General Science Year 1

SECTION

5
SOLAR PANELS
SECTION 5 SOLAR PANELS

VIGOUR BEHIND LIFE

Powering the future with energy

INTRODUCTION
In this section, you will dive into the exciting world of solar energy and discover
how sunlight can be transformed into electricity by the use of panels. But we won’t
stop at just learning the theory; you will get hands-on experience in designing and
building your solar panel using materials you can find around you.

At the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Describe the generation of electricity from solar cells/panels.

• Design and build solar panels.
• Design and build solar panels using locally available materials.

KEY IDEAS

• Solar panels are devices that are made up of multiple solar cells
(photovoltaic cells) that capture sunlight and convert it into electricity.
• Photovoltaic technology is the method used to convert sunlight directly
into electricity using materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect,
typically semiconductors like silicon.
• Sustainable methods are approaches that do not deplete resources or
harm the environment.

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HOW SOLAR PANELS REDUCE THE RELIANCE

ON FOSSIL FUELS IN GHANA
Hello learner! Have you ever thought about the power of the Sun, which lights up
our world, and how it is useful in our homes, schools, and communities?

Activity 5.1

Quickly discuss with your neighbour some of the benefits that we, as humans,
get from the Sun. Produce a concept map to summarise your ideas, including
anything that you recall about solar energy from your studies in Junior High
School.
Ultimately, everything on Earth depends upon the Sun and the energy it
transfers to us. The energy we derive directly from the Sun is known as solar
energy.

Overview of Fossil Fuels

To better appreciate the usefulness of solar energy, let us discuss some facts about
fossil fuels.

Activity 5.2

Observe the items in Figure 5.1. Which of them are you familiar with? How
often would you say that you use them? And for how long? What would be
the most difficult aspect of your life without them?

Fig 5.1: Examples of fossil fuels

Fossil fuels are natural energy sources formed from the remains of ancient plants
and animals that lived millions of years ago. These organisms were buried under
layers of sediment and rock, where heat and pressure over time transformed them

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into coal, oil, and natural gas. They are a primary source of energy for modern
civilisations, powering everything from transportation to electricity generation.
However, they are non-renewable.
In addition to being non-renewable, they let out some gases into the air when they
are combusted. Some of these gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4),
and sulphur dioxide (SO2). They are not good for our planet! These gases pollute
our air, making the Earth warmer, and leading to climate change. Obtaining fossil
fuels can be pretty messy, too! It can destroy habitats, errors in transportation can
cause oil spills and does lots of damage to nature. Therefore, it is super important
for us to think about how we can phase out the use of these fuels and find cleaner
options!
Do this activity to enhance your knowledge of fossil fuels.

Activity 5.3

Objective: To visually represent the environmental consequences of fossil

fuels and learn the importance of sustainable energy sources.
You can work alone as well as in a group.

What you need

• magazines, newspapers, brochures and online images related to fossil
fuels (e.g., images of oil spills, coal mines, smog-filled cities, pollution,
etc. You can sketch their own images too!)
• scrap paper, cardboard, or old boxes.
• glue, paste, or homemade paste.
• Scissors.
• markers, crayons, or coloured pencils.
• leaves, twigs, or small stones from the environment to incorporate into
the collage to represent nature and the impact of fossil fuels on it.

What to do
1. Plan the design of your collage. Think about the topic you want to
highlight (e.g., air pollution, oil spills, deforestation) and how you will
visually represent them.

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2. Cut out relevant images, headlines, and text from the collected materials.
Think creatively about how to arrange your images on the base to tell a
compelling story about the impact of fossil fuels.
3. Glue or paste your images onto the cardboard or scrap paper. Arrange
the images in a way that draws attention to the negative impacts of fossil
fuels.
4. Use markers or crayons to add titles, labels, and any additional drawings
that will enhance the message of the collage. Highlight the key concepts
like “pollution”, “global warming”, “acid rain” and “habitat destruction”.
5. Add natural materials like leaves or twigs to represent the environment.
For example, leaves could symbolise the natural world that is affected by
fossil fuel pollution.
6. Present your work to the class. Explain the choices you made in your
design and the message you want to convey about the environmental
impact of fossil fuels.

