Hospitals are healthcare facilities with high electricity demands that operate 24 hours a day. Significant electricity consumption stems from various needs, ranging from HVAC systems, lighting, medical equipment, and laboratories to operating rooms and emergency departments (ED).
Unlike typical commercial buildings, electrical disruptions in hospitals can directly impact healthcare services and patient safety; in the emergency department, such disruptions can even put lives at risk. Therefore, a reliable power supply is a crucial aspect of hospital operations.
Electricity costs also represent a recurring expense that requires effective management. One solution to reduce reliance on the main grid while simultaneously improving energy efficiency is the installation of a Solar Power Plant (PLTS).
By harnessing solar energy, hospitals can generate their own electricity to support various operational needs. Implementation requires careful planning to avoid disrupting electrical systems or ongoing medical services—especially when critical patients are present.
This article explains the implementation of solar power systems in hospitals, their benefits, the types of systems available, and the installation process. Read on for the details!
What Is a Solar Power System (PLTS) for Hospitals?
A solar power system for hospitals is a power generation setup that utilizes solar energy that is captured via solar panels to generate electricity for the facility's operational needs.
Solar panels can be installed in various locations, such as hospital rooftops, parking area canopies, or dedicated land plots that meet technical and safety requirements.
The electricity generated by the system can support lighting, HVAC systems, administrative offices, outpatient areas, and other supporting equipment, depending on the system's capacity and configuration.
For hospitals, implementing a solar power system requires consideration of electrical load characteristics, round-the-clock energy demands, backup power systems, and the specific reliability levels required by the facility. Solar PV systems can serve as a supplementary energy source to help reduce electricity consumption from the grid (PLN). However, such systems do not automatically replace the emergency generators or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems required to ensure patient safety.
Why Are Solar PV Systems Suitable for Hospitals?
Installing solar PV systems offers hospitals a range of benefits regarding both cost efficiency and environmental management. Here are several reasons why this technology is worth considering:
1. Reducing Operational Costs
Hospitals require significant amounts of electricity to support round-the-clock operations. The use of air conditioning, lighting, laboratory equipment, and medical support facilities makes energy consumption a key cost factor that requires attention.
By installing solar PV systems, hospitals can utilize the electricity generated by solar panels during the day to meet a portion of the building's energy needs.
The better the solar PV system's generation profile aligns with the hospital's electricity consumption patterns, the greater the opportunity to utilize solar power directly. This helps reduce electricity purchases from the grid and lowers energy costs in the long run.
The extent of the savings depends on the solar PV system's capacity, electricity consumption patterns, electricity tariffs, investment costs, and applicable regulations regarding electricity export and import.
2. Reducing Carbon Emissions
The healthcare sector requires substantial energy to provide safe, high-quality medical services. Conversely, relying on electricity sourced from fossil-fuel power plants contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Solar PV systems generate electricity without fuel combustion during operation. Consequently, utilizing solar energy helps reduce indirect emissions associated with the hospital's electricity consumption.
Implementing solar PV systems can also form part of a hospital's sustainability strategy, particularly for healthcare facilities aiming for energy efficiency and a reduced carbon footprint.
3. Supporting Hospital Energy Resilience
Reliable electricity supply is crucial for hospitals. Certain facilities such as operating rooms, ICUs, NICUs, emergency departments, and specific laboratories require electrical systems designed to ensure service continuity.
Solar PV systems can bolster energy resilience by providing an additional power source, thereby reducing reliance on the main grid during specific periods.
When equipped with appropriate batteries and energy management systems, solar PV installations can also be designed to power specific loads during grid outages. However, this capability depends on factors such as system design, battery capacity, inverters, protection devices, and the power source switching mechanism.
Solar PV systems should not be viewed as a direct substitute for emergency generators and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units. Backup systems for critical medical loads must still be designed in accordance with safety requirements and healthcare facility electrical standards.
4. Enhancing the Image of an Eco-Friendly Hospital
Adopting renewable energy demonstrates a hospital's commitment to environmental stewardship and efficient resource utilization.
This commitment can form part of a "green hospital" initiative, encompassing energy efficiency, water management, waste reduction, and the use of more sustainable technologies.
Beyond environmental benefits, implementing solar PV systems can also enhance the hospital's reputation among patients, business partners, medical staff, and the general public.
Types of Solar PV Systems Suitable for Hospitals
Three types of solar PV systems can be considered for hospitals: on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid. The choice depends on specific energy needs and the existing electrical infrastructure.
1. On-Grid Solar PV Systems
An on-grid solar PV system is connected to the main electricity grid (such as the PLN grid).
During the day, solar panels generate electricity that can be used immediately to meet the building's energy needs. If solar power generation is insufficient, the deficit is covered by electricity from the grid. Conversely, if solar power generation exceeds instantaneous consumption, the utilization of the surplus electricity depends on the system configuration and applicable regulations. Therefore, the solar power system design must take the hospital's consumption profile into account to ensure optimal use of the generated electricity.
On-grid solar power systems generally do not provide backup power during a grid outage. Standard grid-tied inverters typically cease operation during a blackout to ensure safety and protect the grid.
This system is suitable for hospitals aiming to reduce electricity consumption from the grid—particularly during daylight hours—without incorporating batteries into the solar installation.
2. Off-Grid Solar Power Systems
An off-grid solar power system operates independently, without a connection to the main electrical grid. Energy generated by solar panels can be used directly or stored in batteries for use when solar generation is insufficient, such as at night.
