Ghana

Historically, Ghana has been known for its lush forests, rich history and natural wealth. However, the country entered an economic crisis in 2022 that has since defined its global presence and renewable energy transition.

As of 2021, Ghana’s electricity access rate stood at 86.65% — with 91% of urban residents and 50% of rural residents connected to the national grid.

The majority of Ghana’s plans to improve electrification are outlined in the Ghanaian National Energy Transition Framework 2022-2070. This strategy aims to have 10% of total electricity generation capacity come from renewable sources, to ensure more than 50% of water heating systems are solar powered and to bring electricity to 99.8% of the population — all by 2030.

Ghana has already implemented various initiatives to help support its renewable infrastructure. For example, there are zero import duties or taxes on solar panels, and solar panels and off-grid solar components are exempt from VAT.

As a result, multiple large-scale PV projects are on their way…

Planned Projects

In 2022, a series of solar plants entered development, including the Bui Power 50MW solar plant in Yendi and a 13MW solar plant in Kaleo, which was commissioned as part of the Volta River Authority (VRA) renewable energy programme and will be upscaled by an additional 15MW in 2023.

Another exciting development in Ghana’s solar landscape will take place in 2023 as the Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention Project (RESPITE) picks up speed.

Approved in December 2022, this project promises the installation and operation of around 106MW of PV power. It will also expand hydroelectric power capacity by 41MW to rapidly increase grid-connected renewable energy capacity and stimulate economic growth.

Talks of floating PV systems also began towards the latter end of 2022, with Volta River Authority and the German development bank KfW keen to explore the possibilities of non-land-based solar infrastructure in Ghana’s Laka Volta and Kpong hydropower reservoir.

SegenSolar is keen to foster the development of additional small and large-scale PV installations across Ghana. If you are a homeowner, you can get in touch for more details about our work. If you are an installer, you can explore our range on the portal — just log in or sign up for a free account.