Solar systems can be redesigned for affordability and durability

Solar power generation, distribution and usage have been expensive according to researchers and energy industries. Can solar power ever be affordable to African countries with all year round sun rays? I believe when we push ourselves to this technology we can affordability.

There are new inventive and innovative ways to package and install solar cells, in order to make solar energy far more affordable and reachable. Scientists are working hard to increase the power output of solar cells (parts of a solar panel that absorb light and generate electricity). Improvements have been made to almost everything i.e. the packaging that protects the cells, the junction boxes, and the way panels are installed.

All these factors put together will amount to about 60 percent of the cost of solar power today.  Research has shown that utility-scale solar systems cost about GH¢5.68 per watt of power they can generate (systems on the roofs of houses can cost twice that). About 43 pesewas will be for materials such as glass and protective coatings; that cost can be trimmed by using injection- molded frames and different materials for encapsulating the cells but care should be taken not to compromise material against quality. Other advances could cut the cost of inverters, which now amount to 38 pesewas per watt and the mounting hardware (about 42 pesewas). Then comes wiring, labour, administrative and design costs.

The main objective is to make sure that the changes does not affect the panel’s durability and effectiveness. The solar panels are designed to last for 20-30 years but of course the efficiency will be reduced as the years go by and so there is the need for maintenance and servicing on regular basis. The picture below was taken by me at Agilent technologies (a company that uses solar power paramountly), where I did internship.

By Joshua Anquandah

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