Energy Commission To Create Market For Solar Power

The Energy Commission says it has plans to create a market for solar power production as a more efficient source during a time of national power crisis.

The Commission says it plans to go to Parliament to secure some tax credits and other incentives that could prove attractive for solar energy production and purchasing in Ghana.

At a stakeholders’ meeting Thursday, the Energy Commission took some input from industry players such as Ghana Real Estates Development Association (GREDA) in order to inform its proposal to Parliament.

Chairman of the Commission Dr Kwame Ampofo, debunked suggestions that it wants a law to compel consumers to adopt solar power in every home.

He suggested that just as there are market regulations that allow banks to offer products such as car loans to clients, Parliament can also create regulations that can get financial institutions to have products to finance solar power units.

In future, the Commission would like to see solar power production on a pilot basis.

Ghana is searching for solutions to deal with recurrent power supply problems. For the third year running, consumers are having a torrid time getting regular power supply. The crisis is collapsing small businesses and has also been linked to one death.

There is now a greater emphasis on gas to generate power after a history of dependence on hydropower.

The Energy Commission hopes that solar energy becomes a game-changer in Ghana’s limited set of energy options.