Solar energy too expensive for Ghana now - Allotey

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Kwame Ata 9 years ago

....and not do anything about the situation just ti keep complaining everyday that its too expensive so we shouldnt do it?

....and not do anything about the situation just ti keep complaining everyday that its too expensive so we shouldnt do it?
anokwale 9 years ago

Start with the basics. Distribute solar lanterns to all the citizens just so people can have basic light and phone charging capabilities. The heavier expenditure could be used for government buildings . This would take pre ...
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Start with the basics. Distribute solar lanterns to all the citizens just so people can have basic light and phone charging capabilities. The heavier expenditure could be used for government buildings . This would take pressure off of the grid.
BBC NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 9 years ago

I personally disagreed with Dr. Nyaho Tamakloe on this issue. Nana " Y3n Akanfuo " Binaddo did not in anyway abused or take the tribalistic Npp Motorbikes thieves for granted, but rather the entire Npp is foolish to bets with ...
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I personally disagreed with Dr. Nyaho Tamakloe on this issue. Nana " Y3n Akanfuo " Binaddo did not in anyway abused or take the tribalistic Npp Motorbikes thieves for granted, but rather the entire Npp is foolish to bets with a man who is NOT marketable.
Close Observer 9 years ago

THE USELESS NDC IS TURNING ONE TRIBE AGAINST ANOTHER
TURNING ONE RELIGION AGAINST ANOTHER
THERE WAS EVEN AN ATTEMPT BY ATTA MILLS TO poison football clubs with politics just for the SELFISH INTEREST of the USELESS NDC PARTY ...
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THE USELESS NDC IS TURNING ONE TRIBE AGAINST ANOTHER
TURNING ONE RELIGION AGAINST ANOTHER
THERE WAS EVEN AN ATTEMPT BY ATTA MILLS TO poison football clubs with politics just for the SELFISH INTEREST of the USELESS NDC PARTY.
Everything that units us as a peaceful nation is under attack by the USELESS NDC PARTY. Before they divide Ghana and leave us in shreds VOTE THE USELESS NDC PARTY OUT IN 2016.
We have lived peacefully without any TRIBAL OR RELIGIOUS POLITICS before the USELESS NDC PARTY WAS FORMED and their manifesto signed with blood. We don't need any division in Ghana. WE ARE INTER-MARRIED, AND WE ARE ONE PEOPLE. NDC IS DANGEROUS, VOTE THEM OUT IN 2016.
(GB3M3I KOME TOO DZI WO. GAM3I NY3KA NYI3AA AM3S33. NDC NFEE NY3 BULUU, NI AM3 NSHI NY3 Y3 OHIA MLI.)
An advice from a sensible GA who can read through the lines.
don`t care ©!!! 9 years ago

Hmmmmm!prof Allotey shd gave us a break..That's enough of your bickering!..he should explain what he mean by Solar energy too expensive for Ghana & when is the "FUTURE"?

Building Akosombo, Bui and Kpong dams were not"CHEAP ...
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Hmmmmm!prof Allotey shd gave us a break..That's enough of your bickering!..he should explain what he mean by Solar energy too expensive for Ghana & when is the "FUTURE"?

Building Akosombo, Bui and Kpong dams were not"CHEAP"even the Motor-Way..but they serve it purposed & purposefulness..

Hmmm!our only problem as black people is lack of planning ahead, Lack maintenance;lack of direction}to not know what you really want to do]:we are only "GOOD"in talk-talk..& thatz the end of the story or the planning.but when it come to corrupting ourself...we don`t consider the habit of "CORRUPTION"is too expensive for nation Ghana ...

Hmmmm!my advice to the govt.we don`t have enough of raining season or rivers to feed our dams;there4 investing in more dams will be a waste or pouring water in2 a basket...likewise the "SUN" we have it in abundance & for free..4 God sake..so that shd be the our direction to invest our money when energy is concern...

Hmmm!even though Uncle Sam(USA)& aunt Sam(EUROPE) don`t have enough sun;not to talk of abundance of sun! have invested in this free for all raw material 2 generate energy...even Koo white malam(CHINA)have invested in it...but blackman will be dancing(talk-talk)around the simple facts and truth till they lost in them-them memories...Hmmmmm!
OLD SOLDIER 9 years ago

Author:-Close Observer...
I told you guys! This president is useless. There is nothing he can do to get Ghana out of the problems they have put her in. With the value of our currency, the cedi, still falling, the useless yo ...
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Author:-Close Observer...
I told you guys! This president is useless. There is nothing he can do to get Ghana out of the problems they have put her in. With the value of our currency, the cedi, still falling, the useless young man is saying Ghanaians, not him, are foolish. Ghanaians are foolish because they can't tell if they are suffering or not, somebody from outside will have to speak for them.
So Ghanaians, you don't have any problem. Your pipes are flowing with water constantly, power supply is constant, you live in a corrupt free country, your currency, the cedi is doing wonderful, fuel price is very affordable, your hospitals are fantastic; even Atta Mills patronized them till he died, your cities are squeaky clean; garbage on the streets is a thing of the past, misappropriation of state funds is just fine, don't complain. I mean, you are just doing fine, if you complain again, we will scorn you, especially, if you are someone with a disability. Just shut-up and listen to outsiders, because they pay for the food you eat, the petrol you buy and bear your pain when you are sick and you are asked to go home because hospitals don't have beds to admit you. THIS IS THE IMPLICATION OF THE STATEMENT MADE BY THE MAN WHO IS SPEARHEADING 'better Ghana Agenda' If this is what it is, WHY DON'T YOU VOTE HIM AND HIS USELESS FRIENDS OUT IN 2016?
Saint Ghfuo: Nyantakyi must go! 9 years ago

You can use manure, everyday trash as a srenewable source of energy. You can use recycled waste for construction in homes, stadiums, roads, shoes, bags etc...Ghana, wake the fuck up and stop acting like dead invalids!

You can use manure, everyday trash as a srenewable source of energy. You can use recycled waste for construction in homes, stadiums, roads, shoes, bags etc...Ghana, wake the fuck up and stop acting like dead invalids!
Nana Ansah 9 years ago

The answer is solar panel on every roof top in every house in Ghana. That will do the trick. This is no rocket science.

If our traffic lights could be operated or run by solar panels then our road lights could just as wel ...
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The answer is solar panel on every roof top in every house in Ghana. That will do the trick. This is no rocket science.

If our traffic lights could be operated or run by solar panels then our road lights could just as well function that way. We should think beyond the tip of our nose.

The government must subsidise or create incentives for house owners who buy solar panels for their roof top. Their surplus energy could be fed into the national grid. It is happening in Denmark, Spain, Germany Turkey, you name it. It is all that simple. No sweat!
Nana Ansah 9 years ago

The solution is solar panel on every roof top in every house in Ghana. That will do the trick. This is no rocket science.

If our traffic lights could be operated or run by solar panels then our road lights could just as we ...
read full comment

The solution is solar panel on every roof top in every house in Ghana. That will do the trick. This is no rocket science.

If our traffic lights could be operated or run by solar panels then our road lights could just as well function that way. We should think beyond the tip of our nose.

The government must subsidise or create incentives for house owners who buy solar panels for their roof top. Their surplus energy could be fed into the national grid. It is happening in Denmark, Spain, Germany Turkey, you name it. It is all that simple. No sweat!
OLD SOLDIER 9 years ago

BBC NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHERE DID GHANAIANS GO WRONG TO SUFFER LIKE THIS? YOU MAHAMA BUILDING YOUR HOTELS ABROAD, AFRIYIE ANKRA BUYING MANSIONS AT EAST LEGON, OKUDJETO ACQUIRING FILLING STATIONS ALL OVER, TOGBUI AF ...
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BBC NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHERE DID GHANAIANS GO WRONG TO SUFFER LIKE THIS? YOU MAHAMA BUILDING YOUR HOTELS ABROAD, AFRIYIE ANKRA BUYING MANSIONS AT EAST LEGON, OKUDJETO ACQUIRING FILLING STATIONS ALL OVER, TOGBUI AFEDE FILLING HIS BANK ACCOUNTS ABROAD< ASIEDU NKETIA SPREADING FILLING STATIONS ALL OVER BRONG AHAFO AND BUYING MANSION IN CALGARY CANADA, HANNA BISSIW ,OYI LITHUR ANITA DISOSO SPREADING MONEY AS IF GHANA HAS NO PROBLEM
owia wo ahooden papa! 9 years ago

These old foggies are sometimes employed secretly by FOREIGN corporate organisations to influence policy in their favour.

For instance --and please, this is only a theoretical example -- a good old scientist could own ...
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These old foggies are sometimes employed secretly by FOREIGN corporate organisations to influence policy in their favour.

For instance --and please, this is only a theoretical example -- a good old scientist could own some shares in Shell, or Tullow, or be put on an advusory "board", or other "honorary" appointment would expose him to people who may want him influence his thinking away from solar energy use in Africa.

