John Freelove Mensah, CEO, Sunrise Solar Solutions Limited

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Readers would bear with me that, electricity rates in west African
Sub-regions, precisely Ghana are so exorbitant that, average person cannot
afford to patronize. It's upon this trends that prompted Mr Freelove John
Mensah, CEO of Sunrise Solar Solutions Ltd based in Tema and also a member
of Alliance for Rural Electrification to have come out with such a
brilliant initiative to establish an ingenious company to champion the
course of reducing this energy poverty .

Find herewith the full interview coverage conducted by Solar Newsletter, a
periodic magazine of the Alliance for Rural Electrification during a 3-day
workshop organized in Accra early November, 2011, at British council
auditorium.

*Can you please introduce us to Sunrise Solar Solutions Limited and the
main objectives of your company?*

Sunrise Solar Solutions Limited is a new and innovative company established
to make a significant impact on the energy platform in Ghana and
sub-Saharan Africa.
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We are wholesalers of renewable energy products (solar/wind), supply and
install solar/wind power systems, offer services for commercial,
residential, and public sector buildings. We also provide full in-house
training and technical support and supply leading technology products, and
provide a full installation service.
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Sunrise Solar Solutions Limited’s main objectives are:

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- Deliver timely, cost effective and high quality professional service
to our customers;
- Minimise the environmental impacts of conventional energy by using
Solar (PV) and Wind power as energy source that produces zero carbon
emission so to save the planet Earth;
- Strengthen energy security and eradicate energy poverty in Ghana and
sub-Saharan Africa leading to rapid economic development.


*You are one of the pioneers in the Ghanaian solar sector. What are the
main challenges you have faced in this industry, and how have you managed
to overcome them?*


The main challenges are:
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- High system prices;
- Limited purchasing power of the people;
- Government not giving support to renewable energy; high import duties;
high interest on bank loans and financing difficulties;
- Corruption, limited legal framework and poor quality of imported
Chinese products;
- Lack of qualified and skilled professionals working with renewable
energy technologies;
- Perceptions, misunderstandings and vested interests that produce
mental barriers around renewable energy technologies.
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In the words of Hermann Scheer (of blessed memory), German Politician and
Environmentalist:


*“There are many resistances against this technology, many
misunderstandings and many mental barriers. And if we want to look to a
breakthrough we have to look to the real vested interests and to the
existing mental barriers.”*


The challenges are progressively being addressed. Despite an inexhaustible
amount of sunshine in Ghana and sub-Saharan Africa, the progress in the use
of photovoltaic technology is still at a snail’s pace. Ghana currently has
no renewable energy Act; however, there appears to be a gradual change on
the way.
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We are campaigning to create the awareness and educate on the benefits that
exist for alternative energy, for example, solar and wind energy, so as to
harness public support. Hopefully, with the public support we can
positively affect the government policy on renewable energy.


*Sunrise Solar Solutions has been involved in both wind and solar energy
projects. What are the main benefits of these two technologies particularly
in Ghana and the wider region, and what role do they play in meeting the
rural electrification and access to clean energy challenges in these
countries?*


There is a long list of benefits offered by solar and wind energy. For one,
these technologies offer quality, durability and reliability. By relying on
solar and wind energy for our energy needs, we know that we are not
polluting the environment.
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In rural areas, the two technologies provide energy source for sustained
economic activities, security and health, leading to eradication of energy
poverty and resulting in economic prosperity. However, access to clean
energy is hampered by lack of funding in these countries.


In Ghana we have high solar irradiation, say, between 1,800 to 3,000 hours
of annual sunshine. As such, currently we are only promoting solar
technology because of the lack of professional wind energy installers.


Sunrise Solar Solutions wishes to introduce wind technology into Ghana on a
commercial basis, by creating a hybrid wind and solar (PV) technology
project.


Ghana also has a reasonable wind speed all over the country. In rural areas
where there is a serious issue of security and limited installation space,
we give preference to wind technology. Therefore in rural electrification,
both technologies complement each another as and when appropriate.


*Besides providing technologies and practical solar applications, you also
deal with education and training on energy management. How important is the
role of such training and which are the main target groups you are
addressing so far?*


Energy costs money, it is therefore essential for energy users to know how
to manage energy usage effectively so as to save money. Therefore the
objective of training is to equip the user with energy-management knowledge
and tools in order to maximise returns on energy usage.


The main target groups are estate developers, architects and individuals
house owners.


*You are planning to open the first large scale solar farm in Ghana. Could
you tell us a bit more about this project, main outcomes and expected
impact in the Ghanaian energy sector and the overall development?*


This project is one of the steps towards bringing into being our vision of
eradicating energy poverty.


In Ghana we have only one electricity distributor, that is, the Electricity
Company of Ghana (ECG), therefore electricity users have no choice and
there is no competition, it is a monopoly situation. Having our own energy
source will stabilize and guarantee electricity price in Ghana.


The expected impact will be the transformation, stable power supply and
accountability in the electricity market, and users will have the right to
make a choice.


Our Vision is to *“eliminate dependency on fossil fuel and end energy
poverty; we will pioneer the use of solar / wind energy as the midstream
power source.”*


*Are there any other interesting projects you are currently involved in?*


Current Projects:


*Sweden Ghana Medical Centre (SGMC):*


This is a Sweden-Ghana government project in East Legon, Accra, Ghana to
establish a cancer treatment hospital. However, due to the lack of funding,
the project is currently stalled. Any contribution towards this project
will be highly appreciated.


*Sukladzi Agbozume, Ghana:*

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Rural Solar Electrification project for 70 households (500wh/d per
household) needs funding; support from members will be welcome.


*Kpedza Agbozume, Ghana:*


Rural Solar Electrification project for 60 households.


*2012 is the UN International Year of Sustainable Energy for All. Are you
planning any specific activities? Do you know of other noteworthy actions
in the solar sector to be carried out in Ghana in line with this initiative?
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Sunrise Solar Solutions Limited will mark the UN International Year of
Sustainable Energy for All by commissioning 2 large scale farms in Ghana.


We also wish to hold an exhibition and expand the campaign on awareness for
sustainability.


We would appreciate and welcome any ARE member wishing to sponsor and
participate in this event in Ghana.
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Unfortunately, we are not yet aware of any Government programme.


*What key lessons learned from your activities up to now would you like to
share with the readers of the Newsletter?*


- Slow bureaucratic response to proposals due to ignorant inertia and
corruption;
- The establishment not willing to act or change.

Report By: Chris Mensah Dekportor.
krisview@yahoo.co.uk




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