Building integrated photovoltaics in Ghana: aesthetics and policy.

Awuku, Samuel Amo

Abstract

Buildings are known to account for over 40% of CO2 emissions globally, a number which is likely to increase if no feasible interventions are adopted. One sure way is the adoption of advanced solar applications such as building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), intending to make buildings energy producers instead of mere energy consumers. BIPV has benign energy-generating capability and aesthetics concomitantly. Despite the seeming hype and significance of BIPV, its adoption has been relatively sluggish in developing countries. This study considers BIPV adoption in Ghana, focusing on aesthetics and policy. Considering the topography, climatic advantage, electricity supply challenges and advancement in the built environment, Ghana is a strategic location for BIPVs, especially as it serves as the gateway to Africa. Currently, there is no evidence of research on BIPV in Ghana, as the focus has been on regular building applied photovoltaics (BAPV). This thesis, therefore, adopts a mixed method by relying on a blend of quantitative and experimental analysis to investigate the prospects of BIPV in Ghana with a focus on aesthetics and policy. Survey questionnaires were administered to respondents to test their level of BIPV awareness, willingness to adopt solar energy and BIPV, aesthetic preferences and policy perspectives. An initial pilot study indicated a low level of awareness hence architectural visualisation (AV), and adverts were used to sensitise respondents ahead of the main survey. Awareness increased significantly (from 18% to 79.5%), indicating the impact of AV and advertising on BIPV diffusion in Ghana. In terms of aesthetic preferences, the respondents preferred bright colours and a variety of shapes in BIPV design. The study also indicates a high willingness to adopt BIPVs after simulating traditional Adinkra symbols in BIPV design. A further experiment was conducted using the screen-printing approach to print traditional Adinkra symbols on solar cells. It examined these symbols' benefits, printing limitations and characterisation, and suggested some enhancement techniques. The findings reveal that custom patterns for the top contact design of solar cells are achievable through direct printing. However, the outcome showed a lower efficiency due to conductivity issues. Challenges from the printing process, such as thicker line widths and imperfect metal ink bonding, high curing temperature led to shading losses and decreased efficiency. The research suggests optimizing printing parameters, addressing metal ink bonding issues, and minimizing the shading losses by thin line width at the top contact to enhance performance and efficiency. The key findings of this study reveal that BIPV has excellent prospects in Ghana, especially when customised with Adinkra symbols. Key policy areas are ensuring that measures are implemented to boost awareness and providing incentives/financial aid to increase adoption. This research intersects solar energy, aesthetics, architecture and policy in Ghana. It highlights the potential of BIPV to transform buildings into energy producers, enhancing both energy efficiency and visual appeal. The study addresses the low awareness of BIPV in developing countries, proposing customized designs using traditional Adinkra symbols to increase acceptance. By focusing on aesthetic preferences and policy, the study informs both green building technologies and policy frameworks aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and advancing sustainable architecture.

Citation

AWUKU, S.A. 2024. Building integrated photovoltaics in Ghana: aesthetics and policy. Robert Gordon University, PhD thesis. Hosted on OpenAIR [online]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-2795478

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Apr 17, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 17, 2025
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-2795478
• Keywords: Photovoltaics; Building-integrated photovoltaics; Solar energy; Technology adoption; Aesthetics; Traditional symbols; Ghana
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2795478
• Award Date: Nov 30, 2024