The government of Ghana will embark on a project to install rooftop solar systems in 2016 for 20000 households as part of a project aimed at shifting dependence of domestic power consumers on the national grid.

This was disclosed by Dr Kwame Ampofo, Board Chairman of the Energy Commission at the Second Ghana Renewable Energy Fair, which was opened at the Accra International Conference Centre Tuesday August 9.

In his welcome address, Dr Ampofo indicated that the commission had begun the national Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Programme, which is a capital subsidy scheme under which “free solar panels up to a maximum capacity of 500 peak watts are provided to qualified beneficiaries in the residential sector”.

Simultaneously, the commission hopes the project will advance the goal of transiting the country from the use of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) to the use of the new light-emitting diode (LED) lamps, thereby reducing power consumption and enhancing energy efficiency.

The primary objective of the programme is to provide 200MW peak load relief on the national grid through solar PV technology in the medium term.

Persons who wish to be considered for the free solar system can pick an application form from the office of the Energy Commission or download it from its website, fill and submit it for assessment.

Dr Ampofo raised concerns about the need to mitigate harmful environmental effects from energy sources, highlighting the importance of promoting cleaner energy solutions.

He indicated that many countries were shifting from fossil-based fuels to more environmentally friendly and non-polluting sources that take their primary source of power from the sun, which is at the centre of our solar system.

He said, economically, “it is prudent for Ghana to follow suit as these clean renewable energy sources are abundant in our nation, Ghana”.

He was glad that the fair would create a forum for the exhibition and discussion of several renewable clean power sources, which will be the future of energy generation in Ghana.