Because once solar gets Africa on board, oil-powered generators are all history.

By the way, why did the radio station go and interview an emeritus professor? Why not ACTIVE professors? Is there a PR element in this story that is hidden from the public?

Other than that, the Prof has probably not kept pace with current happenings on solar energy usage. Spain has an enormous solar plant that has been in operation for several years. And Germany has used tax incentives and other benefits to get 20 percent -- repeat: a whopping 20 percent -- of its national power requirements to be supplied by solar energy!! AND REMEMBER THAT GERMANY IS A COUNTRY WHERE THE AVAILABILITY OF SUNSHINE IS ABOUT ONE-TENTH OF THE VOLUME THAT EXISTS EVERYWHERE IN AFRICA! Economies of scale could make solar power very cheap in Africa beyond belief, especially if the AU were to get investment in solar energy done on a continent-wide basis,m instead of piecemeal, country-by-country, which would duplicate and reduplicate costs.

Solar energy is expensive in Africa because AFRICAN GOVERNMENTS ARE TOO GREEDY FOR TAX RECEIPTS -- whereas Germany, the US and even old Conservative UK DELIBERATELY encourage the use of solar by minimising charges and taxes and enabling the national grid to buy back power from unused solar capacity. Africa must MINIMISE TAX on solar projects and products. As usual, we are the luckiest (as with natural resources)but our Western-oriented professors and officials still think inside the box of Western education! We must recogniseNOW, how important solar will be in future, when climate change will make it impossible to rely on dams, and oil/LNG emissions/pollution will make it unwise to use generators fuelled by hydro-carbons.

WISE UP AFRICA -- SOLAR IS THE FUTURE!
Ignore the dynasaurs!
MMB 9 years ago

Thanks 'Owia'. He wants us to wait until the 'white man' comes to build solar grids for us and charge us 'an arm and a leg' "forever", for something God/Nature has given us for free (except for the initial cost). "Africans ju ...
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Thanks 'Owia'. He wants us to wait until the 'white man' comes to build solar grids for us and charge us 'an arm and a leg' "forever", for something God/Nature has given us for free (except for the initial cost). "Africans just hate to be really independent."
Kojo Billy Duncan 9 years ago

Twenty years ago when we installed a solar system many people claimed it was expensive. Today we are off the national grid in the midst of power outages or 'dumsor'. Let us be smart and not be victims of the senility and self ...
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Twenty years ago when we installed a solar system many people claimed it was expensive. Today we are off the national grid in the midst of power outages or 'dumsor'. Let us be smart and not be victims of the senility and selfish interests of dinosaurs.
Talk to the HAND! 9 years ago

Thank you Nana Andah.You have hit the nail right in the head.Solar Energy is expensive for the where.If they stop stealing from the government coffer's dey will be able to carry out such projects.

Thank you Nana Andah.You have hit the nail right in the head.Solar Energy is expensive for the where.If they stop stealing from the government coffer's dey will be able to carry out such projects.
MARCUS AMPADU 9 years ago

Prof. Allotey must not be aware that Germany, US, China & Brazil are going solar.

Nor is India an outlier. Even poor Bangladesh is installing two new rooftop photovoltaic systems every hour, making it the most rapidly gro ...
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Prof. Allotey must not be aware that Germany, US, China & Brazil are going solar.

Nor is India an outlier. Even poor Bangladesh is installing two new rooftop photovoltaic systems every hour, making it the most rapidly growing market for PVs in the world.

In East Africa and South Africa, solar electric cells are becoming what is predicted to be a period of explosive growth.

I don't think it is wise for our Ghana to lag
behind
Nana Ansah 9 years ago

Marcus, Ghana is currently building a 155MW solar farm near Nzema. The problem though with such projects is it will feed into the national grid which does not make our citizens learn how to save energy. So the best way in my ...
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Marcus, Ghana is currently building a 155MW solar farm near Nzema. The problem though with such projects is it will feed into the national grid which does not make our citizens learn how to save energy. So the best way in my humble opinion, is to make Ghanaians responsible for the way they use energy by giving them solar Panels at subsidised price. That way they are in charge of how they use energy. Their attitude might change for good. The question though is how far are they?

The following News escaped many Ghanaweb Readers: Source-The Guardian

The largest solar power plant in Africa will be built in Ghana, the British company behind the plan said on Tuesday.

Source of much of the world's cocoa and an increasingly significant oil producer, Ghana's new drive to exploit the sun's energy is predicted to create hundreds of jobs and increase the country's electricity capacity by 6%, as well as cutting emissions.

Blue Energy, the renewable energy developer behind the $400m project, which has built a solar farm 31 times smaller outside Swindon, said the 155MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant will be fully operational by October 2015. Construction on the Nzema project is due to begin near the village of Aiwiaso in western Ghana by the end of 2013, with the installation of some 630,000 PV modules.

The power plant, which at the time of planning would be the fourth biggest of its kind in the world, will be the first major scheme to claim payments from Ghana's feed-in tariff incentive scheme, created by the government in 2011. Ghana has a target of increasing renewable energy capacity from its current 1% of the country's energy mix to 10% by 2020.
Nana Ansah 9 years ago

Ongoing Generation Projects

Project
Description Installed Capacity Dependable Capacity Timing Fuel type
Kpone Thermal Power Plant (KTPP) - VRA/GoG 230 MW 200 MW 2015 Gas/Diesel
Takoradi 2 (T2) Expansion- VRA/TAQA ...
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Ongoing Generation Projects

Project
Description Installed Capacity Dependable Capacity Timing Fuel type
Kpone Thermal Power Plant (KTPP) - VRA/GoG 230 MW 200 MW 2015 Gas/Diesel
Takoradi 2 (T2) Expansion- VRA/TAQA 110 MW 110 MW 2015 Steam
VRA Wind Power Project 150 MW 0 MW 2015 Wind

Planned Generation Projects

Project
Description Installed Capacity Dependable Capacity Timing Fuel type
Osonor/TT1PP Expansion - VRA/IPP 110 MW 100 MW 2015 Steam
Takoradi 3 (T3) - (Phase 2) 132 MW 120 MW 2015 LCO/Gas/Diesel
Domunli Thermal Project 450 MW 450 MW 2016 Gas
Pwalugu Hydro Project
48 MW 48 MW Jan. 2018 Water

VRA Wind Power Projects: This project seeks to develop between 100 MW - 150 MW of wind farm capacity. The approach is to develop this through Joint-Venture Partnership. Currently two reputable companies have been identified who are working with VRA to undertake the wind measurement after which the project could be developed. Wind measurements will be undertaken at 8 sites, 4 coastal sites and 4 inland sites. It is anticipated that two of these sites would be developed. The project is expected to be commissioned by 2015.

Source: VRA
The African Patriot 9 years ago

Gov. has overspent our money. All the money is been stolen by the same govt. and friends or families. The general public can not be delivered with the laterns.
By 25 mio household at least 12.5 millions must need it. That ag ...
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Gov. has overspent our money. All the money is been stolen by the same govt. and friends or families. The general public can not be delivered with the laterns.
By 25 mio household at least 12.5 millions must need it. That again will mean that at least 75 million dollars are necessary to buy those laternes.
Michigan 9 years ago

I don't agree with Prof. Allotey on this issue. Solar energy is been used in a lot of European Countries including a lot of places in the U.S.
Expensive, yes, but don't tell me it is not a proven technology.

I don't agree with Prof. Allotey on this issue. Solar energy is been used in a lot of European Countries including a lot of places in the U.S.
Expensive, yes, but don't tell me it is not a proven technology.
KKA 9 years ago

All that is required for Ghana going SOLAR is a One time investment. No Questions Asked. The Sun is Free and Solar Panels are so CHEAP, thanks to the Chinese and the Japanese.
What else are we waiting for.
Why should a NATI ...
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All that is required for Ghana going SOLAR is a One time investment. No Questions Asked. The Sun is Free and Solar Panels are so CHEAP, thanks to the Chinese and the Japanese.
What else are we waiting for.
Why should a NATION, with a bad maintenance culture, be contemplating on going NUCLEAR and forgetting about the Chernobyl and "Yokohama" nuclear catastrophes.
In addition we have to be buying NUCLEAR FUEL ALL THE TIME. Uranium is not cheap. The Sun is FREE from God.
Tekonline.org 9 years ago

Please check out the breakdown of cost estimates for 2014:

www.brookings.edu/blogs/planetpolicy/posts/2014/05/20-low-carbon-wind-solar-power-frank

Please check out the breakdown of cost estimates for 2014:

www.brookings.edu/blogs/planetpolicy/posts/2014/05/20-low-carbon-wind-solar-power-frank
Che 9 years ago

All Ghanaians know best is to chew what somebody has done and gain degrees out them...but come up with nothing new for posterity. Useless Prof., Emeritus INDEED! You said this and when reading, I thought I could stumble on a ...
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All Ghanaians know best is to chew what somebody has done and gain degrees out them...but come up with nothing new for posterity. Useless Prof., Emeritus INDEED! You said this and when reading, I thought I could stumble on a possible solution or an alternative. What should be the alternative Mr Professor? With your degrees, can't u come up with unexisting alternative? Even ,existing ones, you couldnt tell which will economically, environmentally, financially and permanently solve the situation. WHAT SHOULD WE DO? Nonesense. Whilse energy experts, like Robert Wood are practically advocating for solar, because you are a professor, you think you know everything. Do u have an idea how much solar energy can be produced from Woyome's money? All the so called corrupt judgement debts, do you have an idea of how much solar energy these monies could produce?
T'pau 9 years ago

It is not only the abundance of sunlight that determines a solar venture, but how much of this 'free' energy you can capture. Solar power has been unattractive for so long because of its poor efficiency - you needs huge panel ...
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It is not only the abundance of sunlight that determines a solar venture, but how much of this 'free' energy you can capture. Solar power has been unattractive for so long because of its poor efficiency - you needs huge panels and even concentrators to capture a relatively 'small' amount of convertible energy. That is why the initial cost is high.

