Product configuration of photovoltaic systems in developing countries – Case Ghana

Abstract

This study aims at introducing product configuration of photovoltaic systems in developing countries with focus on Ghana. The current problem of electricity production and delivery in Ghana forms the background of the objective of the study. Solving this, particular attention is focused on solar photovoltaic technologies. The objective was to look at how various configurations of photovoltaic systems would help either households or businesses in developing countries to improve their day-to-day life and activities. Focusing on photovoltaic system configurations offers households and businesses the options of standalone, backup or hybrid systems although, the study limits its options to backup systems as a result of the rationing of electricity in Ghana.

The theoretical part provided comprehensive background for the study with an insight into the current energy situation and the renewable energy policies in Ghana. Furthermore, an in-depth understanding of the different components (i.e. panels, charge controllers, inverters, battery and load) of a photovoltaic system is achieved with a look at their basic technical parameters.

The empirical research is conducted via a focus group study and a survey. The focus group study was conducted in Finland among African students while the survey was done in Ghana through questionnaire sent to 102 respondents via an online survey portal: Google Form. From the result, the most common areas of use for solar photovoltaic are for lighting, household and office appliances for which varied configuration can be established. The research established the electrification problem in Ghana and one key recommendation in solving this is the use of renewable energy such as solar photovoltaic systems.