Conclusion
Sustainable energy sources like solar and wind can help reduce the
environmental damage caused by fossil fuels. Through local initiatives,
education, and policy support, communities can contribute to a more
sustainable and lively energy future, improving both the environment and the
quality of life for current and future generations.

Solar Panels
As earlier mentioned, solar panels are devices also known as photovoltaic (PV)
panels. They capture sunlight and convert it into electricity using semiconductor
materials. This process is a clean and renewable way to generate power, meaning
it doesn’t produce harmful emissions like greenhouse gases or air pollutants.
In Ghana, the use of solar panels can significantly reduce the reliance on fossil
fuels such as coal, oil, and gas, which are the main sources of pollution and
environmental damage.

Activity 5.4

You can do this activity alone and share your findings with the class.
What you need: Manilla card/cardboard, pencils, markers, internet.

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What to do
1. Draw a map of Ghana, clearly showing the 16 regions and their capitals.
You may use the Internet to help you with your work.
2. Using your own key, show the distribution of sunlight in each of the
regions.
3. Identify regions that receive the most as well as least amounts of sunshine.
4. Using a separate key, indicate the areas of Ghana which have the most
solar panels installed, currently.
5. Post your map on the wall of your classroom.

From Activity 5.4, you will agree that Ghana is blessed with abundant sunlight.
This makes solar energy a perfect solution for our energy needs. Unlike fossil
fuels, which are limited and can run out, sunlight is a renewable resource. It is
always available, during the daytime, although can be affected by cloud cover. By
harnessing this natural resource, Ghana can modify its energy sources and reduce
its dependence on fossil fuels. This is crucial for three key reasons:
1. Better Air Quality: Fossil fuels release pollutants into the air when
combusted, leading to health problems and environmental damage. Solar
panels generate electricity without combusting anything, which means no
air pollution.
2. Lower Carbon Emissions: Carbon emissions from fossil fuels contribute
to climate change, a global problem that affects everyone. By switching to
solar power, Ghana can reduce its carbon footprint, helping to slow down
climate change.
3. Energy Security: Relying on fossil fuels, especially imported oil, makes
Ghana open to unstable prices and supply disruptions. Solar energy, on the
other hand, is a stable and sure source of power that can be generated locally.
It is worth noting that the generation of solar energy using PV technology does
not contribute to carbon emissions or air quality. The manufacture of PV cells is
very energy-intensive and will require the use of fossil fuels (at least initially).

Activity 5.5

Make a list of the benefits and challenges associated with the introduction of
solar panels in Ghana. Find some suggested answers in Annex 5.1 – Solutions
to Some Activities.

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The Future of Solar Energy in Ghana

Solar energy offers Ghana a transformative opportunity to build a more
sustainable and resilient energy system. By investing in solar power, we can
reduce our dependency on fossil fuels, combat climate change, and improve the
quality of life for all Ghanaians. Understanding how solar panels work and their
environmental benefits is key to making informed decisions about our energy
future and contributing to a global effort to transition to a low-carbon economy.
You will now carry out activities to demonstrate an understanding of how solar
panels reduce reliance on fossil fuels. You may work alone or with a friend. You
may discuss your observations and findings.

Activity 5.6

Scenario: Your community is debating whether to invest in solar panels

or continue using generators powered by diesel/petrol. They need clear
information on how solar energy differs from fossil fuels.
Task: Compare and contrast solar energy and fossil fuels, focusing on their
sources, environmental impact, and long-term sustainability. Highlight the
ways in which using solar energy can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
Publish your findings in the form of a poster or an article for a school magazine.

How Solar Panels Are Installed In Ghana

Let us dive further with the following activities.