However, the technology is still evolving with positive results reported on improved efficiencies, which makes it even more expensive.

Nevertheless, if consumers and small businesses are encouraged to install solar power plants in their homes and premises at subsidised cost (by the gov't), the constraint on our electricity utilization will be greatly minimised.
Grayson 9 years ago

Please the media should stop speaking to these old brains about modern advances.
These old people are the reason Ghana is stuck in this rot.
If he can't operate it then the whole country should not have it.

Please the media should stop speaking to these old brains about modern advances.
These old people are the reason Ghana is stuck in this rot.
If he can't operate it then the whole country should not have it.
KONONGO CONTRACTOR 9 years ago

Grayson,do you speak to your father or mother? Don't you think they have old brains? You can disagree with someone,but don't suggest that old people can not reason.Old people taught you how to read and write as well as wisdom ...
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Grayson,do you speak to your father or mother? Don't you think they have old brains? You can disagree with someone,but don't suggest that old people can not reason.Old people taught you how to read and write as well as wisdom.maybe you will not grow to his age.Respect your elders and pray that you can reach that ade.
Tekonline.org 9 years ago

...and read more about what other intelligent analysts have written for the whole world to understand:

www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/05/a-renewable-electricity-standard-what-it-will-really-cost-americans

...and read more about what other intelligent analysts have written for the whole world to understand:

www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/05/a-renewable-electricity-standard-what-it-will-really-cost-americans
Ken 9 years ago

Who said the technology is not proven? The City of Sarnia in cold Ontario is powered by 97MW solar farm since 2008. How come it's working?
If we don't know we should just learn from those who have proven it works.
Yes it's ...
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Who said the technology is not proven? The City of Sarnia in cold Ontario is powered by 97MW solar farm since 2008. How come it's working?
If we don't know we should just learn from those who have proven it works.
Yes it's expensive, but do we forget the hundreds of millions of dollars VRA spends on light crude, not even counting the inconvenience of going to beg Nigeria for natural gas?
Morocco is planning for 38% of their power to come from solar in 5 years. Why don't we just learn how others are doing it?
Nii 9 years ago

We complain always without venturing into anything. China is producing complete solar energy stuff @ $2 per watt. Our 600,000 MW energy deficiency will cost us $1.2billion. We can even use this amount of money to start produ ...
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We complain always without venturing into anything. China is producing complete solar energy stuff @ $2 per watt. Our 600,000 MW energy deficiency will cost us $1.2billion. We can even use this amount of money to start producing our own solar panels etc. Note the $1.2billion is more than judgement debts and SADA cash stolen to date.so no one should complain that there is no money.
Laala KOFI, Tema 9 years ago

As far as I know Prof. Allotey, he has been a strong supporter and promoter of solar energy and the other alternative energy systems, as important sources in our energy mix. Indeed, Prof. Allotey has installed a sizeable quan ...
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As far as I know Prof. Allotey, he has been a strong supporter and promoter of solar energy and the other alternative energy systems, as important sources in our energy mix. Indeed, Prof. Allotey has installed a sizeable quantity of solar panels and battery systems in his household to complement his energy use. I strongly belief that the interviewer/reporter quoted him out of context, and may not fully have conveyed the ‘expensive’ and ‘proven’ aspects of the comments. If, as I suspect, he was being asked whether he would advise the Government to build equal magnitudes of solar power systems, comparable to that of Akosombo, Bui, TICO, etc., then the answer is that solar at that magnitude would be too expensive, and that present efficiencies are hovering around 20 percent - though research is proving that these could improve to 60 percent or more in the future. If on the other hand, he was being asked for individuals/private installations, he would have encouraged the government to drastically ease or remove all duties and levies for alternative energy sources; that individuals who could afford to bring in the solar lamps, solar panels and wind generators - and associated controllers, inverters, batteries, etc. for individual use – should be vigorously encouraged to do so. I recently cleared a 1kW wind generator through Customs – no customs charges, but other levies amounted to GHC 428, plus local shipping company handling charges amounted to GHC 710 (after already having paid USDollars 210 to the sellers for the cost of shipment). The clearance process from the harbour also took two weeks – go, come, GCNET has not processed the request, etc. Government must also lean on local shipping companies to minimize charges for solar/wind goods to the barest minimum. Let us make solar, wind and other alternative small-scale power systems as common place as we now find mobile phones everywhere in Ghana. ECG would then be free to cater mainly for heavy industry and other SMEs to continue with their businesses uninterrupted. Indeed, the Energy Ministry has proposed the distribution of Net-meters - which would enable owners of alternative energy sources to upload excess energy during peak hours to the grid - such consumers would then be credited with reductions in their ECG bills, by letting the meters run backwards, when individuals produce power for ECG. Remember, if only a million of us produce solar/wind energy at an average of 1kW during the peak hours, this would equal to 1000MW – which is about the same capacity as the Akosombo dam! After all, does the saying ‘little drops of water (solar installation) make a mighty ocean (energy bank)’ ring a bell?
Kojo Billy Duncan 9 years ago

I sincerely apologize if the Professor was misquoted. I do agree with your appeal to the government to help minimize the cost of importing or producing the systems in Ghana. In a couple of months, I shall complement my curren ...
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I sincerely apologize if the Professor was misquoted. I do agree with your appeal to the government to help minimize the cost of importing or producing the systems in Ghana. In a couple of months, I shall complement my current off-grid solar system with a wind turbine.
Omanbapa 9 years ago

As for this, Prof. you have goofed. Solar not a proven technology yet? What? I am sure you have been misquoted. Sorry.

As for this, Prof. you have goofed. Solar not a proven technology yet? What? I am sure you have been misquoted. Sorry.
I Adane 9 years ago

Parliament could fly expensive chairs,what do u mine by expensive

Parliament could fly expensive chairs,what do u mine by expensive
ATIA FRAFRA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 9 years ago

TANII IS STILL TANII, WHAT EVER IT IS. MAHAMA IS TANII, NO BRAINS! !!!!!!!!!!!

TANII IS STILL TANII, WHAT EVER IT IS. MAHAMA IS TANII, NO BRAINS! !!!!!!!!!!!
Papa 9 years ago

Look that this man. WHO POURED WHITE ACID OF HIS HEAD? WHY NOT COMPLEMENT AKOSOMBO WITH SOLAR ENERGY AT THE SAME TIME. ALL THESE BOOK LONGS WITH BIG TITLES. EMERITUS PROFESSOR AND YOUR COUNTRY IS STILL IN DARKNESS

Look that this man. WHO POURED WHITE ACID OF HIS HEAD? WHY NOT COMPLEMENT AKOSOMBO WITH SOLAR ENERGY AT THE SAME TIME. ALL THESE BOOK LONGS WITH BIG TITLES. EMERITUS PROFESSOR AND YOUR COUNTRY IS STILL IN DARKNESS
KMT 9 years ago

Very sad that you resort to mindless, ignorant and uncultured remarks not warranted under any circumstances. Just google PROFESSOR ALLOTEY and familiarize yourself with the "Allotey Formalism" for beginners.

All our under ...
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Very sad that you resort to mindless, ignorant and uncultured remarks not warranted under any circumstances. Just google PROFESSOR ALLOTEY and familiarize yourself with the "Allotey Formalism" for beginners.

All our understanding of the universe comes from the theoretical works of physicists. Without Eintein and other theoretical physicists work, there would have been no nuclear energy, no jet engines, no rockets, no satellites (and therefore no mobile phone or google maps, car navigation etc), no space travel, no technological inventions period! And that's exactly where this noble son of Ghana has distinguished himself - through education, mentoring, and development of new Ghanaian scientists. You have no idea how many professionals, lecturers etc in the fields of science, engineering, math, computer science owe their education and career to Professor Allotey. If you're looking for crude, mechanical copycat gimmickry, let Apostle Safo be your hero!
Dr. SAS, Attorney at Law 9 years ago

So?
We must just swallow this prof's nonsense about solar energy although it sounds so stupid? We must subsume all our thinking to his because of what? Learn to use your brain!

