Diffusion of solar technology in developing countries

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the growing trend of power outages in Ghana and the possible diffusion of a solar solution from the solar technologies; it also seeks to ascertain whether people in Ghana as well as developing countries would resort to renewable energy because of its “greenness”.Design/methodology/approachA focus group study was used, aimed at investigating the right parameters to be put in place for an effective diffusion of solar solutions in developing countries and, this instance, Ghana.FindingsResults from the interviews of sampled respondents selected from different regions of the country indicated that many Ghanaians consider solar energy as the best alternative. However, it was a matter of affordability, financing and accessibility. Supplementary discussion into the benefits of resorting to “greenness” of solar energy, which seems not to be of major concern to potential users in Ghana, is highlighted. Moreover, making solar energy accessible in Ghana and the related market‐marketing conditions of the solutions are addressed. Based on the findings, a comprehensive examination of the reasons behind the slow adaptation of solar energy as an alternative is addressed. The alternative solar solutions identified include: standalone; backup and hybrid.Originality/valueThe study can be seen as the first in a series of attempts to understand the energy crisis in Ghana. The paper is aimed at promoting awareness of renewable energy solutions and its potential for helping the country to achieve a balanced economic growth.

Robin Hood and Donkey Theorems: A Framework for Renewable Energy in Ghana

“…Knowledge about the cost, purpose, frequency and reasons for purchasing and using a particular SSE by both rural and urban communities would help address a realistic payment plan for renewable energy systems such as photovoltaic or SHS. It is noteworthy that, the idea of availability, affordability and reliability of the renewable energy systems was part of the focus group discussion that helped generate simple questions for the interview 6 . For each of the SSE under consideration, a random sample size of 5 -10 retail outlets at different towns in different regions (Accra municipalities and Tema all in the Greater Accra region, Cape Coast, Apam, Winneba all in the Central region, Takoradi in the Western region and Kumasi in the Ashanti region) responded favorably to the interview.…”

“…Furthermore, Ghana´s gross domestic product (GDP) as at January, 2011 is estimated at $ 38.24 billion with an average per capita income of $ 1,600. It is important to mention that, GDP is not the only viable index to adeptly measure the collective household's decision on energy consumption 6,10 . The household income of the urban dwellers in Ghana varied heavily based on academic qualification and the nature of work under consideration.…”

“…Since there are few industrial activities in the rural areas and the need of the energy are simple, the benefits of this proposal become sound because the rural communities get the needed opportunity to develop the agro-base sector, creating jobs and mitigating the rural -urban migration influx. The Robin Hood principle also presumably suggests that most urban dwellers are in better position to afford renewable energy arguably due to access to credits and loans from financial institutions 6 .…”

“…Ghana´s electricity production and consumption and exports as at the year 2007 were 6.7 billion kWh (kilowatt hours), 5.7 billion kWh and 2.49 billion kWh respectively. Since the demand of energy outweighs it supply, availability and accessibility to alternative sources of energy would be preferred by the over 9.2 million citizens in Ghana without electricity 6 . This research does not take into consideration issues like the per-capita income of the ruralurban population.…”

“…These include profiling of end users energy needs, packaging, transportation and installation among others. 6 Ghana is a West African country with a population of about 24 million with an approximately 1.9 percent population growth rate. Ghana´s electricity production and consumption and exports as at the year 2007 were 6.7 billion kWh (kilowatt hours), 5.7 billion kWh and 2.49 billion kWh respectively.…”