Clinics are healthcare facilities that require a reliable electricity supply to support their daily operations, particularly those providing emergency department (ED) and inpatient services. Their electricity consumption comes from various facilities and equipment, including air conditioning systems (AC), lighting, medical equipment, laboratories, healthcare devices, and administrative and information technology systems.
Although clinics generally consume less electricity than hospitals, energy availability remains an important aspect of their operations. Power outages can disrupt patient services, interfere with the operation of medical equipment, and affect the storage of medicines and certain medical supplies that require controlled temperatures.
On the other hand, electricity costs are one of the operational expenses that need to be managed effectively. One solution worth considering to improve energy efficiency while reducing dependence on the main electricity grid is the installation of a Solar Power Plant (PLTS).
By harnessing solar energy, clinics can generate their own electricity to support various operational needs. Its implementation can be adjusted to the building capacity, electricity consumption patterns, and types of healthcare services provided.
This article discusses the application of PLTS in clinics, its benefits, the types of systems available, and the installation process. Here is the complete explanation!
## What Is PLTS for Clinics?
PLTS for clinics is a solar power generation system that utilizes solar energy through solar panels to generate electricity for healthcare facility operations.
Solar panels can be installed in various locations, such as clinic rooftops, parking canopies, or designated areas that meet technical and safety requirements.
The electricity generated by PLTS can be used to support various needs, including:
1. Air conditioning systems (AC). 2. Lighting in examination rooms and waiting areas. 3. Medical and diagnostic equipment. 4. Clinical laboratory equipment. 5. Computers and administrative devices. 6. Equipment supporting medicine and vaccine storage.
The capacity and configuration of a PLTS system must be adjusted to the clinic's electricity requirements. A primary clinic with several examination rooms will naturally have different energy needs compared to a main clinic offering specialist services, laboratory facilities, or specific medical procedures.
PLTS can serve as a supplementary energy source to help reduce electricity consumption from PLN. However, this system does not automatically replace emergency generators or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units, which may still be necessary to maintain continuous power for certain medical equipment.
## Why Are Clinics Suitable for Using PLTS?
Installing PLTS offers several benefits for clinics, both in terms of cost efficiency and environmental management. Here are some reasons why this technology is worth considering.
### 1. Reducing Clinic Operational Costs
Clinics require electricity to operate various facilities and medical equipment. The use of air conditioning, lighting, computers, examination devices, and laboratory equipment makes electricity one of their regular operational expenses.
By installing PLTS, clinics can utilize the electricity generated by solar panels during the daytime to meet part of their building's energy requirements.
The better the alignment between PLTS energy production and the clinic's consumption patterns, the greater the opportunity to use solar electricity directly. This can help reduce electricity purchases from PLN and lower energy costs in the long term.
The amount of potential savings depends on the PLTS capacity, electricity consumption patterns, electricity tariffs, investment costs, and applicable electricity export-import regulations.
### 2. Reducing Carbon Emissions
Healthcare facilities require energy to provide safe and high-quality medical services. However, electricity consumption from fossil fuel-based power plants also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
PLTS generates electricity without burning fuel during operation. Therefore, utilizing solar energy can help reduce indirect emissions associated with a clinic's electricity consumption.
Installing PLTS can also be part of a clinic's efforts to implement a green healthcare facility concept.
### 3. Supporting Clinic Energy Resilience
Electricity availability is essential for supporting healthcare services. Several facilities, such as examination rooms, laboratories, treatment rooms, and medicine and vaccine storage areas, require a stable electricity supply.
PLTS can support energy resilience by providing an additional electricity source to reduce dependence on the main grid at certain times.
When equipped with batteries and an appropriate energy management system, PLTS can also be designed to supply selected electrical loads during PLN grid outages.
However, this capability depends on the system design, battery capacity, inverter, protection devices, and power source switching configuration.
Medical equipment requiring continuous power must still be supported by UPS units or backup electricity sources according to operational requirements and applicable safety standards.
### 4. Enhancing the Clinic's Image/Branding as an Environmentally Friendly Healthcare Facility
Adopting renewable energy can demonstrate a clinic's commitment to environmental management and more efficient resource utilization.
This can become part of the clinic's strategy to build its image/branding as a healthcare facility that prioritizes sustainability and environmental responsibility.
In addition to environmental benefits, PLTS utilization can provide added value in building trust among patients, business partners, and the wider community.