How did the prof arrive at the conclusory st ...
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So?
We must just swallow this prof's nonsense about solar energy although it sounds so stupid? We must subsume all our thinking to his because of what? Learn to use your brain!

How did the prof arrive at the conclusory statement that solar energy is too expensive and unreliable, or that the technology is not proven yet?

does the prof know anything about solar energy?
Paul siaw 9 years ago

Another idiot

Another idiot
Nana Akuffo 9 years ago

Dr. SAS or whoever you are. I don't know what you know about Prof. Allotey but please go and research into who this person is and what his global intellectual expertise is on solar energy. You are probably a doctor of law wit ...
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Dr. SAS or whoever you are. I don't know what you know about Prof. Allotey but please go and research into who this person is and what his global intellectual expertise is on solar energy. You are probably a doctor of law with no expertise in science and technology so do not just disrespect what the renowned global Prof. of International Atomic Energy has said. The way you responded to his comments smack or arrogance and disrespect.
Thanks.
Obrefoo Koo 9 years ago

Prof I really respect your learning and accomplishments. You are renowned the world over for your contribution to physics and energy in particular, but to say that solar is unreliable is to say the least bad. I think the unre ...
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Prof I really respect your learning and accomplishments. You are renowned the world over for your contribution to physics and energy in particular, but to say that solar is unreliable is to say the least bad. I think the unreliability of solar energy(even if it is 40-60%) will be better than the current Ghanaian problem which to me is 20-80 unreliability. Don't you think Prof, that if Ghanaians had at least three Continuous days of electricity instead of the current situation they would be better off? Even in colder climates people are going solar, how much more in a place which the sun shines virtually continuously and constantly and freely. West Africans should have been the first in the whole world to have considered solar energy even before they thought of hydroelectricity.This should have been done a long time ago. We need to consider the pros and cons of this cheap source of energy. Ave Kludge(of NASA fame was interested in availing himself to help in this effort but was rebuffed. We need solar energy now not in the future, Prof Allotey, with all respects.
Captein 9 years ago

Sorry but look at who is talking, individualized, or domestic investment in solar with government incentive of a low tax regime is okay and it is the way to go.
The other headache will be disposal of waste from solar.
You s ...
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Sorry but look at who is talking, individualized, or domestic investment in solar with government incentive of a low tax regime is okay and it is the way to go.
The other headache will be disposal of waste from solar.
You saw the figure of US $3,000 for a meagre generation of solar energy. Remember, that is $500.00 more expensive than Ghana's GDP per capita if this is to be taken on by government and not the private sector with tax incentives and leaving government out of tge picture.
Dumsor situation should be enough incentive for private sector innovation.
It is too expensive for government on a massive scale.
Mr. Figure-Out 9 years ago

Your type of aegepius monarchus is the gypaetus barbatus. Any smart and discernible mind would rather attack the source of this poor reportage than to rain insult on the good old professor. Why do you think the knowledgeable ...
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Your type of aegepius monarchus is the gypaetus barbatus. Any smart and discernible mind would rather attack the source of this poor reportage than to rain insult on the good old professor. Why do you think the knowledgeable prof, who has cut a niche for himself by booking his place in the enviable world book of indelible records, would make such a blank statement without elaborately expatiate on same, judging from the fact that he is a world class renowned mathematical physicist and, especially, the platform where the interview took place? You see how stupid and petty you could be at times.
kojo Amuesi 9 years ago

In the 1960's Kwame Nkrumah lined the Tema motorway with solar powered emergency phones. All the solar panels were stolen anyway.after 50 yrs we should have buitls on that and expanded use of solar power. It possible. If all ...
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In the 1960's Kwame Nkrumah lined the Tema motorway with solar powered emergency phones. All the solar panels were stolen anyway.after 50 yrs we should have buitls on that and expanded use of solar power. It possible. If all the monies stolen by various govts were put in developing alternative energy we would be somewhere now.some of the funds that come up are staggering. eg the recent HSBC offshore / Switzerland scandal- Several ghanaian politicians named.

We shoudl be considering offshore windmills too.
But Prof you should have gone a step further and suggested alternatives eg Nuclear, Atomic etc etc , but no constructive contribution ??
yaa dua 9 years ago

Exactly sir, if it'snot that expensive all the developed countries would have gone solar. He didn't say Ghana couldn't go solar but for the future. Much as solar is being used to supplement hydro power source. Ghana can also ...
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Exactly sir, if it'snot that expensive all the developed countries would have gone solar. He didn't say Ghana couldn't go solar but for the future. Much as solar is being used to supplement hydro power source. Ghana can also implement that. By the way will there be illegal connection when we go solar?
Saint Ghfuo: Nyantakyi must go! 9 years ago

What have my elders done for me or themselves to generate my respect for them? That's what you need to ask yourself

What have my elders done for me or themselves to generate my respect for them? That's what you need to ask yourself
Paul siaw 9 years ago

Ghanaians like to complain and insult and criticize of anyone. u want to insult a man like prof Allotey? ignorant fools .

Ghanaians like to complain and insult and criticize of anyone. u want to insult a man like prof Allotey? ignorant fools .
Paul siaw 9 years ago

You are a big fat idiot!

You are a big fat idiot!
Kwaku 9 years ago

Papa you are ignorant if you don't know about the accomplishments of Prof Allotey. Educate yourself before you insult our highly esteemed international scientist.

Papa you are ignorant if you don't know about the accomplishments of Prof Allotey. Educate yourself before you insult our highly esteemed international scientist.
David Lardi 9 years ago

Theoretical maths and physics not able to solve dumsor dumsor.

Theoretical maths and physics not able to solve dumsor dumsor.
Tweeea 9 years ago

Look at this too. Sir can you explain what you mean by solar energy is expensive? I believe the state has enough fund to provide the need for the citizens. We flew money to the stars in Brazil, recently bought them cars, garg ...
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Look at this too. Sir can you explain what you mean by solar energy is expensive? I believe the state has enough fund to provide the need for the citizens. We flew money to the stars in Brazil, recently bought them cars, gargantuan man, a whole bunch. Can you please elaborate by what you mean solar energy is expensive ?
Alfi 9 years ago

Pls take it easy n peruse what prof said. If it's that easy, why is de Gov not jst picking de solar option n we will a'll be cool. When wise men talk, don't take de literal meaning... Do a little more research

Pls take it easy n peruse what prof said. If it's that easy, why is de Gov not jst picking de solar option n we will a'll be cool. When wise men talk, don't take de literal meaning... Do a little more research
omanba 9 years ago

Am I the only one that sees atomic Energy as a viable source of power generation. It has been used for years in other parts of the world maybe it is time , our energy gurus looked into it. O and before any talks about it bei ...
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Am I the only one that sees atomic Energy as a viable source of power generation. It has been used for years in other parts of the world maybe it is time , our energy gurus looked into it. O and before any talks about it being dangerous , I know. keep the rods cool and we are safe.
KWADWO A 9 years ago

How old is this man and when was the last time he traveled abroad to be giving advise to the government about solar energy? He wants the masses to surfer because solar energy is expensive and have not proven its value. Please ...
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How old is this man and when was the last time he traveled abroad to be giving advise to the government about solar energy? He wants the masses to surfer because solar energy is expensive and have not proven its value. Please ignore his advise.
Nana Akuffo 9 years ago

Please check your international records and google international Physics and Atomic Energy websites and you will find the last time this renowned global Professor and Scientist travelled outside of Ghana. And by the way with ...
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Please check your international records and google international Physics and Atomic Energy websites and you will find the last time this renowned global Professor and Scientist travelled outside of Ghana. And by the way with all the advancement of Technology available to him, he doesn't need to travel outside of Ghana in order to know what is happening in Europe or the western world.
Thanks.
STONER KOBYLYNTON 9 years ago

Though Professor Allotey is a renowned Mathematician and Physicist of the past, his assertion about Solar Energy in terms of technology wise and cost is totally wrong.

In December 2012, I installed 2-Motion Security Solar ...
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Though Professor Allotey is a renowned Mathematician and Physicist of the past, his assertion about Solar Energy in terms of technology wise and cost is totally wrong.

In December 2012, I installed 2-Motion Security Solar Lights in Ghana at less than GHC120.00 which is still functioning without any problem. We have different kinds of Solar Energy Lights which are good from dust to dawn that can be used in your bedrooms, dining and other rooms too at a reasonable cost compare to exorbitant monthly electricity charges. Also if you choose to have your roof installed with solar panels, that in the long term is a good investment in terms of electricity bills.

With a little investment in the range of $3,000.00 US Dollars, you can also choose to by 6000 watts Inverter with its recommended Battery and accessories which can power a single family home with all their gadgets.

