EN 
PT_BR 
Solar energy is becoming an alternative increasingly used by hospitals and clinics to overcome any lack of energy in ICUs (Intensive Care Units), surgical centers and emergency rooms.
In addition to providing energy in a sustainable manner, the use of solar technology has also been welcomed by entities seeking to reduce their costs in the medium and long term.
Hospital do Círculo, in Caxias do Sul (RS), for example, will soon house the largest solar energy park in the healthcare sector in the region.
The health complex is installing a system with 2,570 solar panels, which have the capacity to generate an average of 112 MWh per month. The expectation is that the system will be delivered this month and that the investment will result in savings of R$ 45 thousand per month for the institution.
Another medical unit that has also recently adopted the technology is Clínica Geriátrica Novo Lar, based in the Moinhos de Vento neighborhood, in Porto Alegre (RS). At the end of March, the unit inaugurated its own photovoltaic system, which is already in operation and meets more than half of the property's energy consumption.
Paulo Cardoso, director of the unit, explains that one of the reasons for the entity choosing to install the signs was because the electricity bill was very high. “We know that the tendency is for increases from now on to be even greater. With this investment, we reduced our fixed costs and also generated clean energy, which contributes to environmental preservation,” he said.
In total, 17 photovoltaic modules were installed and are responsible for generating 0.896 MWh per month. The nursing home expects to save around R$ 11 thousand per year. With the savings, the clinic intends to build a rainwater reuse structure and implement new investments in its other two headquarters, which are also in Porto Alegre.
Credit donation
Last week, the Chamber of Deputies approved PL 2474/2020, which allows micro and mini solar energy generators donate excess energy credits to essential activities, which includes hospitals.
A The measure is valid for up to 12 months after the end of the public health emergency period caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The text now goes to the Senate for approval and, if approved, will be sanctioned by President Jair Bolsonaro.
