Solar Power application in Africa

Ultra-Efficient Solar Power application in Africa

With such a growing demand of fuel, in the coming days, solar power seems to be the only solution to all of our energy needs.

At present, in many parts of the world, solar power is being harnessed via solar panels. Although the technology is not bad, but due to being static, meanwhile the position of the sun keeps on changing, the efficiency of these panels is quite low. 20% efficiency, while being a bit on the higher side in terms of pricing, is the only reason that keeps the consumers at bay.

For a developing nation like Africa, harnessing solar power for electricity is nothing less than a boon. To add to its advantage, the lower efficiency problem is also being addressed, successfully.

Harry Atwater is a pioneer in efficiently harnessing the solar power in this region. His lab has come up with a unique design, which can produce more than twice the solar power generated by other panels, available as of today.

The proposed device would use a design that efficiently splits sunlight, similar to the action of a prism, into six-eight component wavelengths. Depending upon the wavelength, the colour of the light will be determined, and each color would then be dispersed to a cell made of a semiconductor that can absorb it.

Atwater’s team has come up with 3 different designs, to utilize the abundant solar energy.

This device will surely be able to drag the prices of the solar panels down, as it’ll produce about 30-45% more energy, as compared to the present scenario. Hence, for Africa, this is a ripe chance to have its appetite for energy, fulfilled.

Solar Power application in Africa

How to invest in Africa"s Technology?

Why the world is investing in Africa’s Technology?

There is a new buzz in the business world. It is called, “Investing in Africa’s Technology.” According to the World Investment Report by the United Nations, Ghana is the third largest recipient of foreign direct investment. The main reason behind Ghana’s sudden rise is due to its oil reserves. The report revealed that there was as much as $3 billion dollars worth of investment and more than 60% were directed towards Ghana in 2009.

Further reports, such as the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC) reports show that on the first quarter of 2012 there was an increase of 200% income than the report made on 2011. So, a total investment of over $1.8 billion were made on 2011 alone. Not only that but the GIPC reported that there were over 52 projects out of 95 projects were wholly-foreign-owned enterprises. So, there is no doubt that major big players are directing their money towards Africa.

Number of reports suggests that starting a business in Africa and the amount of time it takes to process licensing, hiring employees and developing products is sufficiently faster compared to other countries in the world. As an investor this is good news because you can invest your money and able to see it come to action in record time. Whereas, in other countries there is no telling how long something will take or in many cases there is no track record of how your money is used in that country.

So, investing in Africa’s technology is a good start for investors who are still new in the foreign investment market.

Africa’s middle class growth – around 350 million Africans now earn between $2 and $20 a day.

Population living below the poverty line in Africa has fallen from 51% in 2005 to 39% in 2012.

Africa’s collective gross domestic product (GDP) per capita reached $953 last year, while the number of middle income countries on the continent rose to 26, out of a total of 54.

“Africa currently invests just 4% of its collective GDP in infrastructure, compared with China’s 14%,” the bank’s report said.

The amount of human and natural resources deposited in Africa needs huge exploration in the form of Foreign Direct Investment.

PING Magazine says its time to invest in Africa’s technology.

How to invest in Africa"s Technology?