Professor Allotey's time have come and past. He should leave the future to the youngsters to sort things out. The country is to look for all alternatives in their energy needs and not only one area. Time to think in different angles.
T'pau 9 years ago

On a national(large) scale things are different. Do you know the inputs and requirements for only 100MW solar initiative? If it was that easy, simple and cheap we would go for 10 of such plants and all our problems solved.

On a national(large) scale things are different. Do you know the inputs and requirements for only 100MW solar initiative? If it was that easy, simple and cheap we would go for 10 of such plants and all our problems solved.
Gaddaffi 9 years ago

Prof solar is not all that expensive as said,the only future hope is that of solar.

Prof solar is not all that expensive as said,the only future hope is that of solar.
MAHAMA LOOT ND SHARE 9 years ago

NDC MAHAMA CNN PREZ IS MAFIAS FOOOLS

NDC MAHAMA CNN PREZ IS MAFIAS FOOOLS
Beliver 9 years ago

Prof, I disagree with u. Solar is the way to go. They are not talking solar, for fear it will run ECG out of business. This is 21st century...innovation is the key!!!

Prof, I disagree with u. Solar is the way to go. They are not talking solar, for fear it will run ECG out of business. This is 21st century...innovation is the key!!!
obenfo 9 years ago

Beliver,
i am sorry you have to agree with the prof in terms of mass generation. For domestic use, individuals can install panels on their houses to augment power during the day and that might ease the pressure on the main l ...
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Beliver,
i am sorry you have to agree with the prof in terms of mass generation. For domestic use, individuals can install panels on their houses to augment power during the day and that might ease the pressure on the main lines. But these are commercial ventures and individuals will have to make their own choices. Government can give tax breaks on the mass importation of these panels to lower the cost on individuals to generate interest
Anokwale 9 years ago

What is the cost of dumsor? I think that if the government supplied every home with two solar lanterns that can charge phones it could eliminate some issues. Start with the basics and then move from there. Why give up and ...
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What is the cost of dumsor? I think that if the government supplied every home with two solar lanterns that can charge phones it could eliminate some issues. Start with the basics and then move from there. Why give up and say that it is too expensive.
Saint Ghfuo: Nyantakyi must go! 9 years ago

Instead of using the Internet to find energy options and providers. These niggas are busy disagreeing with each other...Nkwasiafuo!

Instead of using the Internet to find energy options and providers. These niggas are busy disagreeing with each other...Nkwasiafuo!
Paul 9 years ago

The man deserve respect. The problem with his statement is obvious, he is not proposing an alternative to Solar energy.

The man deserve respect. The problem with his statement is obvious, he is not proposing an alternative to Solar energy.
Ramat 9 years ago

Everything seems expensive for Ghana except the old way of thinking which has kept is back for far toooo long.Our best bet for a short and long term fix for Ghana right now is SOLAR.Stop thinking inside the box and start thin ...
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Everything seems expensive for Ghana except the old way of thinking which has kept is back for far toooo long.Our best bet for a short and long term fix for Ghana right now is SOLAR.Stop thinking inside the box and start thinking out of the box.What do you know about SOLAR.Ask New Jersey Governor and several Governors who have jumped in big time and the feed back is great.Stop being a negative thinker and quit being more of a pessimist and be an optimist.These are the ones that have kept Ghana behind for long.
KMT 9 years ago

Prof does have a point although as usual Ghanaian journalists will distort comments and take things out of context. It is true that there are issues with solar energy that make it somewhat expensive. The main ones are storage ...
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Prof does have a point although as usual Ghanaian journalists will distort comments and take things out of context. It is true that there are issues with solar energy that make it somewhat expensive. The main ones are storage and distribution over long distances. Nevertheless, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Germany and most recently the USA have all inaugurated huge solar plants that will make a huge difference in their energy needs and capacity. Germany is even retiring all its nuclear plants.

Ghana MUST proceed with solar energy big time in the Northern and Upper Regions! We must just set up a technical committee to examine how it was done in all the above-mentioned countries and adapt their methods to fit our situation.
Sanam 9 years ago

Well said by this contributor KMT if you to know more about how to do more of SOLAR you send a serious fact finding team to the USA to seek audience with the New Jersey Governor and other Governors as to how efficiently it ca ...
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Well said by this contributor KMT if you to know more about how to do more of SOLAR you send a serious fact finding team to the USA to seek audience with the New Jersey Governor and other Governors as to how efficiently it can be implemented in Ghana but to sit back as a Colonial Professor and just talk talk is totally sad.Solar for the present and the future.
Prof Lungu 9 years ago

It just may be that the real world has passed by Professor Emeritus Francis Kofi Ampenyi Allotey. Reminds of the the Professor who became and President and still wanted to go on preaching!

All of that does not make sense i ...
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It just may be that the real world has passed by Professor Emeritus Francis Kofi Ampenyi Allotey. Reminds of the the Professor who became and President and still wanted to go on preaching!

All of that does not make sense in this era!
Tekonline.org 9 years ago

Real scientists rely on DATA not emotions. Below are some hard facts to digest:

www.brookings.edu/blogs/planetpolicy/posts/2014/05/20-low-carbon-wind-solar-power-frank

Real scientists rely on DATA not emotions. Below are some hard facts to digest:

www.brookings.edu/blogs/planetpolicy/posts/2014/05/20-low-carbon-wind-solar-power-frank
obenfo 9 years ago

The cost of generating electricity though solar energy is very expensive compared to other methods. Secondly, he hits the nail right on the head by saying that it is not 100% reliable and there is so much fluctuation in the a ...
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The cost of generating electricity though solar energy is very expensive compared to other methods. Secondly, he hits the nail right on the head by saying that it is not 100% reliable and there is so much fluctuation in the amount MW that can be generated at any point in time. Even nuclear power generation appears cheaper compared to solar.
Thermal plant should be a better alternate. Its unfortunate that we can get gas. This is leadership crisis. The Power Minister had once mentioned coal. It is good alternate only if we do not have to transport the coal or depends on another unreliable source.

The prof is right.
Tekonline.org 9 years ago

You are truly an Obenfo.
Facts can be "unpleasant", but smart people don't mind that one bit:

www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/05/a-renewable-electricity-standard-what-it-will-really-cost-americans

You are truly an Obenfo.
Facts can be "unpleasant", but smart people don't mind that one bit:

www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/05/a-renewable-electricity-standard-what-it-will-really-cost-americans
James Naru 9 years ago

Professor Allotey's claim that solar is not reliable in untrue.
I know of places in southern New Zealand, very close to the south pole, that are entirely reliant on solar power for all their needs.

I am unsure as to wher ...
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Professor Allotey's claim that solar is not reliable in untrue.
I know of places in southern New Zealand, very close to the south pole, that are entirely reliant on solar power for all their needs.

I am unsure as to where he pulled this statement from.

Typically, a 2000 Watt solar system would cost about $3000. What is more the maintenance cost is nil as there are no moving parts.

Ghana is best placed to harness this source of energy as we are right on the equator.

It is my view that Prof Allotey's claim is false
Son of man 9 years ago

Though I respect all opinions, Professor has not advanced any good reasons for his assessment apart from the fact that it is expensive. Have you looked at what some industrialized nations such as Japan doing with solar now? I ...
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Though I respect all opinions, Professor has not advanced any good reasons for his assessment apart from the fact that it is expensive. Have you looked at what some industrialized nations such as Japan doing with solar now? It seems to me your thoughts may be out of line with modern technology. We can alleviate the 3 northern regions out of the national grid through solar. Have you thought about all the waste and theft in the country now, at least a project like this will give some kind of focus to these thieves.
Ilunga 9 years ago

Government did not forbid solar on your rooftops. So is this a government problem that individual or communities are not buying the panels for use?

Just a question. In California, individuals install solar on their roof to ...
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Government did not forbid solar on your rooftops. So is this a government problem that individual or communities are not buying the panels for use?

Just a question. In California, individuals install solar on their roof tops and supply excess power to the grid during the day. They get power from the grid in the night. They are net metered when it is time to pay bills. What is stopping individuals from doing same if not the cost vrs Ghanaian affordability
Michael K. Tettevi 9 years ago

If solar energy is too expensive, why not invest in wind-mills ? One wind-mill can power about 500 houses on the average.

If solar energy is too expensive, why not invest in wind-mills ? One wind-mill can power about 500 houses on the average.
Kwaboat 9 years ago

Get rid io this rhino for he has outlived his usefulness. Solar energy is the way of the future so this prof better start looking at the science rather than shooting from his guts.

Get rid io this rhino for he has outlived his usefulness. Solar energy is the way of the future so this prof better start looking at the science rather than shooting from his guts.
Kwame Amo 9 years ago

Old bone just wanna get attention. Andropause has also set in about 30 years ago.

Old bone just wanna get attention. Andropause has also set in about 30 years ago.
Kobena 9 years ago

With all due respect I beg to differ, Sir. Solar energy is NOT too expensive.

Stop the talking and show me the numbers. What do you mean by 'too expensive' ? How much is it exactly? Set up a committee to work out the detai ...
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With all due respect I beg to differ, Sir. Solar energy is NOT too expensive.

