A detailed feasibility study conducted on Ghana's Parliament House identifies optimized renewable energy pathways for public institutions seeking net-zero alignment. Using geographic information systems mapping and Python-based grid simulation, researchers assessed rooftop and carport solar photovoltaic potential, combined with green hydrogen and ammonia production scenarios.
The analysis proposes a 6.3 megawatt solar array generating 10,569 megawatt-hours annually—exceeding the facility's 7,554 megawatt-hour demand by approximately 3,014 megawatt-hours. This excess capacity enables secondary revenue streams through grid export and hydrogen production. Over a 25-year operational period, the solar deployment prevents 211,611 tons of carbon dioxide emissions compared to grid-only supply.
Financial modeling using net present value, internal rate of return, profitability index, and levelized cost calculations demonstrates strong viability for solar deployment. Direct grid sales yield an NPV of GHS 84.57 million with 56% IRR and four-year payback period. Local consumption plus grid export scenarios are even more attractive, returning GHS 106.91 million NPV over 25 years with 75% IRR.
However, downstream hydrogen and ammonia applications present challenges. Hydrogen production from excess solar electricity shows negative economics (negative GHS 16.78 million NPV, GHS 87.2 per kilogram cost), while ammonia processing yields GHS 70.72 million negative NPV at GHS 29,419.55 per ton. Grid voltage analysis reveals PV integration increases system losses from 113.3 kilowatts to 1,659.2 kilowatts, necessitating grid reinforcement planning.
The study recommends prioritizing solar-to-grid pathways while building policy frameworks supporting distributed generation. Current Ghanaian regulations cap prosumer exports at 500 kilowatts and prohibit direct grid sales, constraining revenue potential. Sensitivity analysis confirms that reducing capital expenditure and electricity input costs would improve hydrogen and ammonia competitiveness. Policymakers must modernize net metering schemes and implement supportive regulatory environments to maximize renewable deployment in emerging African economies.