Activity 5.7

Scenario: You are a solar energy engineer in Ghana, and your job is to
bring clean, renewable energy to a community. But before you can install
solar panels, you need to go through a series of important steps to make sure
everything works perfectly. Let us explore this process together!
Step 1: Site Assessment – Where is the Best Spot?
Task: Draw a simple map of your home or school and mark the spots where
you think solar panels would get the most sunlight. Picture yourself standing
on the roof of the building. What do you see? Look around to see if there are
any tall trees or buildings that might block the sunlight. Is the roof facing the
sun most of the day?

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Share your map with a classmate and compare your choices!

Step 2: Designing the Solar System – How Many Panels Do We Need?

Task: Work in small groups to design a solar panel system for a small house.
You will need to decide how many panels to install.
What to do
1. Start by discussing the typical energy needs of a small house in the
community. Consider the number of rooms, electrical appliances used,
and daily energy consumption. You may want to make a list of all the
devices and appliances that would be used in the house, such as lights,
a refrigerator, a television, and a fan. Estimate how many hours each
device will be used per day.
2. Research the common output for a typical solar panel and outline how
many you think the house will need to install.
3. Use cardboard, aluminium foil, pane glass/plain polythene, old CDs,
charcoal, copper wires, markers and any available local material to create
a model of your solar panel set-up. Think about where each component
will be positioned and how they will be connected (in series or in parallel
with one another).

Step 3: Getting Permits and Approvals – What Do We Need to Do?

Role-Play: You are a solar energy engineer who needs to get permission to
install solar panels. You will need to visit different “offices” (your classmates
acting as local authorities) to ask for permits and approvals.
Simulation: Create a checklist of all the approvals you may need (research
these using the internet). Visit each of the relevant authorities (classmates in
your group) and explain why your project should meet their standards. Can
you get them all in time to start your installation?
Discussion Questions
a. Why is it important to follow local laws and guidelines when installing
solar panels?
b. What could happen if the installation doesn’t meet safety standards?

Final Challenge: Installation Day – Putting It All Together!

Installation Simulation: Now that you have everything ready, it is time
to “install” your solar panels. Using your model, explain to the class how

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you decided on the number of solar panels needed, how you would place the
panels and how you would ensure that everything works properly.
Reflection Questions
1. How does installing solar panels help communities in Ghana?
2. What skills do you think are most important for someone working in
solar energy?
3. What do you think the purpose of the inverter is in the diagram below?
Why is it important?

Conclusion: By going through these steps, you have learned how solar
panels are installed in Ghana, from choosing the perfect spot to getting all
the necessary approvals. How might you use this knowledge to help your
community?

Fig. 5.2: A labelled diagram of the inverter installation

Let us do the next activity to consolidate the installation and testing process.

Activity 5.8

Aim: To install a solar panel kit, understand its components, and measure the
output voltage and current under different lighting conditions.
What we need: Solar panel kit (designed for educational purposes),
multimeter (to measure voltage and current), connecting wires, load (e.g.,
small motor or light bulb), mounting stand (optional), sunlight or artificial
light source, notebook and pen for recording data.

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What to do
1. Carefully unpack the solar panel kit and identify all components.
Common components include the solar panel, connecting wires, a load
(such as a small motor or light bulb), and a stand.
2. If your kit includes a stand or frame, assemble it according to the
instructions provided.
3. Mount the solar panel onto the stand, ensuring it is secure.
4. The connecting wires attach the load (motor or light bulb) to the solar
panel terminals. Ensure correct polarity (positive to positive and negative
to negative).
5. Set the multimeter to measure voltage (V) and connect the probes to the
output terminals of the solar panel.
6. To measure current (I), you must set the multimeter to the current setting
and connect it in series with the load.
7. Vary the brightness of the light incident on the solar panel and record the
new voltage and current (see suggestions for how to achieve this below).

a. Outdoor in sunlight: Place the solar panel in direct sunlight, with

the plane of the panel’s surface pointing directly at the sun. Record
the voltage and current readings from the multimeter. Vary the light
intensity by changing the angle of the panel to the Sun slowly until
it is facing downwards, away from the Sun.
b. Artificial light: Bring the panel indoors and use a strong artificial
light source (e.g., a desk lamp). Start with the lamp very close to
the panel and record the readings. Slowly move the lamp to greater
and greater distances from the panel, recording the readings at each
interval.
Record Observations: For each lighting condition, note the following:
1. Voltage (V)
2. Current (A)
3. Power (P = V × I)

You can put your data in a table, which might look something like this:

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Table 5.1

Lighting Voltage (V) Current (I) Power (W) = V x I

condition

Direct sunlight
Partial shade
Artificial light

Analyse data: Compare the voltage and current outputs under different
lighting conditions.
Discuss how the intensity and type of light affect the solar panel’s performance.