Stop the talking and show me the numbers. What do you mean by 'too expensive' ? How much is it exactly? Set up a committee to work out the details, state the exact cost before we say.. too expensive. We have just burnt $600 million on Bui Dam which is going no where. Couldn't we have had a workable sustainable solar power genertion plant for that money?
Reviewer 9 years ago

Physicist statement and that is disposal of the Solar Energy's after usage. This is the problem that current world scientists struggling to find solution. If we take time to research on this issue we will understand Prof. All ...
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Physicist statement and that is disposal of the Solar Energy's after usage. This is the problem that current world scientists struggling to find solution. If we take time to research on this issue we will understand Prof. Allotey assertion. The Solar energy is useful but what are the disadvantages. Haha.
YAKUBU 9 years ago

On this matter I beg to respectfully differ with Prof. Allotey on the issue of the proven technology of solar as an integral and very key component of resolving Ghana's peculiar energy challenges.
The technology is very muc ...
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On this matter I beg to respectfully differ with Prof. Allotey on the issue of the proven technology of solar as an integral and very key component of resolving Ghana's peculiar energy challenges.
The technology is very much proven and currently steps are being taken in developed countries such as the USA to make it an integral part of their energy mix. Not only that, there are zero emission solar cars and other similar technology driving the economies of these countries and positioning them for the technological advances of the next century and beyond whilst leaving an environment that is friendly to human existence. It would be interesting to note that within a matter of just 4 years 2010-14, the solar energy technology component of the energy mix of the US grew by an astounding 418% with a lot of room for improvement and the potential over the long term, to decarbonize their economy and decentralize their power system.
Solar energy maybe expensive now granted, but over the long term, the benefits that accrues with respect to the economy and the environment is substantial.
With the increased scaling up of research and development in this field of technology and it's adoption, it becomes cheaper and more manageable in terms of it's cost.
The challenge is how Ghana and Africa can leapfrog the process by laying the foundation for knowledge acquisition, R&D, manufacturing and industry in this particular technology with policies, incentives and breaks to bring this technology to the doorstep of the masses.
It requires very, very deep thinking, it requires vision, it requires commitment and leadership and that is what lacks in the country.
If Prof. Allotey cares to know, there are Profs at KNUST trained in this field of technology and it's about time gov't policy and vision aligns with the depth and breadth of scientific knowledge that languishes within our institutions of higher learning by building synergies that creates and builds on this body of knowledge to address the significant challenges facing the country.
E de bee k3k3 is just not going to cut it, no way. It is a monumental dead end, a wrecking ball of retrogression.
It is absolutely criminal on the part of Ghana not to tap into the abundant, free energy of the Sun to address it's humongous energy challenges.
I would want to see a situation where an institution such as KNUST, UG, UCC, Korle Bu, KATH, our Polytechnics, Ministries etc, etc have a micro-grid that takes these institutions and others, completely of the national grid, with back linkages to feed back into the national grid with FIT rates or other compensatory mechanisms that creates a win-win situation for this arrangement either to these institutions, gov't or to major industries who would want to tape into such surplus during periods of peak demand or vice versa.
Ghana needs to get on this now, because it's the direction of new and other similar technology.
Captein 9 years ago

Didn't I tell you. When fake scientists and half baked Engineers were clamoring lets go SOLAR, lets go SOLAR! I sat at my backyard and said, look this people.
Now the whole Ghana will know why Dr Wereko-Brobbey hoodwinked R ...
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Didn't I tell you. When fake scientists and half baked Engineers were clamoring lets go SOLAR, lets go SOLAR! I sat at my backyard and said, look this people.
Now the whole Ghana will know why Dr Wereko-Brobbey hoodwinked Rawlings and Ato Ahwoi into getting the most prestigious job in the energy sector in the land and could not add a single megawatt energy of SOLAR.
Let no one be deceived if it was cheap Saudi Arabia will go SOLAR and give the oil free to Africa. Period.
And the USA will go all SOLAR and forget about fracking and Canadian oil sands.
The world renowed scientist has spoken.
It is because of Professor Allotey I loved Physics.
Emeritus Professor now, and Ghana should nominate hin for NOBEL prize for Physics. For he has let the dust settle on the noise making about theories of energy that do not work for Ghana.
He deserves at least knighthood, for without this man, humans could not have flown to space let alone land in the moon.
He is the only physicist that has his own constant. The Allotey constant that is used in only higher Physics. You may want to call him the African Einstein, Galileo Archimedes and Newton and It will not be even enough.
Thank the Lord he is still alive and spoke on this all important matter.
Dessy 9 years ago

This professor is out of ideas..solar power is the most cheapest form of energy source..we can use this form of energy for our roads, public spaces and homes ..more than enough to relief extra strength from our main power so ...
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This professor is out of ideas..solar power is the most cheapest form of energy source..we can use this form of energy for our roads, public spaces and homes ..more than enough to relief extra strength from our main power source
God Bless Ghana. 9 years ago

Ooooooh my God this man is a Professor really? What is he talking about, Solar is too expensive? what a bout nothing? It is good for you that all the companies are closing down? soo call Professor?

Ooooooh my God this man is a Professor really? What is he talking about, Solar is too expensive? what a bout nothing? It is good for you that all the companies are closing down? soo call Professor?
Bostonman redsox 9 years ago

First of all its been proven. Secondly, it's one of cheapest source of energy with abundance sun all year round in Ghana. Why can't people just think but let their politics and ethnicity get in the way of basic common sense?

First of all its been proven. Secondly, it's one of cheapest source of energy with abundance sun all year round in Ghana. Why can't people just think but let their politics and ethnicity get in the way of basic common sense?
MARCUS AMPADU 9 years ago

So Prof. Emeritus, what do you suggest?
You cannot leave us hanging.
Do you prefer no renewable sources of energy, fossil fuels like coal or natural. or you are taking the side of nuclear energy?

Have you taken a look ...
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So Prof. Emeritus, what do you suggest?
You cannot leave us hanging.
Do you prefer no renewable sources of energy, fossil fuels like coal or natural. or you are taking the side of nuclear energy?

Have you taken a look at all the renewables like wind, bio-fuels, geothermal energy, OTEC (Ocean Thermal-Energy Conversion) harnessing the difference in temperature between surface water heated by the sun and colder deep water to generate electrical power?

I blame Starr Chat host, Bola Ray, for not asking Dr. Allotey tough questions.

Is Solar energy more expensive for Ghana now than using any of the fossil fuels? That is one of the questions I will pose to the learned professor.
MARCUS AMPADU 9 years ago

Correction - I meant nonrenewable sources of energy versus renewable sources of energy.

Correction - I meant nonrenewable sources of energy versus renewable sources of energy.
FiFi 9 years ago

Dear Prof Allotey, I hate to disagree with you on the assertion that Solar energy is not a proved technology... I agree it is an expensive capital intensive at the on set but it pays off in the long run...It is worth a pilot ...
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Dear Prof Allotey, I hate to disagree with you on the assertion that Solar energy is not a proved technology... I agree it is an expensive capital intensive at the on set but it pays off in the long run...It is worth a pilot study... Select a.... small city and test the technology ... how long can we wait!!! The Sun is free. The cost has decreased significantly today than 10-20 years ago... Great to see your pic!!!
Captein 9 years ago

This was Dr Nkrumah's vision for Ghana and the establishment of Kwabenya Atomic and was rightly headed at one time by the same Emeritus Professor ALLOTEY at one time.
Just like IRAN, NORTH KOREA, AND SAY IRAQ, it was not som ...
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This was Dr Nkrumah's vision for Ghana and the establishment of Kwabenya Atomic and was rightly headed at one time by the same Emeritus Professor ALLOTEY at one time.
Just like IRAN, NORTH KOREA, AND SAY IRAQ, it was not something the West ever wanted or supported. So, therefore we are where we are in order not to be branded the AXIS OF EVIL so many years after Dr Nkrumah's overthrow.
The threat to world security by rogue elements is dangerous.
KKA 9 years ago

All that is required for Ghana going SOLAR is a One time investment. No Questions Asked. The Sun is Free and Solar Panels are so CHEAP, thanks to the Chinese and the Japanese.
What else are we waiting for.
Why should a NATI ...
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All that is required for Ghana going SOLAR is a One time investment. No Questions Asked. The Sun is Free and Solar Panels are so CHEAP, thanks to the Chinese and the Japanese.
What else are we waiting for.
Why should a NATION, with a bad maintenance culture, be contemplating on going NUCLEAR and forgetting about the Chernobyl "Yokohama: nuclear catastrophes.
In addition we have to be buying NUCLEAR FUEL ALL THE TIME. Uranium is not cheap. The Sun is FREE from God.
VERDICT 9 years ago

First I think on this issue, with all due respect, the good old Mathematician should differ to the Emeritus Profs of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, just saying.

