Accra Polytechnic inaugurates solar installation facility

The Accra Polytechnic has inaugurated its solar educational trail which has a total of five photovoltaic systems to beef up the supply of energy in the institute.

The facility has a back-up system – rated power of 2940 Watt, with a battery capacity of 14,8 kWh voltage 48 V, that continuously supplies electricity to consumers in case of blackout and a solar pump –rated 1440 Watt, which ensure water supply in areas without grid connection

The project cost 90,000 Euros, and funded by the Germany Energy Agency (DENA) and Mp-tec, a German Solar System integrator in Ghana.

Professor Sylvester Achio, Rector of Accra Polytechnic said the Polytechnic signed a memorandum of understanding with the DENA and Mp-tec Solar system in 2013 for the installation of the facility.

Prof Achio said the collaboration with both organisations to supply solar energy to the polytechnic is timely because it will add to the growing portfolio of renewable energy technologies in the country.

He said the project will afford Accra Polytechnic the opportunity to benefits from the transfer of knowledge and skills relevant to the community and that the polytechnic has plans to introduce programmes in solar energy.

Prof Achio assures the institute commitment to maintain and make good use of the facility and urged all to embrace the use of solar energy so as to augment the energy needs of the country.

Mr John Kuediger, German Ambassador to Ghana said the project has proven excellent relationship between Ghana and Germany stressing that the facility is critical to the conditions of climate change.

Ambassador Kuediger said the project would generate interest in the student body of the polytechnic to learn more about solar and also to keep them abreast of contemporary technology.

Mrs Jessica Klein, Senior Manager, DENA said their objective is supported by three components- the installation, marketing concept and the training concept to enhance the growth of international competitive energy sector.

Mrs Klein said the DENA programme helps to build up acceptance of renewable energies in various countries and create a veritable lighthouse for the use of renewable energy technology as well as supporting global climate protection.

Mr Solomon Allen, Managing Director of Mp-tec, West Africa, said the introduction of solar system in Ghana by the German company would help address the problems faced in the supply of energy in the country.

He said the ground mounted systems would be used to produce energy on areas that are unutilised while the back-up system will supply electricity to consumers in case of blackout and the solar pump will pump water without the use of grid connection.