This system is a viable option for healthcare facilities located in areas with limited or no access to the electrical grid.
However, for hospitals with high energy demands and 24-hour medical operations, an off-grid system requires meticulous planning regarding solar panel capacity, battery storage, and backup power sources.
Given the substantial energy requirements and the critical need for service continuity, a thorough evaluation is essential before implementing this system in a healthcare facility.
3. Hybrid Solar Power Systems
A hybrid solar power system integrates solar power generation, the grid, and batteries into a single, unified system. During the day, electricity from solar panels can meet the building's energy needs. Surplus energy—subject to charging conditions—can be stored in batteries and utilized when solar generation drops or when the system requires supplementary power from the battery bank.
Hybrid systems offer flexibility in energy management, allowing for the regulation of electricity usage from multiple sources based on system configuration and operational requirements. For hospitals, this system can be considered part of a strategy to save energy and enhance power supply resilience. However, the ability to provide power during a grid outage must be ensured through a system design that supports backup operations—including load shedding, adequate inverter capacity, and appropriate power source switching equipment.
Critical medical loads still require an emergency power supply system designed in accordance with hospital safety requirements.
Stages of Solar PV Installation in Hospitals
Installing a solar PV system in a hospital requires structured planning and execution phases. The goal is to ensure the system operates optimally without disrupting healthcare services.
The following are the general stages of solar PV installation in hospitals:
1. Site Assessment and Energy Audit
The technical team conducts a site survey and evaluates energy needs. This process includes analyzing electricity bills, energy consumption patterns, roof or land conditions, electrical panel capacity, and solar energy production potential.
2. System Design and Planning
Survey results are used to determine the solar PV capacity, system type, inverter configuration, battery requirements (if needed), and integration with the existing electrical infrastructure.
During this stage, critical and non-critical loads must be identified to ensure the design aligns with the hospital's operational needs.
3. Permitting
The project manager reviews permitting requirements, technical specifications for the solar PV system, necessary approvals, and coordination with the grid operator based on the installation scheme.
4. Procurement and Delivery
Solar panels, inverters, mounting systems, cables, protection devices, batteries, and other components are procured according to design specifications.
5. Mounting System Installation
The panel support system is installed on the designated roof or land area. The work must account for structural integrity, weather resistance, and building safety.
6. Solar Panel Installation
Solar panels are installed according to the planned layout to ensure optimal sunlight exposure and facilitate maintenance activities.
7. Electrical Wiring and Inverter Setup
Solar panels are connected to the inverters and the electrical system via appropriate protection devices. If the system utilizes batteries, the installation also includes the energy storage system and battery management setup. ### 8. System Testing and Commissioning The technical team conducts tests to verify the performance of panels, inverters, protection systems, and electrical connection quality, as well as integration functions with the grid and battery systems (if applicable).
9. Final Inspection
Once the system meets testing requirements, a final inspection and documentation process are carried out, followed by the handover to the hospital management.
10. Solar PV System Monitoring and Maintenance
Monitoring of electricity generation and periodic maintenance are performed to uphold system performance. Inspections also help detect drops in production, component damage, or installation issues.
All stages require coordination with the technical team and hospital facility management, particularly if work is conducted on a building that remains operational during the installation process.
Key Considerations Before Installing Solar Power Systems (PLTS) in Hospitals
Before deciding to install a solar power system, hospital administrators should consider several factors.
1. Electricity Consumption Profile
Hospitals have varying electricity consumption patterns. Hospitals with high air conditioning and support facility demands during the day may have greater potential for the direct utilization of solar power.
Therefore, evaluating the electricity consumption profile serves as the basis for determining the appropriate solar system capacity.
2. Electrical System Reliability
Not all hospital facilities have the same electrical priority level. Operating rooms, ICUs, NICUs, and life-support equipment require more rigorous power continuity planning.
Solar system integration must be carried out without compromising the reliability of existing emergency power systems.
3. Availability of Installation Areas
Roof area, building structural conditions, parking areas, and potential shading determine the number of panels that can be installed. A technical survey is required to ensure the area is suitable for use and does not interfere with the building's functionality.
4. Investment and Savings Calculations
Solar system investments need to be evaluated based on installation costs, estimated energy production, maintenance costs, component lifespan, and potential electricity bill savings.
With realistic calculations, hospitals can estimate the return on investment (payback period) and determine the appropriate procurement scheme.
Examples of Hospitals Installing Solar Power Systems in Indonesia
The following hospitals in Indonesia have installed solar power systems:
- Primaya Hospital (Karawang)
- Mardi Rahayu Hospital (Kudus)
- Dr. Sarjito Central General Hospital (Yogyakarta)
- Karangasem Regional General Hospital (Bali)
Consult with Batari Energy on Solar Power System Installation for Hospitals! Installing a solar power system (PLTS) at a hospital requires careful planning, as it involves considerations regarding energy efficiency, installation safety, and the continuity of healthcare services.
By conducting a site survey and an analysis of electricity needs beforehand, hospital management can determine the optimal system capacity and type of solar setup based on the building's conditions and operational patterns.
Batari Energy offers consultation and survey services to assist with solar power system planning tailored to specific project requirements. This planning phase allows for the evaluation of solar panel installation potential, required system capacity, and opportunities for energy savings.
For more information on solar power installations for hospitals, please contact the Batari Energy team via WhatsApp. Batari Energy provides solar power installation services for hospitals.
Click this link to consult with Batari Energy about your hospital's solar power needs!