The use of candles to lighten up homes cost more than the use of solar panels in the country, says Professor Yaw Owusu, a Ghanaian energy expert based in the US.
He said Ghana's energy crisis could be over with a commitment on the part of government, corporate bodies and individuals to switch to solar system because solar energy is far less expensive than what people have been made to believe.
Briefing the media in Accra, Prof. Owusu a lecturer in the Florida State University said: "Let us not sell to ourselves that solar energy is expensive because economies of scale make things cheaper."
He called on government to critically assess the issue and redirect its subsidies to the use of solar systems for the ordinary Ghanaian because once installed, the operational cost was almost zero.
Prof Owusu said if every Ghanaian would include in their expenses solar equipment where with the use of an inverter power could be switched from solar to the national grid, a lot more money could be saved for other developments.
"Once you set your solar panels, 20 to 30 years to come, you pay nothing because the source of energy which is the sun is free," he said.
Prof. Owusu however, noted that it was important to have a hybrid of solar and wind energy. This, he explained that, in the day time the energy from the sun and wind could be tapped for use in the night.
He said the potential for Africa is marvelous since the continent has the greatest sunshine in the whole wide world.
"We are blessed with the Sahara Desert which when the energy in the sun is well tapped will serve the entire continent of Africa," Prof. Owusu said.
Source: GNA
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
ICC prosecutor Karim Khan to visit Ghana in October, deliver public lecture at GIMPA
6 mins -
We’ve all failed in prioritising education in Ghana – PTA Executive Member
8 mins -
Fidelity Bank supports Enactus C.K. Tedam UTAS Team for Enactus World Cup 2024
10 mins -
A credible voter register ensures credible elections – Osae Kwapong
15 mins -
GH¢100K in cash prizes to be won in the Cadbury Richoco National Essay Competition
20 mins -
Samuel Kingsley Kwafie
25 mins -
Our ecosystem has been polluted and needs urgent help – Prof Esi Awurah
27 mins -
It’s been painful and lonely – Trigmatic describes Pan-African music switch
30 mins -
We have enough dollar reserves to deal with Christmas festivities pressures – Dr. Addison
37 mins -
Mahama promises a Property Rights of Spouses Bill to protect women in marriage
1 hour -
We’ll implement national zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment, domestic violence – Mahama
1 hour -
Election 2024: GII cautions first-time voters against electoral offences
2 hours -
We’ll increase women’s representation in Parliament and leadership roles – Mahama
2 hours -
WISHH hosts Soy Food Festival 2024 in Ghana to tackle food security challenges
2 hours -
CDKN Ghana supports young advocates to develop solutions towards addressing climate change
2 hours