Optimisation of Energy Usage in Some Senior High Schools in Tarkwa and its Environs

Abstract In line with the worldwide efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability in energy generation, renewable energy sources offer the most advantageous option. This work explores optimisation of energy consumption in four Senior High Schools within the Tarkwa Nsuaem and Prestea Huni-Valley Municipalities in the Western Region of Ghana. A comprehensive energy audit used the ASHRAE standards to identify areas for improvement in the electricity usage of these schools. Replacing CFLs and incandescent lamps with LED bulbs, along with changing old refrigerators with higher energy consumption, reduced the general energy consumption by an average of 40 % in the selected schools. The study went further to assess the feasibility of implementing solar energy technology options for power generation on the gable roof which is predominant in Ghanaian schools. Comparison of solar technologies favored grid-connected PV for its cost-effectiveness. A prototype of solar tracking system designed specifically for the gable roof was fabricated to increase solar panel efficiency. This new design collected 31 % more solar power compared to another installation which did not track the varying position of the sun in the sky. It was recommended that exclusive use of LED bulbs in Senior High Schools should be encouraged, and government should continue to support the usage of renewable energy to achieve sustainable energy goals. This study emphasises the vital role of energy efficiency and renewable energy in educational institutions to reduce the cost of purchasing energy (a direct function of the rate of energy consumption) and for climate change mitigation.