The potential for making a profitable investment in the solar energy business will be the focus of a two-day international business-to-business exhibition and forum in Accra.

The event is dubbed: “Solar West Africa 12,” which opens on April 4.

The forum, which runs alongside an exhibition, is expected to attract non-governmental organisations, architects, property developers, utility companies, regulatory authorities, government ministries, departments and agencies, investors and financial institutions, installers and distributors, manufacturers and contractors.

A statement issued in Accra on Tuesday by the Ministry of Energy said senior decision-makers at management or director level in their organisations, would debate a range of topics related to the implementation of solar strategies in Ghana, including the Government’s visions for renewable energy to lower the risk of power shortages and increased Co2 emissions.

“Given that the sun emits enough energy to power the entire world, Ghana’s proximity to the equator gives it the potential to harness a big slice of it to be used to power the 40 per cent of its population, mostly in the northerly regions, who are not connected to the National Grid,” it said.

The statement said Solar West Africa ‘12, would be formally opened by the Deputy Minister of Energy, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, who is expected to use the opportunity to outline the Government’s solar energy strategies.

A number of specialist speakers, including UK- based Patrick Owelle as well as Mark Verstraten, Managing Director of Rimas Technology Group, in the Netherlands will present their views on the financing of major projects and the sourcing of high and low tech solar solutions.

On the theme: “The Brighter Way Forward,” Solar West Africa ‘12 is sponsored by the Volta River Authority, RIMAS Technologies Group, PSC Solar, Schneider Electric, AD&TS, Alternative Energy Africa Magazine, Enviro Business, ENF, Pipeline Clean Energy, The Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Partnership and E+Co.

It is organised by UK based IMPS and EXPO Promotions in partnership with the Association of Ghana Solar Industries with the support of Ghana’s Energy Commission and the Ministry of Energy.

Ghana organiser’s spokesman Mr James Quarshie says, “Solar West Africa ’12 will bring together companies and organisations with common goals seeking to partner in the development of West Africa’s solar industry’’.

It is expected to become an annual gathering of solar professionals, who will contribute to the regional growth of the industry in years to come.**