Extension activity:
Drawing a graph with enable further and more specific analysis of how the
power output of the solar panel varies with light intensity.

Exploring the Impact of Environmental Factors on Solar

Panel Installation
The following activities are to deepen your understanding and application of the
impact of the environment on solar panel installation.
Work in groups for all of the following activities.

Activity 5.9

See conclusions to this activity in Annex 5.1

Task 1: Temperature Impact Experiment

What you need
• Two identical small solar panels or solar-powered fans/lights.
• Two clear plastic containers.
• Ice packs and hot water bottles.
• Thermometer.

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What to do
1. Place one solar-powered fan or light inside a plastic container with an ice
pack (to simulate a cooler environment) and the other in a container with
a hot water bottle (to simulate a warmer environment).
2. Place both containers under a bright light source or outside in direct
sunlight. Observe how the fans or lights operate in different temperature
conditions.
3. Use the thermometer to record the temperature inside each container.
4. Compare the performance of the solar devices in cooler versus warmer
environments. Discuss how temperature affects the efficiency of solar
panels and what can be done to reduce overheating.

Reflection Questions
1. How did temperature affect the performance of the solar-powered
devices?
2. What strategies can be used to keep solar panels cool and efficient?
3. Do you think this change in performance would continue to occur
infinitely if the temperature was continually decreased?

Task 2: Roof Orientation and Tilt Angle Experiment

What you need
• A protractor or angle finder.
• Small solar panel or light-sensitive material.
• Adjustable mount or cardboard to change the angle.
• Light source (flashlight or sunlight).

What to do
1. Place the small solar panel or light-sensitive material on the adjustable
mount. Use the protractor to set the tilt angle to different degrees (e.g.,
0°, 15°, 30°, 45°).
2. Shine the light source directly on the panel at each tilt angle. Measure
or observe the output (e.g., how brightly a connected LED lights up, the
reading on a multimeter or how much the material darkens).
3. Record the results and compare how different angles affect the amount
of light absorbed.

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4. Discuss why it’s important to install solar panels at the correct tilt angle
based on the location’s latitude and how roof orientation impacts the
overall energy production.

Reflection Questions
1. What tilt angle provided the best sunlight exposure for the solar panel?
2. How does the roof’s orientation (facing north, south, east, or west) affect
solar energy generation?
3. Why is it important to avoid shaded areas when installing solar panels?

Task 3: Wind and Weather Simulation

What you need
• A small solar panel (or a paper model representing a solar panel).
• Fan (to simulate wind).
• Spray bottle with water (to simulate rain).
• Sand or dust (to simulate dirt or debris).
• Small weights (to represent secure mounting).

What to do
1. Place the small solar panel or model in front of a fan. Gradually increase
the wind speed and observe how it affects the stability of the panel. Add
small weights to see how securing the panel can prevent movement.
2. Spray water on the panel to simulate rain and sprinkle sand or dust to
simulate debris. Observe how these factors affect the panel’s surface and
ability to generate power.
3. Try cleaning the panel with a cloth or brush and see how much its
efficiency improves after removing dirt and debris.
4. Discuss the importance of proper mounting and regular maintenance
to ensure that solar panels function efficiently despite environmental
challenges.

Reflection Questions
1. How can strong winds impact the installation and stability of solar
panels?
2. What effects do rain and dust have on the performance of solar panels,
and how can these issues be addressed?

