Photovoltaic R&D and applications in Ghana: current status and prospects

The oil crises of 1973 and 1979 brought researchers in the country together to apply solar energy technology. Research increased by 1981 when almost 50% of Ghana´s foreign exchange earnings were being spent on crude oil imports. However, the research results never went beyond the laboratory horizon, until 1983-84, when an unexpected long period of drought substantially reduced the water level of Ghana´s hydrodam and compelled the government to ration electricity. Foreign exhibitors who participated in the 1986 and 1988 Ghana industrial trade fairs used the opportunity to introduce solar PV systems into the country. 26 PV projects and five departments conducting research have been documented in the country´s research institutions. Over 700 solar PV stand-alone installations have been identified. These areas are discussed as are general constraints on PV research and development. Future and market prospects are outlined