Solar Irrigation Training at Ohawu Agricultural College, Volta Region
Trainees during a hands-on practical session
Mawuli, Vice Principal of Ohawu Agricultural College, shares how his journey with Dream Renewables began -from attending a solar training to now championing solar solutions on campus. After gaining practical skills in system design and installation, he has successfully implemented solar-powered water systems and backup power solutions for his friends and family. His experience reflects the growing role of solar energy in improving energy reliability and supporting agricultural development in Ghana.
At Dream Renewables, we are committed to building technical capacity in renewable energy across Ghana. Through our training programs, we equip individuals, farmers, and professionals with the practical skills needed to harness solar energy for sustainable development.
This newsletter focuses on our solar irrigation training programme we recently completed at Ohawu College in the Volta Region. However this is just one of over 10 training programmes we deliver each year.
Our core solar power trainings include:
Solar Software Training – PVsyst and web Solar for system design, modelling and optimization
Solar PV Design and Installation Training – Comprehensive skills for designing and installing solar photovoltaic systems
Solar Irrigation Training – Hands-on learning to integrate solar-powered solutions into agricultural activities and water management.
Barnaby leading a field work session with trainees
Ohawu Solar Irrigation Training
Trainees during a hands-on practical session, led by Sophia
Dream Renewables successfully conducted a five-day intensive solar-powered irrigation systems training at Ohawu Agricultural College in the Volta Region, bringing together a diverse group of participants including students, staff, farmers, and agribusiness practitioners. A total of 20 participants took part in the training, reflecting a strong and growing interest in the use of renewable energy to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. After the training, the school contracted Dream Renewables to install a solar powered water pump to provide water for the entire campus, which houses hundreds of students and irrigates acres of land. All 20 trainees participated in this installation providing excellent field work experience.
Agriculture remains a critical sector in Ghana’s economy, yet many farmers continue to rely on rainfall or expensive fuel-powered irrigation systems. Our training is designed to introduce participants to solar-powered irrigation technologies as a sustainable, cost-effective, and climate-resilient alternative.
The program aimed to;
Build technical capacity in solar irrigation systems design and installation
Promote the productive use of renewable energy in agriculture
Reduce reliance on diesel and petrol-powered water pumps
Improve dry-season farming and water management practices
Hands-on Practical: Solarizing an AC Pump Using a VFD
A Solar Drip Irrigation System at Ohawu Agricultural College
A major highlight of the training was the final-day practical session. The session provided participants with a real-world demonstration of how conventional irrigation infrastructure can be successfully transitioned to solar. This was made possible because the school contracted Dream Renewables to design and install a solar-powered solution for its existing water pump, providing the main water supply for the campus.
This real-world application significantly enhanced participants understanding and provided them with practical skills they can immediately apply in their own farms and businesses.
Technical Details
The trainees were guided step-by-step on how to install two types of solar pumping systems: Direct Current (DC) solar pumping systems and Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) solar pumping systems. The latter was used to enable the existing AC water pump at the school to run on solar power. The practical session demonstrated:
How to design and install both types of solar water pump
How to retrofit existing irrigation systems with solar technology
The role of VFDs and DC controllers in controlling pump speed and optimizing energy use. and how to configure controller settings
Cost-effective ways of transitioning from grid or fuel-powered systems to solar
Training Outcomes and Participant Feedback
Trainees posing for a picture during practical session
Training Metrics
Key Insights and Areas for Improvement
While the training was well received, participants suggested improvements for future sessions:
More time for practical, hands-on exercises
Repeated practicals for deeper learning
Additional examples and exercises focused on system sizing and calculations
These insights will inform the design of upcoming trainings to ensure even greater impact.
Looking Ahead
Trainees during practical session
Dream Renewables remains committed to expanding access to solar irrigation training across Ghana, particularly in rural and agricultural communities where the impact can be most transformative.
We aim to deliver 2 similar trainings each year, equipping individuals with the skills to harness solar energy for irrigation and providing follow up support for solar irrigation projects in schools, farms and communities. We are not only improving agricultural productivity but also contributing to climate resilience, food security and green job creation.
Here’s How You Can Help
1. Donate – Help us reach more families with education, clean stoves, and support
2. Forward this newsletter to three people you think might be interested-and ask them to sign up below:
3. Partner with us – Let’s work together to expand clean cooking in Ghana
