Tiny solar-plus-battery kits yield annual savings exceeding hardware cost
Researchers found multiple benefits after distributing free solar panels and battery systems with USB ports to 800 rural households in Ghana.
How to combine photovoltaics with rainwater harvesting
Scientists have developed a system that harvests rainwater running off PV panels for household use or hydrogen production. Their analysis showed that, in the southern Sahel, the system can meet both the energy and water requirements for electrolysis, with surplus rainwater covering up to 50% of a household’s daily water demand.
Ghana plans renewable energy investment fund
Ghana plans to accelerate its deployment of renewable energy sources, including solar systems for hospitals, public institutions and smaller companies, through a new green investment fund.
What’s cooking in PV?
Scientists have conducted an analysis of 20 years of academic publications about PV-powered electric cooking and have found interest in the field peaked in 2021-2022 in both developing and developed countries. They have also outlined some potential future developments.
Field manual for off-grid residential PV in remote communities
A research team has constructed a technical field audit among users of solar systems in remote communities in Ghana and has identified some recurring technical issues. Based on the collected data, the scientists have also developed a practical field manual.
New research analyzes performance ratios of bifacial PV
A comparison between monofacial and bifacial PV systems in Ghana showed how changes in system parameters can affect the bifacial gains. The researchers found that changing the albedo of a land-based system can increase the bifacial gain from 5.25% to 14.5%.
Ghana opens bidding for 35 minigrid, solar net-metering projects
Ghana’s Ministry of Energy is now welcoming applications for the design, supply and installation of 35 minigrid and solar PV net-metering projects to be located at a range of island and lakeside communities in the west African country.
Research shows polycrystalline panels from 11 different producers degrade more than warranty rate
A research group in Ghana has conducted a series of tests to assess the performance of polycrystalline solar modules in PV systems operating in their home country for at least 5 years. They found that the vast majority of the panels may ‘fail’ before 20 years in operation under outdoor conditions.
German solar supplier lands fresh $3m from EU entity
Redavia, which leases plug-and-play solar systems to commercial clients in Africa, secured the fresh credit line after settling a previous $2 million loan supplied by the EDFI ElectriFI European development finance institution.
Huawei, Meinergy plan 1GW/500MWh solar-storage project in Ghana
Huawei and Meinergy plan to build a facility that could end up being Africa’s largest solar-plus-storage project. Huawei will supply its storage tech for the installation.
