Accra Poly inaugurates solar systems

Accra Polytechnic has held a ceremony to inaugurate solar installation systems to help beef up its energy supply and enhance research and demonstrations in the institute.

Estimated at 90,000 Euros, the initiative is in fulfilment of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed last year between the polytechnic and two energy companies; Deutsche Energie-Agentur (DENA), a German Energy Agency, and MP-TEC Solar Ghana.  

The installed facilities include a solar back-up system and pumping system, a solar on-grid system, a solar-powered street lighting system and a deep-sunk borehole which would be driven by a solar facility to produce clean water.

Significance of the initiative

Addressing the ceremony, the Rector of Accra Polytechnic, Professor Sylvester Achio, said the installation of the solar facilities had come at a time the world was drifting towards having the bulk of its energy needs supplied from renewable energy sources.

According to him, the collaboration between his outfit and the two energy bodies would add to a growing portfolio of renewable energy technologies in the country, as well as boost the country’s global image among the committee of nations making frantic efforts towards a green revolution.

Professor Achio observed that the initiative would afford the polytechnic the opportunity to benefit immensely from the transfer of knowledge and skills pertinent to the community, and added that the institute had plans to introduce programmes related to solar energy into its curriculum.

The German Ambassador to Ghana, Mr John Kuediger, said the installed systems would generate interest in the student body in the field of solar, thus, keeping them abreast of contemporary technology.

He lauded the initiatives of the parties involved in bringing the project to fruition and pledged his unflinching support for collaborations between Germany and Ghana, especially in the field of technology.

Energy companies 

In an address, the Senior Manager of DENA, Mrs Jessica Klein, said the selection of the polytechnic as the first institution call for the development of solar facilities in the country was borne out of the fact that it was the first technical university tertiary institution established in the country with its long tradition of providing life-transforming opportunities for students in teaching and practical training.

According to her, the DENA programme had the intent to bring together international experts to develop the worldwide competitive energy sector by ensuring that energy was used efficiently, safely and economically with the least possible impact on the climate.

In an interview, the Managing Director of MP-TEC Solar Ghana, Mr Allen Nii Kpani Solomon, said his outfit, as per the agreement, would be in partnership with the polytechnic for a period of 10 years, which would see it servicing and ensuring the sustainability of the installed systems. 

He explained that the project would enable their customers to attest to the efficiency of the products and services by both energy companies and help augment the energy needs of the country.