOLAR
ShareTweetShare

Related Posts

‘The fundamentals haven’t changed’ – Prof. Baah Boateng cautions against cedi hype

‘The fundamentals haven’t changed’ – Prof. Baah Boateng cautions against cedi hype

May 9, 2025
92.3% of businesses in Ghana remain informal – GSS

92.3% of businesses in Ghana remain informal – GSS

April 3, 2025
‘No suspended projects in Ghana’ – World Bank clarifies

‘No suspended projects in Ghana’ – World Bank clarifies

April 3, 2025
Ghana remains important to us ‘no matter what’ – U.S ambassador

Ghana remains important to us ‘no matter what’ – U.S ambassador

April 3, 2025
Presidency hasn’t ordered NIB to investigate Akufo-Addo’s travels – Felix Kwakye Ofosu

Presidency hasn’t ordered NIB to investigate Akufo-Addo’s travels – Felix Kwakye Ofosu

March 28, 2025
Next Post
Fitch Solutions forecasts 43% depreciation of cedi to dollar in 2022

Fitch Solutions forecasts 43% depreciation of cedi to dollar in 2022

E-levy: New data from Finance Ministry shows government rakes in less than 7% of target

E-levy: New data from Finance Ministry shows government rakes in less than 7% of target

Archives

<
May 2025
  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
▼
>
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
282930    
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
2425262728  
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
252627282930 
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031   
       
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031    
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
       
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
       
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
26272829   
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031    
       
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930   
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
252627282930 
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031   
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930  
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031    
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728     
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
282930    
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930  
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031    
       
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930   
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
252627282930 
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031   
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28      
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930     
       
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930   
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
282930    
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930  
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031    
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
       
       
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031   
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30      
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
282930    
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930     
       
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930   
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
242526272829 
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
252627282930 
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031   
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30      
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031    
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930     
       
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031
       
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728   
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031   
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
2627282930  
       
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031    
       
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
    123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
252627282930 
       
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28293031   
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30      
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031 
       

RECOMMENDED

‘The fundamentals haven’t changed’ – Prof. Baah Boateng cautions against cedi hype

‘The fundamentals haven’t changed’ – Prof. Baah Boateng cautions against cedi hype

May 9, 2025
92.3% of businesses in Ghana remain informal – GSS

92.3% of businesses in Ghana remain informal – GSS

April 3, 2025

MOST VIEWED

Plugin Install : Popular Post Widget need JNews - View Counter to be installed
  • Energy
  • Health
  • Auto
  • International
  • Subscription Form
  • Staff Webmail
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Call us: +233 24 432 0902 | info@goldstreetbusiness.com

© Copyright © 2020 goldstreetbusiness.com. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Homepages
    • Homepage Layout 1
    • Homepage Layout 2
  • World
  • Business
  • Technology
  • Health

© Copyright © 2020 goldstreetbusiness.com. All Rights Reserved.

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Fill the forms bellow to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.