## Types of PLTS Systems Suitable for Clinics
There are three types of PLTS systems that clinics can consider: on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid. The selection should take into account energy requirements, electricity grid conditions, and the existing electrical infrastructure.
### 1. On-Grid PLTS
On-grid PLTS is a solar power generation system connected to the main electricity grid, such as the PLN network.
During the daytime, solar panels generate electricity that can be directly used to meet the clinic's operational needs. If solar electricity production is insufficient, the remaining demand is supplied by the PLN grid.
Meanwhile, if PLTS production exceeds instantaneous electricity consumption, the utilization of excess electricity depends on the system configuration and applicable regulations.
On-grid PLTS generally does not provide backup power when the PLN grid goes down. Standard grid-connected inverters typically stop operating during power outages for safety and grid protection purposes.
This system is suitable for clinics looking to reduce electricity consumption from PLN, particularly during the daytime, without incorporating batteries into their PLTS installation.
### 2. Off-Grid PLTS
Off-grid PLTS is a solar power generation system that operates independently of the main electricity grid.
The electricity generated by solar panels can be used directly and stored in batteries for later use when solar production is insufficient, such as at night.
This system can be considered for clinics located in areas with limited access to electricity networks or without an available grid connection.
However, implementing an off-grid system requires careful planning of solar panel capacity, battery storage, and backup power sources. This is because clinics still need electricity to operate medical equipment and healthcare support facilities.
### 3. Hybrid PLTS
Hybrid PLTS combines solar power generation, the PLN electricity grid, and batteries in one integrated system.
During the daytime, electricity generated by solar panels can be used to meet the building's energy requirements.
Excess energy that meets the battery charging conditions can be stored and then utilized when solar production decreases or when the system requires additional power from the batteries.
Hybrid systems offer greater flexibility in energy management because they can regulate electricity usage from multiple sources according to the system configuration and operational requirements.
For clinics, this system can be considered as part of an energy-saving strategy while improving electricity supply resilience.
Nevertheless, its ability to provide backup power during PLN outages must be ensured through a system design that supports backup operation, including load separation, inverter capacity, and appropriate power source switching devices.
Medical equipment requiring uninterrupted electricity must still be supported by UPS systems or other backup power sources according to operational requirements.
## Steps for Installing PLTS in Clinics
Installing PLTS in clinics requires structured planning and implementation. The objective is to ensure that the system operates optimally without disrupting healthcare services.
Here are the general steps involved in installing PLTS in clinics.
### 1. Site Assessment and Energy Audit
The technical team conducts a site survey and evaluates the clinic's energy requirements. This process includes analyzing electricity bills, energy consumption patterns, rooftop or land conditions, electrical panel capacity, and potential solar energy production.
### 2. System Design and Planning
The survey results are used to determine the PLTS capacity, system type, inverter configuration, battery requirements if necessary, and integration with the existing electrical installation.
At this stage, electricity requirements for medical equipment, laboratories, treatment rooms, and supporting facilities must be identified to ensure that the system design aligns with the clinic's operational activities.
### 3. Permits and Licensing
The project management team reviews licensing requirements, PLTS technical regulations, necessary approvals, and coordination with the electricity grid operator according to the installation scheme.
### 4. Procurement and Delivery
Solar panels, inverters, mounting systems, cables, protection devices, batteries, and other components are prepared according to the design specifications.
### 5. Mounting System Installation
The panel support structure is installed on the designated rooftop or land area. This work must take into account structural strength, weather resistance, and building safety.
### 6. Solar Panel Installation
Solar panels are installed according to the planned layout to ensure optimal sunlight exposure while allowing convenient access for maintenance activities.
### 7. Electrical Wiring and Inverter Setup
Solar panels are connected to the inverter and electrical installation through appropriate protection devices. If the system uses batteries, the installation also includes energy storage and battery management systems.
### 8. System Testing and Commissioning
The technical team conducts tests to inspect panel performance, inverter operation, protection systems, electrical connection quality, and integration with the grid and batteries, if available.
### 9. Final Inspection
Once the system has passed the required tests, a final inspection, documentation, and handover to the clinic management team are conducted.
### 10. PLTS Monitoring and Maintenance
Electricity production monitoring and regular maintenance are carried out to maintain system performance. Inspections also help detect production declines, component damage, or installation issues.
