The Institute of Industrial Research (IIR) trained 1742 electricians in the design, sizing, installation and maintenance of solar systems to become solar specialists. These numbers are necessary due to the need for new power sources in Ghana. The newly trained professionals are all members of the Certified Electrical Wiring Professionals (CEWPAG).
The IRR
The IIR is one of the 13 research institutes of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Ghana. The aspiration of the institute is to reduce poverty by generating incomes with small and medium sized enterprises, contribute to food security, generate foreign exchange earnings and apply cost-effective industrial technologies that are environmental friendly and commercially viable. Training of solar specialists is specifically in accordance with the first and last goals. The vision of the CSIR is to provide scientific and technological solutions to life’s challenges and opportunities.
The CEWPAG trainees
The training was initiated by the CEWPAG and supported by the IRR (and therefore the CSIR). The trainees come from all over the country. Furthermore, the training will cost 6 months in total.
The need for solar
The energy supply has endured many blackouts, called Dumsors. This means that Ghana is, at the moment, in an energy crisis. There are several reasons for these blackouts to happen. The first is the increase in electricity demand (52% increase from 2006 to 2016). The second is the challenges in constant fuel supply. Thirdly, the droughts in Ghana for a problem, since it halts the energy supply from the dams around the country. Since the solar potential in Ghana is enormous, this could be a solution to these problems.
The need for solar specialists
There are several companies active with solar in Ghana and the sector is growing. The prices for solar are also dropping, which further increases the call for solar designers, installers and maintainers. In conclusion, these 1742 brand new specialists can join the movement to penetrate the energy market with solar systems.