Mp-tec launches joint venture in Ghana
German-based solar system integrator Mp-tec GmbH & Co. KG has announced it is expanding its international operations and has opened a joint venture Mp-tec solar Ghana Ltd. with local investors under the management of CEO Michael Preissel. At the same time, Mp-tec is opening an office with an adjacent warehouse complex in the Ghanaian capital of Accra. Alongside branches in Poland and the Philippines, the regional office in Ghana now marks Mp-tec's third international spin-off.
Sales there will focus on commercially viable products such as back-up systems, solar pumps, solar lamps and stand-alone systems.
"We have very good knowledge of the market's requirements and a product range which offers the right solutions for acute issues such as power outages and a lack of electrification in rural areas," says Michael Preissel, CEO of Mp-tec.
In 2005, Mp-tec installed photovoltaic systems and trained tradesmen locally in the country on Africa's west coast as part of a German Investment and Development Corporation project.
"Political stability, a booming and affluent middle class, and the relative high price of electricity mean that the Ghanaian market environment is now more attractive than ever. Momentum is likely to increase with the implementation of the Renewable Energy Law in Ghana", says Dr. Patrik Fischer, CSO at Mp-tec.
"Acute shortages of electricity with frequent outages have prompted the government to act; feed-in tariffs are due to be published shortly. The initiative aims to ensure universal supply coverage and increase the share of renewables in the energy mix to 10 percent by 2020. Due to the excellent solar irradiation values in the country, however, there is almost electricity price parity today", adds Dr. Fischer.
