Ghana Embraces Solar Potential

Country or Region Overview

Country or Region: Republic of Ghana

Capital: Accra

Total Population: Approximately 34 million (as of 2025)

Geographical Location: Ghana is a West African country, bordered by Côte d’Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean (Gulf of Guinea) to the south. With a mix of coastal lowlands, forested hills, and savannah regions, Ghana offers a favorable environment for solar energy deployment across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

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Table of Contents

Solar Irradiation Data in Republic of Ghana

Ghana receives excellent solar irradiation across most of its territory, particularly in the northern and central regions, where clear skies and dry climates dominate.

Key Solar Irradiation Data:

  • Annual Solar Irradiation: Ranges from 4.5 to 6.0 kWh/m²/day

  • Sunshine Hours: Around 2,800 to 3,200 hours/year

  • Best Locations: Northern Region, Upper East, Upper West, Brong-Ahafo, and Savannah Region

These conditions create outstanding potential for off-grid solar, grid-tied systems, solar farms, and rural electrification initiatives.

If you need to learn more solar power potential in Ghana, please feel free to contact Solarvance for more details.

Temperature Factors in Republic of Ghana

Ghana’s climate varies by region, but is generally hot and tropical. Average temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C, with higher temperatures in the north and during the dry Harmattan season.

  • South (Accra, Cape Coast): Hot and humid

  • North (Tamale, Bolgatanga): Hot and dry, especially during the dry season

Solar systems require:

  • Low-temperature coefficient PV panels

  • Proper ventilation for inverters and mounting racks

  • Shaded or ventilated battery housing to prevent overheating

These practices ensure strong year-round performance.

Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Republic of Ghana

Ghana has a relatively high electrification rate—approximately 85% nationally, with ongoing expansion into rural areas. The national grid, managed by GRIDCo and distributed by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), covers most of the country.

However, frequent power cuts (Dumsor) and rising electricity costs drive demand for backup systems, off-grid solutions, and solar as a supplemental energy source.

Preferred System Type in Republic of Ghana

Due to grid reliability concerns and rural access gaps, Ghana supports a wide range of solar solutions:

  • Grid-Tied Systems: Ideal for homes, offices, and small businesses in cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi

  • Hybrid Systems: Used by factories, banks, schools, and hospitals to provide stable power during outages

  • Off-Grid Systems: Critical for rural villages, farming operations, health posts, and island communities on Lake Volta

  • Mini-Grids: Increasingly used in remote northern and inland areas for community electrification

Battery storage is often essential in both hybrid and off-grid contexts to ensure continuous operation.

Dust and Sand Factor in Republic of Ghana

Dust is a moderate to serious concern in northern Ghana, particularly during the Harmattan season (December to February), when dry Saharan winds carry dust across the country.

To maintain efficiency:

  • Clean panels every 2–3 weeks during Harmattan

  • Install tilted mounts to promote rain-assisted cleaning

  • Use anti-soiling coatings on panels in rural or unattended systems

Dust impacts are lower in the southern coastal regions, where rainfall is more consistent.

Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Republic of Ghana

Humidity in Ghana varies seasonally:

  • South (Accra, Takoradi): High humidity (70–90%) with two rainy seasons

  • North (Tamale, Wa): Lower humidity but intense seasonal rains

To ensure long-term durability:

  • Use IP66-rated electronics

  • Apply UV- and moisture-resistant cabling and connectors

  • Install drainage and elevated platforms in flood-prone areas

Seasonal rains can be heavy, so proper waterproofing is essential.

Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Republic of Ghana

Salt corrosion is a factor in coastal areas like Accra, Cape Coast, and Ada, where sea air and wind increase component wear.

Protective measures:

  • Use marine-grade aluminum and stainless steel fasteners

  • Apply anti-corrosion coatings to exposed parts

  • Conduct routine maintenance and inspection, especially near the sea

Inland installations face no significant salt exposure.

Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Republic of Ghana

Ghana has taken major steps toward renewable energy development as part of its energy strategy:

  • Renewable Energy Act (2011) and RE Master Plan promote solar expansion

  • Net metering and feed-in tariff frameworks in place for licensed producers

  • Duty exemptions on solar components (under registered projects)

  • Active support from World Bank, UNDP, AfDB, and USAID for off-grid solar, mini-grids, and productive use systems

  • National goal: 10% renewable electricity share by 2030

Ghana’s legal and financial environment increasingly supports solar investments at both utility and small scale.

ROI on Solar Systems in Republic of Ghana

Due to high electricity prices, load shedding, and strong solar resources, solar systems in Ghana offer attractive ROI, especially in the commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors.

  • ROI Period:

    • Residential/off-grid systems: 2–4 years

    • Commercial/industrial hybrid systems: 3–5 years

  • Post-ROI Value: Stable energy, lower costs, and improved reliability

  • Financing Support: Local banks, microfinance, and donor-funded grant programs available

Solar is an economically smart upgrade for businesses and communities across Ghana.

Conclusion on Solar Power in Republic of Ghana

Ghana is a thriving solar market with strong sunlight, growing energy demand, and a favorable investment environment. From off-grid farms in the north to hybrid systems for hospitals and schools, solar energy is powering Ghana’s path toward energy resilience and inclusive development.

At Solarvance, we deliver durable, climate-adapted solar systems for Ghana’s diverse regions—from humid coastal cities to dusty inland towns. Whether for a clinic in the Upper East, a business in Accra, or a village school near Lake Volta, our solutions are built to last.

Choose Solarvance for Your Solar System

Contact us today to explore customized solar solutions for your needs, whether you’re interested in grid-connected, off-grid, or hybrid solar systems. Our team at Solarvance is here to guide you through every step of the process, from system design to installation and maintenance.

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