Joju Solar have assisted in the installation of a 2.2 kW off grid solar PV system on a remote village clinic in Kenya, in association with the Sindicatum Climate Change Foundation
The project has enabled the remote clinic, which is off the electricity grid, to be fitted with a solar/battery system to supply power to the clinic for the first time. The generated power is used to run energy efficient lighting and ceiling fans in the wards. And importantly, the project also provides a super insulated fridge for the storage of vaccines and medicines.
The project has generated considerable interest locally, in particular from the Ministry of Health who met with Hope for Konya and other local partners to discuss the possibility of placing doctors permanently at the clinic instead of having them commute from Kisumu. Having the clinic generate its own utilities was instrumental in this decision. This is a very important part of the process as without a dependable source of electricity, it is difficult for the clinic to retain qualified staff and fulfil their role within the community. All told, the project will dramatically increase the level of healthcare provision in the local area, improving the quality of life and genuinely saving lives.
The project was facilitated by Joju Solar, and our engineers designed the system to maximise CO2 emission reductions and ensure long-term reliability. They also assisted with the logistics using their supply chain strength to source high quality equipment for the project at low cost. Joju Solar provided all assistance for free as part of their charitable work scheme, ensuring that the benefits of the project stay in Africa where they are needed most.
Building from previous projects in Ghana, Sindicatum Climate Change Foundation used energy efficiency 245W solar panels alongside thermally efficient water heaters to absorb the energy from the sun. With the use of gel batteries and intelligent electronics they generated the necessary 220v AC to feed all plug sockets. In addition, the energy is used to provide efficient lighting to all the rooms (illuminating key rooms with over 6500lm of light). The DC feed from the batteries is also used to drive an efficient SunDanzer fridge/freezer which is an essential component of the clinic to keep vaccines at a stable, cool temperature.
On the outside of the clinic, they implemented an intelligent, energy efficient, pumping system to continuously pump water from the well to a storage tank whilst observing water levels in both the well and tank. Once the tank is full the pump switches off and likewise, if the well runs dry.
Dr Chris Jardine, Joju Solar’s technical director commented: “The Sindicatum Climate Change Foundation solar projects are an excellent example of low carbon development, offering massive increases in levels of service in these clinics by improving comfort and drug storage – and all at zero increase in carbon emissions. We’re delighted to support the project, and I know our staff feel deeply rewarded knowing that the time they contribute is going to such worthwhile projects.”