Helios Solar Company has completed Africa’s largest single rooftop solar PV project, a 16.82-megawatt installation in the Tema Free Zone Enclave. This achievement highlights the company’s commitment to advancing renewable energy in Africa and supporting Ghana’s industrialisation efforts.
Africa’s Largest Rooftop Solar Project Takes Shape
Helios Solar Company, a subsidiary of the Ghanaian conglomerate LMI Holdings, has achieved a significant milestone in the continent’s renewable energy sector with the completion of Africa’s largest single-rooftop solar PV project. Officially commissioned by Minister of State for Energy Herbert Krapa on July 25, 2024, the project underscores Helios Solar’s dedication to supporting Ghana’s industrialisation goals through clean energy. Strategically located in the Tema Free Zone Enclave, it will supply 16.82 megawatts of energy to Enclave Power Company, another LMI Holdings subsidiary. This massive installation represents not just a landmark for Helios Solar but a crucial step forward for Ghana’s renewable energy infrastructure.
A Boost to Ghana’s Industrialisation and Sustainability
More than just a solar plant, this project is a testament to Ghana’s ongoing efforts to industrialise sustainably. Its funding is part of a $30 million facility from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) earmarked for providing clean power and water. The IFC’s investment is designed to support job creation, foster greener industrial development, and reduce the country’s carbon footprint.
The new plant is also expected to have a significant environmental impact. By reducing the country’s emissions by approximately 13,000 tons of CO2 equivalent annually, the solar PV plant is a key component of Ghana’s broader strategy to mitigate climate change.
The rooftop project’s impressive scale involved the installation of 29,262 solar panels. Utilising the latest N-type technology, these panels cover 95,754 square meters at the International Warehousing Company Mega Warehouse in the Tema Free Zone. This advanced technology ensures the plant operates with high efficiency, producing 24,750 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean, stable electricity each year—enough to power 55,000 homes.
Local Expertise and Job Creation
The project’s success was driven by the combined expertise of Ghanaian-based firms Dutch and Co. (D&C) and Blossom Enbel Ventures (BEVL). These companies served as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractors, handling the photovoltaic (PV) systems and grid interconnection, respectively.
Beyond providing clean energy, the project also boosted the local economy, with 128 Ghanaian nationals directly employed during its implementation. This initiative is part of a larger $50 million investment, including the $30 million IFC loan, aimed at developing both the solar farm and a water treatment plant to serve businesses in the Tema Free Zones Enclave.
Helios Solar’s new rooftop solar project is a significant milestone in Ghana’s renewable energy journey, demonstrating the potential for large-scale clean energy projects to support industrial development while contributing to environmental sustainability. As Ghana continues to strive for a greener future, such initiatives will be instrumental in shaping the country’s energy landscape for years to come.
