Solar energy has become an increasingly popular alternative for hospitals and clinics to make up for potential power outages 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 viewed favorably by organizations 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 healthcare complex is installing a system with 2.570 solar panels, which have the capacity to generate an average of 112 MWh per month. The system is expected to be delivered this month and the investment will result in monthly savings of R$45 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, which are responsible for generating 0,896 MWh per month. The nursing home expects to save around R$11 per year. With the savings, the clinic intends to build a structure to reuse rainwater and implement new investments in its other two locations, which are also in Porto Alegre.
Donating credits
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. 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 sent to President Jair Bolsonaro for sanction.
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