In August 2017, we started our first solar installer training course in Ghana, aimed at educating participants in the training of solar installers. In Tumu, UWR, there was previously only one solar installation on a guesthouse, which provided an excellent infrastructure for these training sessions. The main objective of our training of solar installers is to create a skilled workforce that can enhance sustainable energy solutions in the community.

As we could not offer basic training, we only invited participants with at least a junior high school education. The aim of the first course was to identify people to train as trainers. Another aim was to adapt the learning content. By working with the Deng Solar Training Centre (DSTC), the largest training provider in Ghana, we hoped to learn how to deliver such content effectively in Africa.

Thanks to the excellent collaboration with our partner, SILAP Guesthouse (formerly SILDEP: Social Initiative for Literacy and Development Program), we quickly identified seven students with the appropriate background. We are still working with four of them. One of them is now the manager of the guesthouse and two others have started their own businesses. These successes show how important our training is to the local economy.

A key topic of the course was the shading of solar panels, which we discussed in depth. August is the end of the rainy season in Ghana and everything blooms and bears fruit. This helped us to illustrate the concept of shading.

Through our training of solar installers, the PV system at SILAP Guesthouse was upgraded, as reported in another article. In addition, a solar system was installed at the Radford Radio Station in Tumu, which we will report on later. A small system has also been installed on the roof of the Tumu Home Store, which will be the subject of a separate article.

Our training sessions are only the beginning. We believe that training solar installers and trainers in Ghana will not only empower the local community, but also make a significant contribution to the energy transition. With each course we deliver, we are one step closer to sustainable energy in the region.

Help us run more courses in the training of solar installers and give more people the opportunity to learn about solar energy. Every donation counts and helps us reach our goal!