Five healthcare facilities within the Koinadugu and Kailahun districts have been transformed with the installation of 15kVA solar energy systems in February 2024. This significant step is aimed at tackling the country’s energy insecurity issues, particularly in the healthcare sector, and represents a leap towards reducing carbon emissions in some of Sierra Leone’s most vulnerable regions.
The newly installed solar systems are a marvel of modern renewable technology, each boasting a robust setup that includes roof-mounted solar PV panels capable of producing 16.62kWp, alongside a 19.2kWh battery bank equipped with cutting-edge Pylontech li-ion batteries. This setup ensures that each healthcare facility now has access to a reliable and uninterrupted power supply, critical for the operation of life-saving medical equipment and the overall provision of healthcare services. The inclusion of monitoring software in these systems adds another layer of security and efficiency, enabling facility managers to swiftly address any technical issues that may arise, thus ensuring the sustainability of power supply to these critical healthcare institutions.
Sierra Leone, with its 26% electricity access rate, faces significant challenges in ensuring consistent power supply to its healthcare facilities, a situation that has dire implications for healthcare delivery in rural communities. The electrification of these five healthcare units marks a pivotal moment in the country’s journey towards closing the healthcare gap that exists between rural and urban areas.
Aptech Africa’s initiative to bring solar power to these facilities not only illuminates the path to improved healthcare services but also exemplifies a commitment to sustainable development. By harnessing the power of the sun, a resource abundant in Sierra Leone, the project not only addresses the immediate needs of the healthcare sector but also contributes to broader environmental and economic goals.
This transition to solar energy in healthcare facilities is more than an infrastructure upgrade; it is a beacon of hope for communities that have long struggled with the impacts of inadequate healthcare services due to unstable power supply. The success of this project in Sierra Leone serves as a model for other regions grappling with similar challenges, demonstrating the viability and benefits of integrating renewable energy solutions into public health infrastructure. As Sierra Leone continues to explore and expand its renewable energy capabilities, the potential for further positive impacts on healthcare, environmental sustainability, and economic development is immense.
