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©Denis Lenardic
2001-2008
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27th Jul, 2008
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30th Dec, 2007

Photovoltaic systems in medical applications

"...man will occasionally stumble over the truth, but usually manages to pick himself up, walk over or around it, and carry on."
(Sir Winston Churchill)

Rural clinics powered by solar cells in different parts of the world
(source: NREL PIX)

Where are you: Home > Application examples > Supply of medical appliances

Application of photovoltaic systems has proved very suitable for power supplying medical clinics in rural areas. Photovoltaic systems power lighting, sterilisation equipment, vaccine refrigerators, air conditioning etc. Installation of such systems is most widespread in different African countries. The systems are usually designed as complements to small wind systems or diesel generators, which are used for backup power supply at night or in emergency, such as emergency surgeries, and for x-ray power supply. Medical clinics in rural areas could be as far as several 100 km away from the public grid and the closest bigger cities, which brings forth the importance of photovoltaic systems application. The third world countries are faced with common contagious diseases, such as tuberculosis, on a daily basis as well as injuries infringed by wild animals in the African countries. Lions, hyenas, rhinoceros and some other wild animals cause most of the injuries. Photovoltaic systems are very often used as water pumping systems supplying medical clinics power needs also. Among the countries, which have reached the greatest progress in close cooperation with European or the US companies and organizations, are Zambia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Eritrea, Indonesia and Peru to name but a few.

Other topics: Application examples