afrol News, 10 March - A Ghanaian company has launched the country's first locally produced solar panels. Authorities hope renewable energies can help ease the long-lasting power shortage in Ghana.

Ghana's first solar panels were launched on the market yesterday by Atlas Business and Energy System (ABES), a private renewable energy company based in Ghana and Finland. ABES markets itself as a company providing solutions for installation of solar, wind and biomass energy.

According to ABES Managing Director Nathaniel Gyibah, its solar panels were built entirely in Ghana. Only some few components were imported from Finland, including the inventors, charge controllers and the batteries.

In Ghana, the announcement was met with optimism given the country's chronic energy deficit. Ghana depends on imports of fossil fuels from its neighbour countries, as an expensive addition to its mostly hydropower based electricity rid. Power blackouts are frequent and consumers look for reliable and affordable backup solutions.

ABES chief Gyibah hopes his company's solar panels can become this backup. Not only were they cost-effective, but also environmentally sounder than fossil fuel alternatives.

"The energy industry in Ghana is a major concern to many people, Mr Gyibah noted, adding that the introduction of the solar panel would curb the power shortage that often causes inconveniences to the people of Ghana.

According to ABES' own marketing, the company is to "provide both the low income and middle income home owners with new solar packages and information that would ensure energy savings for our clients." The Ghanaian company further aims at providing "customised solar packages for our industrial customers."

By staff writer

© afrol News

Related pages and feature

Current afrol News Top Stories