First I think on this issue, with all due respect, the good old Mathematician should differ to the Emeritus Profs of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, just saying.
Bostonman redsox 9 years ago

Wow

Wow
Osei kuffour 9 years ago

The man is too old , he had lost touch .

The man is too old , he had lost touch .
Nii Lartey Nartey. 9 years ago

I suspect the respected Professor is lost touch with the current technology modifications and cost value.

They said the same thing against the construction of Akosombo in the 60s but thank to God, we had a visionary leader ...
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I suspect the respected Professor is lost touch with the current technology modifications and cost value.

They said the same thing against the construction of Akosombo in the 60s but thank to God, we had a visionary leader in Osagyefo who saw Ghana's future beyond the little brains of the so called professors we have in Ghana.

If solar is costive for Ghana today, when will it become cheaper for the country? This should have been a common mathematical calculation for the renowned mathematician to know that the world is rapidly advancing in technology and the wise thing for Ghana is to catch up with the wave no matter how costive, it worth it and more so when solar energy unlike nuclear power is proven to be the cleanness and most affordable.

Lets encourage solar now in because Ghana has solar enough to waste today before the climate change affects us in the future.
Ghanaman 9 years ago

Prof Allotey is a mathematician physicist.

He is not an economist who thinks in terms of value-for-money.

The Akosombo dam for example could have been considered too expensive at the time it was built. But if one consid ...
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Prof Allotey is a mathematician physicist.

He is not an economist who thinks in terms of value-for-money.

The Akosombo dam for example could have been considered too expensive at the time it was built. But if one considers its many years of service it becomes obvious that the dam has provided goo value for the money spent.
The same can be said for the motoway, the Tema Harbour etc.

The fact is all infrastructure investments are lumpy, meaning heavy investment today and many years of service. This is where banks come in handy. Homes are most often too expensive for the buyer but they can be amortised over many years.
Samir 9 years ago

Think this time out of the box yes most investments initially might look very daunting and expensive for the short term but quit the short term thinking and think the long term.Most of Nkrumah's investments initially was crit ...
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Think this time out of the box yes most investments initially might look very daunting and expensive for the short term but quit the short term thinking and think the long term.Most of Nkrumah's investments initially was criticized as being tooooo expensive and ambitious but just look at Akosombo and true the Tema Motorway they have over paid every pesewa that was put in them.Nkrumah's next project was to extend the Tema motorway to Aflao and do the same from Accra to Kumasi.Now sit back and calculate how many times the Accra to KUmasi road has been reconstructed by subsequent regimes and the billions of Cedies that have gone not forgetting the kick backs etc.with every reconstruction.Let me give you my own experience I have 2 houses the first house the blocks I was told to make them 30 blocks to a bag of cement but told them to make it 25 to a bag of cement then I was told that was a waste and tooo expensive I told them no problem just do it that way for me then while they were building anything they said needed one bag of cement I said make it 2 yes it made the project look expensive to others but lo and behold it has paid back bid time this old house that was built 29 years ago has never seen any major repairs but the newer one that was built about 13 years ago has seen several repairs and continues to need several tweaks here and there every now and then so now do the maths.So I like the saying that cheaper things cost more.Same with Solar just look at how states in America are joining in is this old school Ghana Professor telling me his archaic too expensive mantra is better than all the scientists and Governors in America?then he should go tell it to Gov.Christie of New Jersey.Right now almost all traffic lights,govt buildings etc are all solar powered.So please Mr Prof.you need more education on this and quit stuffing our students with old thoughts.We are in an era of critical thinking so the old way of thinking is history.
Tekonline.org 9 years ago

According to the California Energy Commission:

TECHNOLOGY COST (US$/MWh)
------------------ -------------
Advanced Nuclear 67
Coal 74-88
Natural Gas 87-346
...
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According to the California Energy Commission:

TECHNOLOGY COST (US$/MWh)
------------------ -------------
Advanced Nuclear 67
Coal 74-88
Natural Gas 87-346
Geothermal 67
Hydro power 48-86
Wind power 60
Solar 116-312
Biomass 47-117
Fuel Cell 86-111
Wave power 611

Energy Cost Estimates by France (2010):

TECHNOLOGY COST(Euros/MWh)
----------------- ---------------
Hydro power 20
Nuclear 50
Natural Gas 61
Onshore Wind 69
Solar farms 293
Chief 9 years ago

Professor muah. I shy self

Professor muah. I shy self
kofi 9 years ago

I think the professor didn't even know what he is talking about.I am operators in one of the biggest solar plant at Oil field in middle east where we produce steam from solar with mirrors.The steam pressure 100bar ,tempt 380 ...
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I think the professor didn't even know what he is talking about.I am operators in one of the biggest solar plant at Oil field in middle east where we produce steam from solar with mirrors.The steam pressure 100bar ,tempt 380 degree c and we use the steam to inject to oil reservoir to reduce oil viscosity for easy pumping.The pressure of 40bar is enough to drive steam turbines.I believe anybody who attend secondary school in Ghana can recall that in science class we use special mirror kind of glass to burn paper.
KWABENA 9 years ago

PROF. WITH ARCHAIC IDEAS. OUT OF TUNE.

PROF. WITH ARCHAIC IDEAS. OUT OF TUNE.
Tekonline. org 9 years ago

The data suggest otherwise. Please first do your homework:

www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/05/a-renewable-electricity-standard-what-it-will-really-cost-americans

The data suggest otherwise. Please first do your homework:

www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/05/a-renewable-electricity-standard-what-it-will-really-cost-americans
KWAME NKRUMAH 9 years ago

Professor Allotey could have helped Ghana better if his research work during his heydays had focused on how to make solar the energy of choice for Africa. I am sure he would have been awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics. Th ...
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Professor Allotey could have helped Ghana better if his research work during his heydays had focused on how to make solar the energy of choice for Africa. I am sure he would have been awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics. The
Greg miss 9 years ago

Let me tell you like malaria the west have no need to eradicate that is why it's still there in Africa. The west has other energy form so they don't need to develop solar energy. Master look at it from innovation opportunity ...
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Let me tell you like malaria the west have no need to eradicate that is why it's still there in Africa. The west has other energy form so they don't need to develop solar energy. Master look at it from innovation opportunity point of view. 60% of homes in Germany has solar energy just for your information . You are good but useless. Thx
JH New York 9 years ago

Whenever and wherever I have had the opportunity to have a discuss on general development of whatever in Ghana with a fellow Citizen,I have not minced words to expressed my personal opinions about the Ghanaian Consultant.And ...
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Whenever and wherever I have had the opportunity to have a discuss on general development of whatever in Ghana with a fellow Citizen,I have not minced words to expressed my personal opinions about the Ghanaian Consultant.And today,I congratulate myself for that observations I have held for a long time to this day. Lo and behold ! Prof Allotey has proved me right by his comments on "Solar Energy".
That is :the Ghanaian Consultant or expert always Cries over "Money"!
Therefore the Ghanaian will not go by the actual plan/design of whatever, but IMPROVISED.b'cos the original design was too expensive irrespective of the fact that the orginal design is the best which will stand the Test of time. Ghana cries too much about money to do project, yet officials do not hesitate to Steal too much of Taxpayers fund !
Therefore,a thing well done is non of the vocabulary.What does respected
Prof Allotey means by "Solar Energy is
too Expensive for Ghana" if that is what can resolve the pitiful and Small Business "Collapsed"Energy Crisis in the Country etc !
Having said that,many/several turbines placed together offshore or inland is called a Wind Farm.The force
of Wind turn turbines to generate electricity without the use of oil or other fossil fuels.So considering the much talked about global warming in recent times, it's environmentally friendly.Wind is natural and free, therefore one could safely conclude that a Wind to generate electricity is
sustainable and could be for a long time,a source of green energy.
But despite man's Scientific strides and achievements,man has not Control over direction of the Wind,and the ability to produce Wind is limited to room ventilation by fan etc,but not Wind in Motion in the atmosphere strong enough to propell a Turbine.
Abundance of Wind through out the year may not be 100 percent guaranteed.Therefore,what presently is available and other Sources to generate electricity in synergy should not be abandoned or overlooked if Solar Energy is considered.
One(1) big size Wind Turbine at the Cost of between $810,000-890,000
could provide electricity to over 1,100
Houses or Households.
to be contd.

$8
JH New York 9 years ago

There's a Ghanaian national (name forgotten) who continued his education in the US,with the aim to return back to Ghana to Setup his Solar Panel/Energy Factory but, discarded the idea b'cos NASA(space-
agency) employed him. ...
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There's a Ghanaian national (name forgotten) who continued his education in the US,with the aim to return back to Ghana to Setup his Solar Panel/Energy Factory but, discarded the idea b'cos NASA(space-
agency) employed him. . . .. I read that story by courtesy of AFRICAN ABROAD(an Afri Newspaper here) roughly about 9-10 yrs ago.
I think Bola(journalist) interviewed the wrong expert/consultant in the person of Prof Allotey.And Prof Allotey could have served Ghana better to referred Bola to someone else.
Obrefoo Koo 9 years ago

You are right, man AVE KLUDGE of NASA IS THE NAME.He offers to bring his expertise on the problem but was frustrated to the extent that he quit.

