The Energy Commission is hopeful of deploying 12,000 net-metered solar photovoltaic (PV) systems by end of third quarter this year (2025).
The acting Director in charge of Renewable Energy at the Commission, Frederick Ken Appiah, has observed that funding has been secured from the African Development Bank (AfDB), Swiss government and Climate Investment Fund (CIF).
The initiative will provide a meaningful boost to clean energy access for homes and businesses. Mr. Ken Appiah made known at the ‘Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency B2B Expo’ opening in Accra, organised by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI).
Net-metering allows solar panel users to feed excess electricity into the national grid in exchange for credits on their power bills. The system enables households and businesses to reduce energy costs and lessen reliance on fossil fuels.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has already published a tariff framework for the programme. Mr. Appiah confirmed the meters are currently being manufactured by the supplier, with distribution expected to begin by September 2025.
The rollout forms part of the country’s broader renewable energy plan, which aims to grow clean energy capacity from 42.5 megawatts (MW) in 2015 to 1,363.63 MW by 2030 -including 1,094.63 MW from grid-connected systems.
In addition, the initiative is also expected to support Ghana’s efforts at meeting its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
The Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency B2B Expo, the first of its kind organised by the Energy Service Centre (ESC) of AGI, was held under the theme ‘Powering Ghana’s Industry through Sustainable Energy’.
The current rising energy costs, and inconsistent supply makes it imperative for the country to explore all known avenues to secure reliable energy to power the nation. Consequently, a hybrid approach has been deemed the most rational approach to maintaining adequate generation to power the nation.
To secure a 24/7 uninterrupted, affordable and sustainable power supply for production, ought to be a balanced strategy. Solar and other renewable sources power must be tapped into for maximum effect and as a means to transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
This hybrid approach not only eases pressure from the national grid, but also opens a new frontier of energy independence for businesses.
If we want businesses to transition, there must be clear, consistent incentives, tax rebates, low-interest financing and expedited approvals for renewable energy projects.
