Daystar Power commissions 4.3MW solar system for Rider Steel’s Kumasi factory

January 18, 2024
Daystar Power

Rider Steel will offset 49,900 tons of CO2 emissions over the installation’s 20-year lifetime. The 4.3MW grid-tied system is the largest distributed solar power project for an industrial client in Ghana.

ACCRA, 18 January 2024 - Daystar Power (“Daystar”), a leading hybrid solar energy provider for businesses and industrial manufacturers in Africa and a member of the Shell Group, has commissioned a 4.3MW grid-tied solar system at the Kumasi factory of Rider Steel, Ghana’s largest steel producer. The installation is the largest distributed solar power project for an industrial manufacturer in Ghana.

For the exclusively rooftop installation, Daystar mounted 7,524 units of 580Wp PV modules on the 30,000m2 factory roof. All solar panels are connected to a remote monitoring system, allowing for preventive maintenance. With the new solar system, Rider Steel will offset 49,900 tons of CO2 emissions over the installation’s 20-year lifetime.

“We’re delighted to inaugurate this solar system for Rider Steel, which is by far our largest project in Ghana. It’s a compelling example that shows solar energy can power heavy industry and integrate well with the grid,” said Jasper Graf von Hardenberg, CEO of Daystar Power.

“Rider Steel Group acknowledges and is dedicated to fostering a sustainable, eco-friendly future by minimizing our carbon footprint. We are thrilled to announce the inauguration of a unique 4.3MW solar facility in collaboration with our partners, Daystar. This solar installation will enable us to procure 20% of our electricity requirements from clean and sustainable energy sources, and underscores our commitment to promoting sustainable steel recycling in Ghana and across West Africa. We express our gratitude to Daystar and its dedicated team for their tireless efforts in ensuring the timely completion of this project,” said Walid Al-Alami, Director of Rider Steel Ghana.

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ABOUT DAYSTAR POWER

Daystar Power is a leading off-grid power service provider, offering hybrid power solutions to commercial and industrial businesses in sub-Saharan Africa. Daystar Power’s solutions “Solar-as-a-Service” (100% solar power) and “Power-as-a-Service” (hybrid power solutions with battery storage) provide clean and reliable power while significantly reducing clients’ overall power costs.

Daystar Power’s clients pay a flat monthly fee or a variable tariff (per kilowatt hour) for premium power services, which include a power audit and assessment of energy needs, a bespoke proposal, installation, and full operation & maintenance. Clients do not incur any capital expenditure and do not pay up-front costs. By outsourcing the management of their power systems, Daystar Power clients can focus on running their core businesses.

Founded in 2017, by the African venture builder Sunray Ventures, Daystar Power counts the region’s leading industrial and commercial companies among its client base and is active in Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Togo, Tanzania, and South Africa. With over 400 projects completed in seven countries, Daystar has 100MW of power-generating assets. Daystar Power is part of the Shell Group.

Find out more at http://www.daystar-power.com

 ABOUT RIDER IRON & STEEL GHANA

Rider Iron & Steel Kumasi is a steel recycling plant located in Konongo, Ashanti Region, Ghana. Established in 2019 through a collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a part of the World Bank Group, the facility boasts an annual nameplate capacity of 300,000 metric tons (MT).

Rider Steel Group has actively participated in scrap metal recycling and steel production in Ghana since 2012. The company's primary focus lies in meeting the needs of the residential and commercial sectors in Ghana and extending its services throughout West Africa.

The group is committed to a resilient, resource-efficient, and environmentally conscious future, Rider Steel Group's recycling system regards waste as a valuable resource. The company maintains a close working relationship with the local community, various stakeholders, and government agencies, thereby enhancing its ability to make a more significant contribution to a sustainable future in steel recycling in Ghana.

Find out more at: https://www.ridersteel.com