Ghanaian researchers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify materials that could make solar panels more efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly, potentially expanding access to renewable energy.
The research, supported by the French Embassy in Ghana, uses AI-powered computational methods to identify suitable material combinations for photovoltaic cells, which convert sunlight into electricity.
Researchers hope to increase solar-cell conversion efficiency from the current level of about 22% to between 25% and 30%, while building local capacity to develop solar technologies.
Head of the DIPPER Lab at the Department of Computer Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Prof. Eric Tutu Tchao, said AI could reduce the time and resources required to identify promising materials from a vast range of possible combinations.
He explained that computational algorithms were being used to identify suitable donor-acceptor pairs, which are essential components in certain solar-cell technologies.
By narrowing the options to the most promising combinations, researchers hope to improve solar-cell performance and reduce costs for households and businesses.
Prof. Tchao said the gains could be particularly significant for rural communities where access to reliable electricity remains a challenge.
“Higher-efficiency solar panels could allow households to generate more electricity from smaller installations, potentially reducing the cost of powering homes and essential equipment,” he said.
Research targets practical applications
The work was discussed at a one-day capacity-building workshop on Generative AI for Stable Lead-free Perovskites and High Performance Organic Solar Cells.
The workshop was held under the NKABOM project, funded by the French Embassy in Ghana, and brought together early-career researchers and specialists in computer engineering, materials science, physics, computer science and electrical engineering.
Beyond computer simulations, the research team intends to synthesise and test proposed materials in laboratories, with the aim of advancing the work towards practical applications within the next one to two years.
Other strands of the project are exploring flexible photovoltaic technologies and ways to reduce the toxicity of materials used in solar-cell production.
Researchers explore flexible solar materials
Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Department of Physics, Dr Joseph Asare, said conventional solar panels, which commonly use rigid glass structures, could be difficult to integrate into curved surfaces, wearable devices and innovative architectural designs.
He said alternative materials could expand the ways solar technology is used while improving its appearance and reducing environmental risks.
“Flexible photovoltaic materials could allow solar technology to be incorporated into clothing, umbrellas, curved buildings and other structures without significantly compromising their design,” he said.
Dr Asare said AI could also accelerate the discovery of suitable materials and reduce the time required for laboratory experimentation.
AI could support wider energy transition
Dr Bruno Grandidier of the Department of Physics at JUNIA-ISEN said AI could contribute to the energy transition beyond the development of more efficient solar materials.
He said the technology could help optimise electricity generation, distribution and consumption, allowing countries to reduce energy waste and improve access to power.
“Ghana and other African countries could benefit from combining solar energy with other renewable sources, including wind and hydropower, to meet rising electricity demand,” he said.
However, Dr Grandidier cautioned that AI itself requires substantial computing power, particularly for complex research and large-scale simulations.
He said investment in computing infrastructure would be necessary to help researchers develop and deploy AI-based energy solutions effectively.
He added that AI’s contribution to climate action should extend beyond improving materials to helping people and institutions use energy more efficiently.
The researchers say the project could strengthen Ghana’s capacity to develop renewable energy technologies locally. However, its potential impact will depend on whether the proposed materials can be successfully tested, manufactured affordably and deployed at scale.