CSIR-IIR Introduces Range Of Solar Products

The Institute of Industrial Research of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research - (CSIR-IIR) has released a range of solar products for small and medium enterprises in the country to help reduce energy cost.

The first product is a four-kilowatt potable mobile on-the-go solar system designed for domestic settings, artisans, small offices, barbering shops and small provision shops.

Together with Swedish partners, the institute has designed solar air-conditioners, a six-kilowatt system that could be installed at stadiums to serves as shade for spectators and fixed at car parks.

Also, the institute has developed a unique product called cyber farming for irrigation, which is a solar powered pump, remotely controlled using a mobile phone equipment for farmers.

Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng disclosed this in a statement delivered on his behalf at the launch of a ten-day solar training for 1,500 Certified Electrical Wiring Professional Association of Ghana (CEWPAG), in Accra.

He stated that the innovations was in line with government's energy policy to increase solar power generation capacity, develop a non-constrained transmission network by 2020, and achieve 10 per cent contribution of modern Renewable Energy in the electricity mix by 2030.

The Minister explained that solar energy was one of the most promising alternative energy options, and that, the country was well positioned with adequate radiation to generate sustainable solar power for consumption.

Prof Frimpong-Boateng added that the move was especially targeted at supporting government's 'One-District One-Factory Initiative and the One-Village One-Dam, where energy supply would be key.

'The monthly average solar radiation in different parts of Ghana ranges between 4.4 and 5.6kWh/m2/day. The average duration of sunshine varies between 5.3 and 7.7 hours per day and this supports the need to develop solar systems, particularly solar PV systems, for electricity generation and to promote its widespread use', he said.

Dr. Victor Kwame Agyeman, CSIR Director-General said, per the new focus of the council; government had signalled its commitment towards making the IIR institute the foundation for sustainable industrialization of the country.

He said the council had over 165 technologies developed and was ready to partner with the private sector to transform the technology into innovation and upscale it to drive the economy.

Dr Francis Boateng Agyenim, Director of CSIR-IIR said with funding from Skills Development-Fund (SDF), the CSIR-IIR was partnering, TELSOL, Energy Commission and Electricity Company of Ghana to train and certify CEWPAG members on solar installation, maintenance and entrepreneurship for economic growth.

He said the training would bridge the industry technical training gap between existing solar skills and internationally accepted standards in the country.

Dr Agyenim, said the training would be done by CSIR-IIR for CEWPAG members in all the ten regions and has designed various solar systems for the training.

Mr Ebenezer Ato Simpson, Fund Manager of SDF said a grant of GHC400 million had been allocated, to ensure that the training contributes to government's renewable energy goal as well as other solar initiatives being implemented in the country.

Mr Simpson reiterated SDF's commitment towards working with innovators and entrepreneurs, towards improving the productivity and competitiveness of the skilled workforce and raise the income-earning capacities of people.

He said already, some 43,000 firms and institutions had so far benefited from this fund, especially women and low-income groups, through the provision of quality-oriented, industry-focused, and competency-based training programmes and complementary services.

GNA
By Yaw Ansah, GNA