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Maintenance of Solar Panels: Why is regular cleaning of

solar panels important?
Regular cleaning of solar panels is crucial because it ensures they operate at
maximum efficiency. Over time, dust, dirt, bird droppings, and other debris can
accumulate on the surface of the panels, blocking sunlight and reducing the amount
of energy they can generate. Even a small amount of shading can significantly
decrease the panels’ efficiency, leading to lower energy output and reduced cost
savings.
Cleaning the panels regularly helps maintain optimal performance, ensuring that
you get the most out of your solar investment. It also prolongs the lifespan of
the panels by preventing potential damage from corrosive substances that might
accumulate on their surfaces.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Energy to

the Economy of Ghana
Advantages of Solar Energy to Life in Ghana

Activity 5.10

Initial Set-up: The Pokuase community, located in the Greater Accra Region,
was part of a government initiative to provide solar power to under-served
areas. The project involved installing solar panels on rooftops of households
and public facilities, such as schools and clinics. The initiative was funded by
a combination of government grants and international aid.
Task
1. In your group, research and analyse the case study to identify the
advantages (e.g., on energy access, education and healthcare) and
disadvantages (e.g. initial costs, maintenance requirements).
2. Discuss how these factors influence the overall effectiveness of solar
panels in the case study.

Case Study 2: The Bui Solar Energy Project in Ghana

The Bui Solar Energy Project is a significant renewable energy initiative in
Ghana, designed to complement the existing Bui Hydroelectric Dam. Located
in the Bono Region, this project was developed by the Bui Power Authority
(BPA) as part of Ghana’s broader strategy to diversify its energy mix and

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increase the share of renewable energy in the national grid. The solar farm is
one of the largest in West Africa, with an installed capacity of 250 Megawatts
(MW).

Initial Set-up: The Bui Solar Project was planned as a three-phase

development. The first phase, completed in 2020, involved the installation of
50 MW of solar power capacity. Subsequent phases aim to expand this capacity
to 250 MW. The project was financed through a combination of government
funding, loans from international development banks, and partnerships with
private sector entities. The solar farm utilizes photovoltaic (PV) panels spread
over a vast area of land. The integration with the Bui Hydroelectric Dam
allows for hybrid energy generation, balancing solar energy during the day
with hydropower when solar output decreases.
Task
1. In your group, research and analyse the case study to identify the
advantages (e.g., on energy access and carbon emissions) and
disadvantages (e.g. initial costs, land use, maintenance requirements).
2. Discuss how these factors influence the overall effectiveness of solar
panels in the case study.

Conclusion and Class Discussion

After each group has examined the case studies, you will present your
findings to the class for a class-wide discussion on the impacts of the two
projects. The discussion will encourage critical thinking about the challenges
and opportunities of large-scale renewable energy projects in Ghana and their
implications for the country’s future development.

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ANNEXES

Annex 5.1 – Solutions To Some Activities

Activity 5.4

Map of Ghana showing location of solar panel installations studied (shown

in green, yellow, and red highlights) source (https://www.researchgate.net/
figure/Map-of-Ghana-showing-location-of-installations-studied-shown-in-
green-yellow-and-red_fig2_339220812)

Activity 5.5

Benefits of Solar Energy for Ghana

1. Economic Growth: The solar industry can create jobs in manufacturing,
installation, maintenance, and research, driving economic development.

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2. Technological Innovation: Investing in solar energy encourages the

development of new technologies and solutions, positioning Ghana as a
leader in renewable energy.
3. Environmental Sustainability: By reducing the need for fossil fuels,
solar energy helps protect Ghana’s natural environment and promotes a
healthier planet for future generations.

Challenges Associated with Solar Energy

1. Low generation potential on cloudy days or at nighttime. How will the
demand for nocturnal energy be met?
2. Difficulty in storing excess electricity/energy during times of plentiful
generation, for use during times of low generation.
3. High initial cost of manufacturing, installing, maintaining and disposing
of solar technology which does not have the required large-scale
infrastructure to do so.
4. Lack of flexibility in terms of energy/electricity output. In a time of
spiking demand, you cannot just turn up the Sun!

