Selling Sunshine: How Ghana’s Solar Pioneers Are Changing Lives
By Abena
Navrongo, Upper East Ghana — On a dusty patch of land near the edge of town, a cluster of shiny panels glistens under the scorching midday sun. Nearby, a group of young women assemble solar lanterns in a small container workshop. For many in this remote community, this isn’t just a project — it’s power, progress, and a paycheck.
“I never thought light would come from the sky,” says 19-year-old Fatimata, who now earns ₵250 a month assembling solar kits. “But now, the sun gives us work — and light.”
In a country where access to electricity remains uneven, solar entrepreneurs are transforming lives — one rooftop, one village, one ray at a time.
The Power Gap
Ghana has made notable progress in electrification — with over 85% national coverage, according to the Energy Commission. But beneath that number lies a stubborn gap:
- In many rural and northern districts, only 50–60% of homes are connected to the national grid
- Even in connected areas, frequent outages (dumsor) disrupt businesses and learning
- The cost of connecting to the grid remains unaffordable for many families
This energy divide has created fertile ground for decentralized solar solutions — systems that operate independently of the national grid.
Why Solar?
Ghana is blessed with abundant sunlight year-round, averaging 5–6 hours of peak sun daily. That makes it ideal for:
- Off-grid home systems for lighting, phone charging, and fans
- Solar-powered water pumps for farming
- Microgrids for rural communities
- Solar kiosks for cold storage and mobile money businesses
“Solar is the future — not just for the environment, but for development,” says Professor Kwame Owusu of the Ghana Renewable Energy Institute.
Pioneers and Success Stories
Peg Africa was among the first to introduce pay-as-you-go solar kits in Ghana. Customers pay small amounts via mobile money over time, eventually owning their systems outright.
In the Upper West Region, Solar Sisters Ghana trains rural women to sell lanterns and home kits in hard-to-reach areas. Fatimata is one of 200 women employed through this initiative.
“It’s women who manage homes,” says coordinator Serwaa Asamoah. “So it’s women who lead this solar revolution.”
In Tamale, Kamad Solar has set up 12 community microgrids that power health clinics, schools, and street lights — all using solar energy.
Impact on Daily Life
Health
Clinics with solar-powered refrigerators can now store vaccines and run night-time operations safely. “Before solar, women gave birth in darkness,” says Nurse Mariam at a rural outpost. “Now we have light, fans, even a phone to call for help.”
Education
Students can read at night, charge devices, and attend evening classes under solar lights. Teachers in solar-lit schools report improved attendance.
Business
Solar kiosks now host cold drinks, hair salons, and phone charging stations. In Kumasi, a solar-powered barbering shop runs on a single rooftop panel and battery.
Farming
Solar pumps are replacing diesel engines in irrigation. This reduces costs and improves crop yields. “Now I water twice a day,” says farmer Yusif in Ejura. “No fuel stress.”
Barriers and Challenges
Despite success stories, solar adoption still faces hurdles:
- Upfront costs can still be high for poor households
- Fake or low-quality products flood the market
- Lack of awareness means some people still distrust the technology
- Limited financing options restrict scaling for startups
“There’s a perception that solar is only for the rich,” says solar installer Joseph Mensah. “But with the right model, it’s for everyone.”
Government and Policy
Ghana’s Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP) aims to increase renewable energy in the national mix to 10% by 2030.
Government initiatives include:
- Duty-free imports on solar equipment
- Solar-for-schools and solar-for-health programs
- Partnerships with private firms to expand access
Yet critics say implementation is slow, and rural communities are often left out.
“We need stronger coordination and rural outreach,” says Professor Owusu.
Innovation on the Rise
New tech is making solar smarter and more adaptable:
- Battery storage systems now last longer and charge faster
- Mobile apps allow users to track usage and payments
- Hybrid systems combine solar with wind or backup generators
- Startups are experimenting with solar-powered e-bikes and irrigation systems
“There’s an entire green economy waiting to grow,” says entrepreneur Linda Tetteh, founder of a solar startup in Accra.
Felicia’s Light
In a village near Bawku, 62-year-old Felicia Atong was the first to get a solar home kit. Her grandkids now do homework at night, and she charges phones for neighbors at ₵1 each.
“At my age, I’ve seen candles, kerosene, and darkness,” she says. “Now I have light, and I feel young again.”
Her neighbors have followed suit. Today, 18 homes on her street have adopted solar — not just for energy, but for dignity.
Final Thought
Solar energy in Ghana is no longer a concept for the future — it’s a growing reality shaping lives today. But for it to truly change the national story, policymakers, investors, and communities must scale up together.
The sun doesn’t discriminate — it shines on rich and poor alike. With the right tools, Ghana can turn that sunlight into something more powerful than energy: equity.
“We are not just selling panels,” says Fatimata. “We are selling hope.”