Solar And Wind Energy Technologies, Environmentally Sound Alternatives For Electricity Production In Developing Countries

Energy is a basic requirement for human development, yet over half the population of people living in the rural areas of most developing countries have no access to grid electricity or any other form of modern commercial energy.The growth of population in some countries, and the intense urbanisation and industrialization in others have increased this energy demand that for many decades has been satisfied mostly by fossil fuels. Their combustion not only damages the environment, affects human health but also increases the concentration of greenhouse gases in the air that lead to a global warming.According to the most recent projections on global warming, the Earth is heating up much faster than previously thought. Scientists project that the planet's average surface temperature will rise between 2.5 and 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit over the next hundred years due to human burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. This increase is in addition to the one degree rise the planet has already experienced.The main purpose of this article is to give a systematic/ scientific approach to the concept of Sustainable Solar Energy Usage leading to the creation of a Biological Environment, and the positive influence it will have on Architecture.This study categorically offers solution to the above stated problems on global warming, damages to the environment and effects on human health. Attempt has been made to lay more emphasis on how its implementation in Ghana could enhance housing production and provide both comfort and harmony by creating better coordination for people and the total environment.The study was primarily conducted in Ghana with other selected case studies from Shanghai, Beijing in China, Britain, United States of America, Germany, Australia and others, both developed and developing countries.The scope of study:In this research, careful attempt and special considerations have been made to clearly assess: The Essential Role of the Atmospheric Control, sources and causes of Urban Heat Island effect leading to the increase in greenhouse gases and global warming, the problems of indoor air pollution, the usage of solar photovoltaic (PV), wind technologies and energy design principles and their associated advantages in developing countries.In summary, some detail aspects of the findings on solar and wind energy included;The obvious environmental benefits to the implementation of the solutions to these above mentioned problems largely include reducing, the green house effects, environmental degradation, natural resources wastage, lowering of the carbon dioxide emission and so on. In addition, hospitals and houses in some cities and rural areas in Ghana could use solar rooftops instead of wood chip to fire boilers.Governmental bodies, local councils, energy experts, and other specialists would be encouraged to endeavor to provide advice and training on feasibility studies, funding, technology issues, planning, environmental assessment and public participation.There should be plan for major funding, for the community schemes drawn up by the Government as well as for major solar photovoltaic (PV) demonstrational programmes which will include support for community projects and individual households.The accomplishment of these renewable energy systems needs an optimal policy mix. Hence, there should be maximum public involvement in the education and implementation of renewable energy issues which are geared toward developing the various local communities in Ghana and would also act as the key to helping them develop their own renewable energy ideas.On the other hand, hospitals and houses could use with solar rooftops instead of wood chip fired boilers. Everyone can play a part in increasing the amount of renewable energy Ghana uses.The potentials for employing manufacturing skills is an important part of developing our renewables. Another key aspect of this initiative is that it will give a further source of income to the communities involved in such schemes.In addition, use of Photovoltaic technology could offer additional environmental and social advantages over other energy sources. Further suggestions to encourage the increasing use of Solar Energy Technologies would be researched into and demonstrated in Ghana.There would be the need for solar and wind energy markets in Ghana to be linked with ongoing research and developments internationally. Once there is competitive business from expanding demand, financiers, manufacturers and suppliers can make long term plans and prices fall. Governments can therefore control appropriate markets by (i) Iincreasing or decreasing taxation, (ii) awarding grants, (iii) legislating obligations, (iv) changing planning regulations,(v) changing building and manufacturing standards, (vii) transport policy, and (vi) environmental legislation to accommodate renewable energy principles and usage.The potential for markets would also be learnt from research, which governments should fund in co-operation with industry.Harnessing solar energy to power hospitals, commercial buildings and housing sounds very worthwhile, if the familiar practical and bureaucratic obstacles could be removed or lessened.There should be public involvement in the education and implementation of renewable energy. The creation of a sustainable energy development is a great challenge that requires co-operation from all sectors, and alternative priorities: thus, environmental before commercial, which is geared towards the progress of developing the various local communities in Ghana.It will help people devise renewable energy developments suited to their own locality that they can benefit from, and help people get environmentally sensitive renewable projects on the ground.Therefore, an Internet website will also be developed to highlight and coordinate the activities and the importance of solar energy usage in Ghana and as well as the setting up of energy and environmental conservation clubs with various active programmes in primary and secondary schools, polytechnics and universities. This solar energy promotion will also be well organized to get information to the people through school children and students..The institution of new projects using solar energy will bring educational opportunities and local jobs as well as the obvious environmental benefits, such as, reducing the green house effects, environmental degradation, natural resources wastage and so on.Furthermore, the article will again seek to sensitize Architects, Engineers , Urban planners and Managements in all sectors of economies to adopt the implementation of Solar control principles in buildings design and construction.It will also attempt to present new and useful information in achieving energy efficient building designs and performance which will greatly enhance the achievement of affordable, healthy and durable buildings and workspaces that would maintain or uplift the human conditions in Ghana.