Authors : Samuel Kofi Ahaive Dzamesi; Adu-Azumah Theophilus; Albert Kojo Sunnu; Peter Acheampong; Maxmillian Kwarteng; Daniel Asante; Kwaodwo Owusu Brentuo; Emmanuel Tandoh; Ebenezer Azeave

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 7 - July

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/293e79f6

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/53razk25

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24JUL588

Abstract : Electricity availability is crucial for socioeconomic development, particularly in developing nations' rural areas. As a result, solar electrification has therefore been recommended as a more sustainable and cost-effective option for rural electrification. The research aim was to compare the economic viability of solar electrification against grid extension in rural Ghana, by examining the cost-benefit of solar electrification and grid extension and identifying the most cost-effective and sustainable approach for providing electricity to rural communities in Ghana. Hundred respondents were selected for this study using a simple random sampling technique. Most respondents believe that solar systems are cheaper to install estimating between GHS 40000 and GHS 50000 compared to grid extensions which averages about GHS 320000, as they can be installed by professionals. Solar electricity offers a good return on investment and doesn't require monthly bills, making it economically sound. Maintenance is easy and cost- efficient compared to grid extensions. Solar electrification doesn't emit carbon emissions of greenhouse gases, and it improves grid security. Most respondents agree that solar electrification generates employment opportunities and is cost-competitive with conventional electricity. They also believe solar energy ensures clean energy for sustainable development and poverty alleviation. Solar electrification is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to grid extension, reducing carbon footprint and providing reliable power. Its initial capital investment is crucial for its economic viability. The study recommends research on hybrid systems integrating solar electrification with grid extension, exploring new technologies like energy storage and smart grids, and exploring regulatory frameworks and policy incentives to promote private sector investments in solar electrification in rural Ghana.

Keywords : Electrification, Energy, Renewable, Solar.

References :

