ASSESSING THE CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES IN AHANTA WEST DISTRICT OF GHANA.

ABSTRACT

The main objective for this study was to assess the challenges associated with the use of photovoltaic modules in Ahanta West District of Ghana. Survey was considered to be the best for the research design. Data were gathered by means of issuing questionnaires to some selected groups who one way or the other use solar power in the research district. In all, 68 respondents were purposively selected from some households, schools, clinics, companies and traders who use or deal with this renewable energy used in producing electricity. The items in the questionnaire were intended to reveal the extent to which the external (environment), users and the entity themselves have contributed to the abandonment of most of the PV modules in the research district. The outcome of the findings indicated that, shadows on the solar panels caused by trees and tall buildings render the solar system inefficient. Trees grow on and around the solar panels make their branches and birds scratch the surfaces of the panels and this distorts the internal connections of the cells. It was also revealed that, dust, dew, dead leaves and birds dropping spread on PV panels were not clean regularly and these have degrade the efficiency of the panel. The response from the study revealed that the users‟ ignorance and poor attitudes towards the use of PV modules have caused many of the solar systems redundant in Ahanta West District. Also lack of expertise to carry out repair works on malfunctioning solar systems, lack of battery charging centers as well as scarcity and high cost of solar system accessories have made most users not interested in restoring their dysfunction solar panels. For Ghana to sustain the agenda 30% solar energy by the year 2020 and beyond, then much education must be given to the users on how to use and maintain their systems. Specialists must be trained to carry out repairing works. Again solar panel accessories and battery charging centers must be made available for the users to assess them easily.