- A Ghanaian company has launched the country's first locally produced solar panels. Authorities hope renewable energies can help ease the long-lasting power shortage in Ghana.
Ghana's first solar panels were launched on the market yesterday by Atlas Business and Energy System (ABES), a private renewable energy company based in Ghana and Finland. ABES markets itself as a company providing solutions for installation of solar, wind and biomass energy.
According to ABES Managing Director Nathaniel Gyibah, its solar panels were built entirely in Ghana. Only some few components were imported from Finland, including the inventors, charge controllers and the batteries.
In Ghana, the announcement was met with optimism given the country's chronic energy deficit. Ghana depends on imports of fossil fuels from its neighbour countries, as an expensive addition to its mostly hydropower based electricity rid. Power blackouts are frequent and consumers look for reliable and affordable backup solutions.
ABES chief Gyibah hopes his company's solar panels can become this backup. Not only were they cost-effective, but also environmentally sounder than fossil fuel alternatives.
"The energy industry in Ghana is a major concern to many people, Mr Gyibah noted, adding that the introduction of the solar panel would curb the power shortage that often causes inconveniences to the people of Ghana.
According to ABES' own marketing, the company is to "provide both the low income and middle income home owners with new solar packages and information that would ensure energy savings for our clients." The Ghanaian company further aims at providing "customised solar packages for our industrial customers."
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
front page
| news
| countries
| archive
| currencies
| news alerts login
| about afrol News
| contact
| advertise
| español