All stages must be coordinated with the technical team and clinic management. If the clinic continues operating during the installation process, the work schedule must be arranged to avoid disrupting patient services.
## Examples of PLTS Applications in Clinics
PLTS can be implemented in clinics through several approaches, depending on available space and electricity requirements.
### 1. Rooftop PLTS on Clinic Buildings
Building rooftops are among the locations that can be utilized for solar panel installations. This area can be used to generate electricity without requiring a large additional land area.
Before installation, the rooftop's structural condition, potential shading from surrounding buildings, maintenance access, and protection against roof leaks must be assessed.
This approach is suitable for clinics with sufficient rooftop space and adequate sunlight exposure.
### 2. PLTS on Parking Canopies
Parking canopies equipped with solar panels can function as vehicle shelters while simultaneously generating electricity.
This approach can be considered for clinics with sufficiently large parking areas.
The electricity generated can help meet the building's energy requirements or support electric vehicle charging facilities if the system is specifically designed for that purpose.
### 3. PLTS with Battery Storage Systems
Clinics requiring greater flexibility in energy management can consider installing PLTS equipped with battery storage systems.
Batteries allow stored solar energy to be used at a different time from when it was generated. In systems designed for backup operation, batteries can also support selected electrical loads when the main grid experiences disruptions.
For example, stored energy can be allocated to support emergency lighting, essential administrative devices, or specific supporting equipment according to the system's capacity and design.
However, storage capacity and backup duration must be calculated based on electricity demand, the targeted backup duration, and system capabilities. Using batteries does not automatically guarantee that all clinic facilities will continue receiving electricity during a power outage.
## Factors to Consider Before Installing PLTS in Clinics
Before deciding to install PLTS, clinic management should consider several important factors.
### 1. Electricity Consumption Profile
Every clinic has different electricity consumption patterns. Clinics with laboratory services, medical procedures, or extensive air conditioning usage will naturally have different energy requirements compared to clinics that only provide general medical examinations.
Therefore, evaluating the electricity consumption profile is essential for determining the appropriate PLTS capacity.
### 2. Electrical System Reliability
Not all clinic facilities have the same electricity priority levels. Medical equipment, laboratory devices, vaccine storage systems, and certain medical procedure support equipment require more stringent power continuity planning.
PLTS integration must be carried out without compromising the reliability of the existing emergency power system.
### 3. Installation Area Availability
Rooftop size, building structural conditions, parking areas, and potential shading determine the number of solar panels that can be installed.
A technical survey is necessary to ensure that the area is suitable for installation and that the system will not interfere with the building's functions.
4. Investment and Energy Savings Calculation
PLTS investment must be evaluated based on installation costs, estimated energy production, maintenance expenses, component lifespan, and potential electricity bill savings.
With realistic calculations, clinics can estimate the investment payback period and determine the most suitable procurement scheme.
5. Types of Healthcare Services and Clinic Operating Hours
Clinics operating during regular business hours have different electricity consumption patterns compared to those providing 24-hour services.
Clinics operating during the daytime have the potential to utilize solar electricity directly because solar energy generation coincides with their service activities.
Meanwhile, clinics operating until nighttime or around the clock need to consider energy storage requirements or a combination with other electricity sources.
Examples of PLTS Applications in Healthcare Facilities in Indonesia
The implementation of PLTS in healthcare facilities can serve as a reference for clinics looking to start utilizing renewable energy.
Several healthcare facilities in Indonesia that can be explored as references for PLTS implementation include:
- Klinik Mata Ayu Siwi
- doctorSHARE Clinic, Maluku
Consult Batari Energy for PLTS Installation in Clinics!
Installing PLTS in clinics requires careful planning because it involves energy efficiency, installation safety, and the continuity of healthcare services.
By conducting a site survey and analyzing electricity requirements beforehand, clinic management can determine the most suitable PLTS capacity and system type according to the building's conditions and operational patterns.
Batari Energy provides consultation and site survey services to assist with PLTS installation planning based on project requirements. The planning stage can be used to evaluate solar panel installation potential, system capacity requirements, and opportunities for energy savings.
For more information about PLTS installation for clinics, you can contact the Batari Energy team via WhatsApp. Batari Energy provides PLTS installation services for various building and facility requirements, including clinics.
Click this link to consult with Batari Energy about your clinic's PLTS requirements!