Activity 5.9

• Task 1 Conclusion:Solar panels are designed to operate efficiently within

a specific temperature range. While solar panels can still function in
high temperatures, extremely hot conditions can reduce their efficiency.
Panels produce less electricity as the temperature increases, so proper
ventilation and cooling measures may be needed.
• Task 2 Conclusion: The angle and direction of the roof or mounting
structure affect how much sunlight the panels receive throughout the
day. In Ghana, the optimal orientation for solar panels is typically facing
south, where they can capture maximum sunlight. The tilt angle should
be adjusted to match the latitude of the location to maximise energy
absorption.
• Task 3 Conclusion: The local climate, including wind, rain, and dust,
affects the durability and performance of solar panels. Heavy rainfall
can lead to water pooling and potential leakage issues if the panels are
not installed correctly. High winds may require more robust mounting
systems to prevent damage, while dust and dirt accumulation on panels

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can reduce their efficiency by blocking sunlight. High humidity levels

can lead to corrosion of metal components in the solar panel system.
In coastal areas of Ghana, where humidity and salt levels are higher,
corrosion-resistant materials should be used to ensure the longevity of
the installation. For ground-mounted solar panels, the type of soil and
ground stability are important considerations. In areas with frequent
flooding or erosion, the installation site must be carefully selected and
prepared to avoid damage.

Activity 5.10

Case study 1:

Benefits:
• Energy Access: The solar panels provided reliable electricity to a
community that had previously faced frequent power outages.
• Educational Impact: Schools in the area were able to extend learning
hours with the availability of electricity, improving student outcomes.
• Healthcare Improvements: The local clinic could operate medical
equipment and refrigeration for vaccines without relying on an unstable
grid.

Challenges Encountered:
• Initial Costs: Although the project was subsidized, some households
struggled with the upfront costs required for installation and maintenance.
• Maintenance Issues: A lack of local expertise meant that any technical
issues with the solar panels had to be addressed by technicians from
outside the community, leading to delays in repairs.
• Sustainability Concerns: Over time, concerns arose about the
sustainability of the project due to the costs of maintaining and replacing
parts of the solar systems.

Case study 2:
Benefits:
• Increased Energy Supply: The Bui Solar Project contributes
significantly to Ghana’s energy supply, providing clean, renewable

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energy to the national grid and helping to reduce the country’s reliance
on thermal power plants.
• Reduction in Carbon Emissions: By displacing fossil fuel-based power
generation, the project is expected to reduce Ghana’s carbon emissions
by several thousand tons annually, contributing to global climate change
reduction efforts.
• Hybrid System Efficiency: The integration with the hydroelectric dam
allows for more efficient energy use, as water can be stored for power
generation when solar energy is insufficient.

Challenges Encountered:
• High Initial Investment: The project required substantial upfront
capital, which posed challenges in securing adequate financing.
• Land Use Concerns: The large area required for the solar farm raised
concerns about land use and the potential impact on local agriculture
and communities.
• Technical and Maintenance Issues: As with any large-scale
infrastructure, maintaining the solar panels and ensuring optimal
performance involves ongoing technical challenges.

Annex 5.2 – Further Information

How Can Solar Panels Be Used in Ghana?
Solar panels can be installed in various settings to meet different energy needs:
1. Rooftop Installations: Homes and businesses can have solar panels
installed on their roofs to generate electricity for their own use, reducing
their reliance on the national grid and cutting down on electricity bills.
2. Solar Farms: Large-scale solar farms can generate electricity for entire
communities or regions, providing clean energy to many people at once.
3. Decentralised Systems: In rural areas where connecting to the national
grid is challenging, decentralised solar systems can provide electricity for
lighting, water pumping, and other essential services.

