Total Ghana opens second solar-powered station
Total Petroleum Ghana Limited, an oil marketing company, has launched its second solar service station in Takoradi in the Western Region, in line with its commitment to environmental sustainability, innovation and premium customer service.
Located at the Takoradi Airport Junction, the station has 56 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on a canopy which produces about 18kWp of power to serve the shop, the pumps and the two forecourts.
It is a grid-tier system with batteries and comprises an inverter, alternative current (AC) and direct current (DC) panels.
The first of such stations to be inaugurated was the Tema Main Harbour Service Station last July.
Second phase
According to the Managing Director of Total Ghana, Mr Eric Fanchini, there would be a second phase of the solar installation, adding: “The solar panels for this phase will provide power for the car wash centre, the lube bay, the tyre centre and the KFC on the premises.”
He said the current installed solar capacity would also enable the service station to generate enough energy to run its activities without reliance on the national electricity grid.
“Since the company inaugurated the Tema Main Harbour solar service station in July 2018, the first ever to be installed in Ghana, it has been able to save a reasonable amount on electricity cost,” Mr Fanchioni indicated.
Energy solutions
According to the company, the construction of the solar-powered service stations was part of efforts aimed at providing energy solutions that were efficient and environmentally friendly.
The MD said Total Ghana planned to ‘solarise’ at least 50 per cent of its network stations within five years as part of its modernisation plan.
Mr Fanchini said the company would continue to show its leadership strength in investing in and improving the standard of its stations for the benefit of customers and the public.
Background
Established in 1951, Total Petroleum Ghana Limited is a locally listed oil marketing company with over 4,700 Ghanaian shareholders.
The company has a retail network of 251 service stations across the 10 regions of the country, with activities spanning the aviation, bitumen and mining sectors.