It is 2025 and the consciousness about solar energy as an alternative source of power has remarkably increased. With growing energy needs and the pressing demand for a greener future, solar energy has become indispensable.
The healthcare sector is one of the key players that has shown a positive shift towards solar due to its huge energy needs and the need for a continuous supply. This blog explores how solar hospitals can become energy-efficient and contribute to a clean environment.
Why solar energy for hospitals?
Reliable power supply
Hospitals are critical sectors that require an uninterrupted and reliable power supply. Power outages can cause serious issues, as several devices like ventilators, incubators, MRI machines, etc., are connected to electricity. Solar panels in hospitals enable an uninterrupted supply by reducing downtime.
Long-term savings
Solar energy for hospitals is a long-term investment. Hospitals start to realize ROI in a few years after installation. The cost of maintenance is also very less and hence hospitals can enjoy significant cost savings for nearly 20-25 years.
Energy independence
Solar hospitals need not rely on external sources/grids for their energy needs. This reduction in dependence makes them self-sufficient and sustainable. Operating costs are brought down to a great extent, which hospitals may divert to other developmental activities.
Reducing carbon footprint
Hospitals consume a lot of electricity and they play an important role in shaping a greener future. Their share of greenhouse gases needs to be reduced to promote sustainability. This is possible when they resort to solar power for hospitals.
How can hospitals become energy efficient with solar energy?
Reduce dependence on the grid
Solar hospitals can feed their energy demands through electricity generated from solar panels. Storage created in the solar system can be efficiently used during times of outage. Even with an increase in demand, solar panels can support the hospital’s energy needs. Their dependence on the public grid is greatly reduced, and they become energy resilient.
Load management
Hospitals can understand their power consumption patterns and design the solar system accordingly for energy efficiency. Hospital equipment uses heavy loads and needs to be operated without any interruptions. Hospitals with solar panels can efficiently manage load with a reliable power supply.
Peak demand management
When dependent on the grid, peak time charges are extremely high. This can be tackled as sunlight during the day can be trapped to produce electricity, which can be diverted to peak demand usage. Functioning on a hybrid model, solar hospitals can use stored energy for other operations.
Solar energy and sustainability goals of hospitals
Solar energy plays a crucial role in attaining the sustainability goals of hospitals. By reducing their dependence on fossil-fuel-generated forms of power, they reduce pollution in the environment.
They help improve the air quality around the hospitals, thus facilitating greener surroundings for people. Hospitals align with the country’s goal of net-zero emissions and thus become role models to others to follow suit.
With solar power for hospitals, they save a huge amount that can be invested in providing good medical care to patients. Technological advancements demand hospitals to invest more in the latest equipment and research. Their savings can be diverted to efficiently fund these areas.
Points to consider before installing solar for hospitals
Assess energy needs
The first step is to analyze the current energy consumption and how it is distributed among various uses within the hospital. This helps with understanding the capacity of solar panels needed and load management. Future increases in demand should also be assessed to create a solar system that is scalable.
Rooftop space
Ensure that sufficient rooftop space is available for the solar system to be installed. There should not be any hindrance, shading, or uneven surface. Orientation of panels, mounting structure, and other factors should also be considered.
Rules and regulations
Hospitals have to consider the local regulations for setting up solar panels. All requisite permissions must be secured before solar installation process begins. Professional solar companies assist hospitals in this process making it easier for them.
Size of the solar system
The appropriate size of the solar system must be decided based on the energy demand of the hospital. Efficient battery backup arrangements must also be considered.
Financial aspects
The cost of setting up solar hospitals must be analyzed well. This is essential to understand the extent of loans to be procured from banks and financial institutions.
Professional companies
Always approach a professional solar company for solar panel installation. They are a team of experts with good experience in the field. Professional companies are well aware of the regulations and government subsidies. They also assist in securing interest-free loans for solar setups in hospitals. Only trained professionals can carry out proper installation and maintenance.
Freyr Energy is one of the leading rooftop solar companies with over 10 years of experience in bringing solar energy closer to homes and businesses. Our end-to-end solar solutions help realise a sustainable future. With 24/7 support, our team of experts empower you with a reliable source of energy.
Conclusion
The healthcare industry is one of the critical sectors where energy demand is huge. Their contribution to the society is immense. Solar energy not only helps in their economic sustainability but also environmental. Shifting to solar energy can be the long-term solution to the most disturbing issue of carbon emissions across the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Solar power for hospitals helps reduce their operating costs and provides an uninterrupted supply of power, without any negative impact on the environment.
Solar energy for hospitals helps reduce their dependence on the power grid, there improving their energy resilience. They have a long-term impact in improving the patient care facilities as a result of huge savings in operating costs.
Factors like rooftop availability, size of the panels, quality of panels, cost involved, professional supplier, maintenance needs, and local regulations are some of the aspects to be considered while setting up solar hospitals
There has been a steady increase in the number of hospitals resorting to solar. Large hospitals like AIIMS, Delhi have also set up solar panels to manage their energy needs.
Nearly 70% of a hospital’s energy needs can be met using solar power. It could be even 90% when a hybrid model is followed as battery storage also plays a role here.