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How the Implementation of Solar Energy/Panel

Initiatives Impacts the Country’s Economic Growth and
Sustainability
Renewable energy, particularly solar energy, plays a significant role in fostering
economic growth and sustainability. Here’s a brief overview focusing on key
areas:

Impact of Solar Energy:

• Energy Independence - Reducing Reliance on Imported Fuels: Energy
independence refers to a country’s ability to meet its energy needs without
relying heavily on imported fuels, such as coal, oil or natural gas.
• Reduction in Imports: By investing in solar energy, Ghana can reduce its
dependence on imported fossil fuels, which are often subject to unstable
global prices.
• Energy Security: Solar energy enhances energy security by providing a
reliable and locally sourced power supply. This reduces the vulnerability to
geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions that can affect imported energy
resources.
• Economic Diversification: As Ghana moves towards energy independence,
it diversifies its economy by reducing its reliance on sectors dominated by
fossil fuels, making it more resilient to global market shifts.
• Direct Employment: The solar industry creates jobs in manufacturing,
installation, maintenance, and sales of solar panels and related technologies.
This includes both skilled and unskilled labour, contributing to employment
across various levels of the workforce.
• Supporting Industries: The growth of the solar sector stimulates job creation
in related industries, such as supply chain management, transportation,
finance, and engineering services. These supporting industries benefit from
the demand generated by the solar energy sector.
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Solar energy fosters entrepreneurship
by encouraging the development of new businesses and innovations in
renewable technologies. This can lead to the creation of start-ups focused on
solar solutions, driving economic growth and technological advancement.
• Reduced Utility Bills: Once the initial investment in solar panels is made,
the ongoing costs of generating solar power are significantly lower compared
to conventional energy sources. This translates into reduced electricity bills
for both businesses and households.

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• Increased Disposable Income: Lower energy costs mean more disposable

income that can be spent on other needs, stimulating economic activity.
• Enhanced Competitiveness: Businesses that adopt solar energy can lower
their operating costs, allowing them to offer more competitive pricing or
increase their profit margins. This can make Ghanaian businesses more
competitive both domestically and internationally.
• Cost Stability: Solar energy provides more predictable and stable energy
costs, as it is less affected by market fluctuations compared to fossil fuels.

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REVIEW QUESTION

Review Questions 5.1

1. State 3 examples of fossil fuels.
2. Describe how a fossil fuel is made and explain why they are non-
renewable.
3. Explain why it would be beneficial for Ghana to transition away from
fossil fuels, specifically towards solar power.
4. Outline the impacts of solar power (both positive and negative) on the
Ghanaian economy.

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EXTENDED READING
• Solar energy basics: https://www.coursera.org/learn/solar-energy-basics
• Understanding Solar - a beginner’s guide: https://youtu.be/YtoU7167t5I
• “Solar Power Demystified: The Beginners Guide to Solar Power, Energy
Independence and Lower Bills” by Lacho Pop, Dimi Avram

REFERENCES
1. General Science Curriculum for Senior High Schools
2. “Solar Power Demystified: The Beginners Guide to Solar Power, Energy
Independence and Lower Bills” by Lacho Pop, Dimi Avram
3. Solar Electricity Handbook: A Simple, Practical Guide to Solar Energy –
Designing and Installing Solar Photovoltaic Systems” by Michael Boxwell
4. https://buipower.com/250mwp-solar-project, BUI SOLAR PROJECT
5. https://citinewsroom.com/2023/06/bui-power-authority-completes-first-
floating-solar-project-in-sub-region/
6. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/reviews/solar/how-to-install-solar-
panels
7. https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/solar/how-to-install-solar-
panels/
8. https://www.skillstg.co.uk/blog/how-to-install-a-solar-panel/
9. https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/solar-panel-maintenance-everything-
you-need-to-know#:~:text=clean%20them%20manually.-,It%20is%20
generally%20recommended%20that%20you%20perform%20solar%20
panel%20cleaning,clean%20and%20in%20top%20condition.
10. https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/maintenance-guide

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SECTION 5 SOLAR PANELS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

List of Contributors
Name Institution
Prof. Christian A. Krueger UCC, Cape Coast
Emmanuel O. Ocquaye GES, Science Education Unit, Accra
Rev. Thomas K. Arboh Police Education Directorate, Accra
Samuel Bismark Larbi Mfantsipim School, Cape Coast

24