1. M. Kanagawa and T. Nakata, “Assessment of access to electricity and the socio-economic impacts in rural areas of developing countries,” Energy Policy, vol. 36, no. 6, pp. 2016–2029, 2008, doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2008.01.041.
2. M. Asif and T. Muneer, “Energy supply, its demand and security issues for developed and emerging economies,” Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 11, no. 7, pp. 1388–1413, 2007, doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2005.12.004.
3. G. R. Timilsina, “Are renewable energy technologies cost competitive for electricity generation?,” Renew. Energy, vol. 180, pp. 658–672, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.renene.2021.08.088.
4. G. R. Timilsina, L. Kurdgelashvili, and P. A. Narbel, “Solar energy: Markets, economics and policies,” Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 449–465, 2012, doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2011.08.009.
5. G. Resch, A. Held, T. Faber, C. Panzer, F. Toro, and R. Haas, “Potentials and prospects for renewable energies at global scale,” Energy Policy, vol. 36, no. 11, pp. 4048–4056, 2008, doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2008.06.029.
6. W. E. Outlook, “World Energy Balances 2009,” 2009.
7. Melamu M, Orumwense E, and Aboalez K, “AIUE CONGRESS 2020: INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON USE OF ENERGY Simulation of a hybrid PV system and micro-hydropower using Matlab/Simulink,” pp. 1–6, 2020, [Online]. Available: https://ssrn.com/
8. U. Singh and M. Rizwan, “A feasibility study and cost benefit analysis of an off-grid hybrid system for a rural area electrification,” Sol. Compass, vol. 3–4, no. November, p. 100031, 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.solcom.2022.100031.
9. S. Ren, Y. Hao, and H. Wu, “Government corruption, market segmentation and renewable energy technology innovation: Evidence from China,” J. Environ. Manage., vol. 300, no. August, p. 113686, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113686.
10. Q. Ali, M. R. Yaseen, S. Anwar, M. S. A. Makhdum, and M. T. I. Khan, “The impact of tourism, renewable energy, and economic growth on ecological footprint and natural resources: A panel data analysis,” Resour. Policy, vol. 74, no. September, p. 102365, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2021.102365.
11. A. Mohammad Bagher, “Types of Solar Cells and Application,” Am. J. Opt. Photonics, vol. 3, no. 5, p. 94, 2015, doi: 10.11648/j.ajop.20150305.17.
12. N. Armaroli and V. Balzani, “Solar Electricity and Solar Fuels: Status and Perspectives in the Context of the Energy Transition,” Chem. - A Eur. J., vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 32–57, 2016, doi: 10.1002/chem.201503580.
13. K. Ramalingam and C. Indulkar, Solar Energy and Photovoltaic Technology. Elsevier Inc., 2017. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-804208-3.00003-0.
14. N. Wamukonya, “Solar home system electrification as a viable technology option for Africa’s development,” Energy Policy, vol. 35, no. 1, pp. 6–14, 2007, doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2005.08.019.
15. K. Asante, S. Gyamfi, and M. Amo-Boateng, “Techno-economic analysis of waste-to-energy with solar hybrid: A case study from Kumasi, Ghana,” Sol. Compass, vol. 6, no. March, p. 100041, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.solcom.2023.100041.
16. M. Choifin, A. F. Rodli, A. K. Sari, T. Wahjoedi, and A. Aziz, “a Study of Renewable Energy and Solar Panel Literature Through Bibliometric Positioning During Three Decades,” Libr. Philos. Pract., vol. 2021, no. July, pp. 1–15, 2021.
17. M. Zoghi, A. Houshang Ehsani, M. Sadat, M. javad Amiri, and S. Karimi, “Optimization solar site selection by fuzzy logic model and weighted linear combination method in arid and semi-arid region: A case study Isfahan-IRAN,” Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 68, pp. 986–996, 2017, doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2015.07.014.
18. R. Nadimi and K. Tokimatsu, “Analyzing of Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy consumption via Bayesian Inference,” Energy Procedia, vol. 142, pp. 2773–2778, 2017, doi: 10.1016/j.egypro.2017.12.224.
19. C. Mambwe, K.-W. Schröder, L. Kügel, and P. Jain, “Benchmarking and comparing effectiveness of mini-grid encroachment regulations of 24 African countries ✦ A guide for governments and energy regulators to develop effective grid encroachment regulations,” Sol. Compass, vol. 1, no. February, p. 100008, 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.solcom.2022.100008.
20. J. Chow, R. J. Kopp, and P. R. Portney, “Energy Resources and Global Development,” Science (80-. )., vol. 302, no. 5650, pp. 1528–1531, 2003, doi: 10.1126/science.1091939.
21.  “Monitoring & Evaluation Plan for the Table of Contents,” no. July 2011, pp. 2010–2013, 2013.
22. K. A. Busia, “Purposeful Education for Africa,” Purp. Educ. Africa, 2023, doi: 10.4324/9781003326656.
23. W. Steffen et al., “Trajectories of the Earth System in the Anthropocene,” Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A., vol. 115, no. 33, pp. 8252–8259, 2018, doi: 10.1073/pnas.1810141115.
24. M. C. Chuang and H. W. Ma, “An assessment of Taiwan’s energy policy using multi-dimensional energy security indicators,” Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 17, pp. 301–311, 2013, doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2012.09.034.
25. IRENA, “Renewable Energy and Jobs - Annual Review 2018, International Renewable Energy Agency, Abu Dhabi,” no. December, pp. 1–28, 2018.
26. P. R. Brown and F. M. O’Sullivan, “Spatial and temporal variation in the value of solar power across United States electricity markets,” Renew. Sustain. Energy Rev., vol. 121, no. November 2019, p. 109594, 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.rser.2019.109594.
27. M. Ho, E. Obbard, P. A. Burr, and G. Yeoh, “A review on the development of nuclear power reactors,” Energy Procedia, vol. 160, no. 2018, pp. 459–466, 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.egypro.2019.02.193.