You are right, man AVE KLUDGE of NASA IS THE NAME.He offers to bring his expertise on the problem but was frustrated to the extent that he quit.
Dr.William Acquah 9 years ago

OMG! This is pure nonsense!

OMG! This is pure nonsense!
Tekonline.org 9 years ago

Please digest the facts in the link below. Numbers do not lie:

www.brookings.edu/blogs/planetpolicy/posts/2014/05/20-low-carbon-wind-solar-power-frank

Please digest the facts in the link below. Numbers do not lie:

www.brookings.edu/blogs/planetpolicy/posts/2014/05/20-low-carbon-wind-solar-power-frank
Dr.William Acquah 9 years ago

OMG! This is pure nonsense!

OMG! This is pure nonsense!
SBD 9 years ago

Solar energy is being utilized all over the world, even in places not enjoying the amount of insolation we have in Ghana. It can help mitigate the situation but not solve it. Communities can deploy and sell any unused energy ...
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Solar energy is being utilized all over the world, even in places not enjoying the amount of insolation we have in Ghana. It can help mitigate the situation but not solve it. Communities can deploy and sell any unused energy to the national grid. The government must study how the Germans, Italian, and the Japanese are doing this. Softbank, is building a huge solar farm in Japan to provide cheaper electricity. Prof Allotey is wrong on this issue, he is probably ignorant and must read what is going on. Germany, Japan, Italy, South Africa are deploying solar.
Tekonline.org 9 years ago

www.brookings.edu/blogs/planetpolicy/posts/2014/05/20-low-carbon-wind-solar-power-frank

www.brookings.edu/blogs/planetpolicy/posts/2014/05/20-low-carbon-wind-solar-power-frank
Northern Progressive 9 years ago

Has Professor Allottey read this?

"Four European countries with no or modest hydroelectric resources (unlike, say, Norway) got about half their 2013 electricity consumption from renewables without adding any bulk storage ...
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Has Professor Allottey read this?

"Four European countries with no or modest hydroelectric resources (unlike, say, Norway) got about half their 2013 electricity consumption from renewables without adding any bulk storage or degrading reliability: Spain, 45 percent; Scotland, 46 percent; Denmark, 47+ percent; and Portugal, 58 percent. How? By running their existing assets, as my colleague Clay Stranger puts it, much as a conductor with a symphonic score leads an orchestra: no instrument plays all the time, but the ensemble continually produces beautiful music"
DHURUWAH 9 years ago

How old is this man. he looks 100

How old is this man. he looks 100
Tekonline. org 9 years ago

What he stated is nothing new. If you care, you can read more:

www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/05/a-renewable-electricity-standard-what-it-will-really-cost-americans

What he stated is nothing new. If you care, you can read more:

www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/05/a-renewable-electricity-standard-what-it-will-really-cost-americans
So 9 years ago

Nothing is more expensive than what we are going through, think about the man hours wasted, the poverty that is emerging because of dumso,

Nothing is more expensive than what we are going through, think about the man hours wasted, the poverty that is emerging because of dumso,
Ammaba 9 years ago

Since you are the most learned physicist in Ghana why don't you develop nuclear energy in the country.
No country can achieve industrial power without nuclear power.
Most of Ghanaian intellectuals are academically deficient ...
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Since you are the most learned physicist in Ghana why don't you develop nuclear energy in the country.
No country can achieve industrial power without nuclear power.
Most of Ghanaian intellectuals are academically deficient that is the reason why Ghana lacks behind in science and technology.
jagadu 9 years ago

Solar technology has been proven to be very reliable to the extent that California is providing incentives to homeowners to install solar energy. Germany, which barely has sun closed down some of their nuclear plants and are ...
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Solar technology has been proven to be very reliable to the extent that California is providing incentives to homeowners to install solar energy. Germany, which barely has sun closed down some of their nuclear plants and are the leaders in solar technology. California has the largest solar farm in the desert producing enough energy to power over 400,000 homes. I don't know what the Prof is talking about. Of course he used to be the head od Ghana Atomic Energy so it is understandable that his preference would be nuclear energy. But Ghana does not have the expertise and the resources yet to build a nuclear power
JH New York 9 years ago

Whenever and wherever I have had the opportunity to have a discuss on general development of whatever in Ghana with a fellow Citizen,I have not minced words to expressed my personal opinions about the Ghanaian Consultant.And ...
read full comment

Whenever and wherever I have had the opportunity to have a discuss on general development of whatever in Ghana with a fellow Citizen,I have not minced words to expressed my personal opinions about the Ghanaian Consultant.And today,I congratulate myself for that observations I have held for a long time to this day. Lo and behold ! Prof Allotey has proved me right by his comments on "Solar Energy".
That is :the Ghanaian Consultant or expert always Cries over "Money"!
Therefore the Ghanaian will not go by the actual plan/design of whatever, but IMPROVISED.b'cos the original design was too expensive irrespective of the fact that the orginal design is the best which will stand the Test of time. Ghana cries too much about money to do project, yet officials do not hesitate to Steal too much of Taxpayers fund !
Therefore,a thing well done is non of the vocabulary.What does respected
Prof Allotey means by "Solar Energy is
too Expensive for Ghana" if that is what can resolve the pitiful and Small Business "Collapsed"Energy Crisis in the Country etc !
Having said that,many/several turbines placed together offshore or inland is called a Wind Farm.The force
of Wind turn turbines to generate electricity without the use of oil or other fossil fuels.So considering the much talked about global warming in recent times, it's environmentally friendly.Wind is natural and free, therefore one could safely conclude that a Wind to generate electricity is
sustainable and could be for a long time,a source of green energy.
But despite man's Scientific strides and achievements,man has not Control over direction of the Wind,and the ability to produce Wind is limited to room ventilation by fan etc,but not Wind in Motion in the atmosphere strong enough to propell a Turbine.
Abundance of Wind through out the year may not be 100 percent guaranteed.Therefore,what presently is available and other Sources to generate electricity in synergy should not be abandoned or overlooked if Solar Energy is considered.
One(1) big size Wind Turbine at the Cost of between $810,000-890,000
could provide electricity to over 1,100
Houses or Households.
to be contd.

$8
When Will They Ever Learn 9 years ago

Pro.! Photovoltaic energy technology is being
used in Australia,Germany,China, USA etc, etc
as we speak. It is a proven technology. Just
review the literature again. You do not have to
a rocket scientist to accept his ...
read full comment

Pro.! Photovoltaic energy technology is being
used in Australia,Germany,China, USA etc, etc
as we speak. It is a proven technology. Just
review the literature again. You do not have to
a rocket scientist to accept his fact.
kelton 9 years ago

OPAYIN COME AGAIN,BCOS WE NEED TO START SOMEWHERE ALONG THE LINE WITH THE SOLAR ON SMALE-SCALE-LEVEL PROJECTS FOR NOW.

OPAYIN COME AGAIN,BCOS WE NEED TO START SOMEWHERE ALONG THE LINE WITH THE SOLAR ON SMALE-SCALE-LEVEL PROJECTS FOR NOW.
PLASMA KOTE 9 years ago

No Action Government, just the corruption with incompetent appointees.

No Action Government, just the corruption with incompetent appointees.
Koo Siaw 9 years ago

Germany,Franfurt Han airport is run with solar panels in both winter and summer

Germany,Franfurt Han airport is run with solar panels in both winter and summer
nsem pii 9 years ago

LONGTIME IS LONGOVER DUE YOU SIT ON THE MONEY AND THE CROOKS STEAL THEM. WYOME MONEY CAN GET A SINGLE ROOM FREE ELECTRCITY POWERED BY SOLAR.

LONGTIME IS LONGOVER DUE YOU SIT ON THE MONEY AND THE CROOKS STEAL THEM. WYOME MONEY CAN GET A SINGLE ROOM FREE ELECTRCITY POWERED BY SOLAR.
Oheneba Quaye 9 years ago

“Solar is good but technology is not quite proven yet, so I will not advise that now."
Dear Proff, if not now then when? Why spend $10 on old technology when you can spend $12 on future technology. That will be like spendi ...
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“Solar is good but technology is not quite proven yet, so I will not advise that now."
Dear Proff, if not now then when? Why spend $10 on old technology when you can spend $12 on future technology. That will be like spending $10 for notebooks and calculators for BofG when we can spend $15 on Computers.
2) If Solar is NOT proven why will temperate countries like Germany and USA give out tax payers money as incentives to the general public, not research firms, to invest in solar. I have a $16,000 solar unit and received a $10,000 subsidue from the electric company and $2,000 tax break from the government. The least we can do in Ghana is to make all imported solar items tax free and give our Universities funds to research on building solar systems to solve our energy problems. If not NOW then when?

Solar energy too expensive for Ghana now - Allotey

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