Over 70 undergo solar panel installation training

Over 70 solar installers have undergone specialized training in Accra, aimed at enhancing their skills and knowledge in the rapidly growing solar industry.

The training, organized by PP Engineering and Trading, served as a crucial platform for participants to learn about the latest technologies and best practices, aligning with Ghana's broader goal of expanding renewable energy usage.

The training showcased the newest solar inverter products from GoodWe, a leading Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the industry. The latest inverters are enhancing efficiency and reliability, helping to meet the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions in Ghana.

During the session, installers were trained on product resistance, troubleshooting, and how to access warranty information from the company’s website for future reference. Feedback was also sought on the challenges faced during the training, ensuring continuous improvement in future sessions.

CEO of PP Engineering and Trading, Prince Adomako, emphasized the company's commitment to partnering with top-tier brands to deliver superior solar energy solutions. He highlighted the importance of the training program in equipping installers with the necessary skills to meet market demands.

"We are doing this training purposely to enlighten the installers about our new products and the value they bring to the renewable market. We have a lot of brands in the solar industry, but we believe that GoodWe is a brand to change the game, particularly in the African market," he explained.

Speaking about the attractiveness of the Ghanaian solar market, the Country Manager for GoodWe, Wycliff Mwange, noted that supportive policies are driving the growth of renewable energy in the country. "Yes, the policies are friendly. We still have some other issues to firm up on, such as the net export control and other things. So I can say we are on the right track in terms of the policy issues that will really support the growth of these technologies in this market," he added.

President of the Ghana Electrical Contractors Association (GECA), Awal Sakib Mohammed, said introducing solar systems can reduce reliance on the grid, leading to cost savings. He added that "solar systems can be beneficial for both customers and installers. Adopting solar energy can improve business profits."

However, installer Mawuli Aflakpui expressed concerns over the low interest in the use of solar energy among Ghanaians, attributing this to the prevalence of substandard products and difficulties in accessing warranties. He urged Ghanaians to embrace solar energy, emphasizing its long-term benefits. "Getting first-tier products here in Ghana is very scarce, so we are happy GoodWe is here with us."

Another installer, Eric Quarshie, called on regulatory bodies to intensify their efforts in ensuring that only quality products are available in the market. He stressed the need to regulate the influx of substandard products, which he said is creating problems for customers and hindering fair competition among solar businesses.

"It's good to have such training because for you to come up or construct a standard system, you need some level of training or skill and an understanding of the product. Also, we have regulatory bodies, and we expect that they should step up their work and make sure that we have standard components on the market. If not, we will always have problems with these substandard materials we find on our market. The regulators should step up their game and regulate the influx of these substandard products on the market," he remarked.

The installers asserted that they have used the GoodWe solar brand, noting that it has stood the test of time and proven to be durable and long-lasting.