The DSTC Solar Training Centre is undertaking the training of 14 Ghanaians in grid-connected solar course in Accra.

The 10-day training, sponsored by German Development Cooperation (GIZ), will be delivered by Mr Geoff Stapleton, the Master Trainer and assisted by Technical Trainers of DSTC Mr Richard Arthur, and Nicholas Opoku Kwarteng.

Participants for the training are drawn from the energy sector, comprising the Energy Commission, Northern Electricity Company, Volta River Authority and the Electricity Company of Ghana.

Others are the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Energy and National Resources, Sunyani, Takoradi Polytechnic as well as some members of the Association of Ghana Solar Industries.

Mr Stapleton told the Ghana News Agency that past trainings had centred on design, installation and maintenance of stand-alone solar systems, and solar water pumping systems.

He said new courses would be introduced periodically in order to expand DSTC services.

Mr Stapleton said the cost of solar panels is trending downwards making it a competitive alternative to

DSTC is an innovative contributor to the wider use of solar energy in West Africa and Ghana in particular.

It has helped to expand the solar market in Ghana and other ECOWASs countries by providing technical training on the design, installation and maintenance of stand-alone solar systems, and on solar water pumping systems.

The training in the grid-connected solar course will end on July 18.

DSTC has played an important role in capacity building in the rural districts of Ghana with both technical and business training courses for rural service providers. The company is also offering consultancy services on solar projects and project implementation.