Solar For Hospitals
In order to maintain patient safety and efficient operations, hospitals nowadays require a dependable energy source for everything from intensive care units to diagnostic equipment. Hospitals in India must develop long-term solutions due to the country’s frequent power outages and growing electricity expenses. A dependable, economical, and environmentally beneficial alternative, solar electricity is growing in popularity in hospitals all throughout the US. One of Lucknow’s top solar companies, Om Solar Solution, focusses on installing rooftop solar panels for commercial spaces, enterprises, and hospitals. In this article, we’ll discuss why solar energy is revolutionizing Indian hospitals and how it’s opening the door to a more sustainable, greener healthcare sector.
Why Solar Power is Essential for Hospitals in India
Hospitals require electricity constantly because they are open twenty-four hours a day. Power outages can jeopardise patient care, particularly in surgery rooms, intensive care units, and emergency departments. In rural and isolated locations, where power sources aren’t always dependable, the issue is considerably worse. During power outages, life-saving equipment can continue to function thanks to solar electricity, particularly rooftop solar for hospitals, which can offer a dependable and continuous energy source.
Key Benefits of Solar Power for Hospitals
1.Reduced Electricity Bill Costs
The reduction of power expenses is one of the major benefits of installing rooftop solar panels in hospitals. Hospitals can reduce their reliance on the grid and save thousands of dollars on utility costs by using solar energy to generate their own electricity. The savings from commercial solar installations can be used to upgrade hospital infrastructure and patient care. The money you save over time soon covers the initial expense of installing solar panels.
2.Continuous Power Source
Hospitals are not allowed to experience power outages. Hospitals can maintain power even in the event of a main grid outage by utilizing solar power and battery storage devices. Systems that maintain critical services are built by solar EPC firms in Kanpur and solar companies in Lucknow, such as Om Solar Solution.
3.Eco-Friendly Energy Source
Clean and reusable, solar energy is a renewable resource. By converting to solar power, hospitals can significantly reduce their carbon impact. Because it reduces harmful emissions and aids India in achieving its national green energy targets, this is excellent for the environment.
4.Government Grants and Incentives
To promote the use of solar energy, the Indian government provides subsidies and tax benefits for rooftop solar installations. Hospitals can reduce the initial installation cost and ultimately save money by implementing these programs.
5.Independence in Energy
Hospitals have more control over their energy requirements and use less energy from external sources when they employ solar power. During pandemics or natural disasters, when demand for electricity rises and system stability declines, this independence is crucial.
Understanding Solar Panel Sizes, Prices, And Types For Hospitals In India
In order to make an informed decision, hospitals that wish to employ solar panels must be aware of the various sizes, costs, and types of solar panels. The hospital’s energy requirements, accessible rooftop space, and financial constraints all influence the design of solar power systems. This comprehensive guide will assist you in comprehending the most crucial elements.
1. Types Of Solar Panels For Hospitals
Hospitals can choose from three main solar panel types with different efficiency, cost, and space requirements:
| Type of Solar Panel | Efficiency | Cost (per kW) | Ideal For | Durability |
| Monocrystalline Panels | High (18-22%) | ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 | Hospitals with limited rooftop space | 25+ years |
| Polycrystalline Panels | Moderate (15-18%) | ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 | Hospitals with more rooftop space | 20+ years |
| Thin-Film Panels | Low (10-12%) | ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 | Large hospitals with expansive rooftops | 15-20 years |
2. Solar Panel Sizes (Capacity) For Hospitals
The hospital’s daily energy need determines the solar power system’s size. This guide shows how much capacity a hospital needs based on its size and energy use:
| Hospital Size | Number of Beds | Average Daily Energy Consumption (kWh) | Recommended Solar System Size (kW) | Rooftop Space Required (sq. ft.) |
| Small Hospital | 20-50 beds | 200 – 500 kWh/day | 50 – 100 kW | 5,000 – 10,000 sq. ft. |
| Medium Hospital | 50-100 beds | 500 – 1,500 kWh/day | 100 – 250 kW | 10,000 – 25,000 sq. ft. |
| Large Hospital | 100+ beds | 1,500 – 3,000 kWh/day | 250 – 500 kW | 25,000 – 50,000 sq. ft. |
How to Choose the Right Size for Your Hospital
- Small Hospitals (20-50 beds): Need between 50 and 100 kW to power most things, like lights, air conditioning, and medical equipment.
- Medium Hospitals (50-100 beds): A system with 100 to 250 kW of power is needed to run important areas like intensive care units and surgery rooms.
- Large Hospitals (100+ beds): A 250–500 kW system works best for bigger hospitals that need a lot of power for services that run all the time.
3. Pricing Of Solar Panels For Hospitals In India
The cost of installing solar panels in hospitals depends on the type of panels, the size of the system, and other factors such as energy storage. Here is a rough rundown of the costs:
| Solar System Size | Cost per kW (₹) | Estimated Total Cost (₹) | Savings (per year) | ROI Period (Years) |
| 50 kW (Small Hospital) | ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 | ₹20 – ₹30 lakhs | ₹4 – ₹6 lakhs | 5 – 7 years |
| 100 kW (Medium Hospital) | ₹35,000 – ₹55,000 | ₹35 – ₹50 lakhs | ₹10 – ₹15 lakhs | 5 – 7 years |
| 250 kW (Large Hospital) | ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 | ₹75 lakhs – ₹1.25 crore | ₹20 – ₹30 lakhs | 6 – 8 years |
| 500 kW (Very Large) | ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 | ₹1.5 crore – ₹2.5 crore | ₹50 lakhs – ₹1 crore | 6 – 8 years |
Additional Costs to Consider:
- Battery Backup: Adding battery storage can cost between ₹8,000 and ₹20,000 per kWh if the hospital needs power 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even when the power goes out.
- Maintenance: The annual maintenance costs are typically 1-2% of the total system cost, which guarantees optimal performance.
Factors Affecting Costs
- Location: Prices can change depending on where you live (for example, city vs. country).
- Type of solar panel: Most of the time, monocrystalline panels, which are more efficient, cost more than polycrystalline panels.
- Government Subsidies: Government grants and rebates can help hospitals save a lot of money. In some cases, they can cover up to 20 to 40 percent of the cost of installation.
ROI (Return on Investment)
- In hospitals, the return on investment (ROI) lasts between 5 and 7 years, based on the size of the system and the amount of electricity saved.
- After the payback time, solar power gives you free electricity for the next 20 years or more, which saves you a lot of money in the long run.
Challenges Of Implementing Solar Power In Hospitals
Hospitals can benefit from solar electricity in various ways, but before it can be used, a few problems must be resolved:
Costs of Initial Installation
Installing solar panels could be very expensive. The expense may prevent some hospitals from making the switch, even though it makes sense in the long run. However, financial incentives and government assistance can help cover these costs.
Limitations of Space
There may not be enough room in towns for hospitals to install solar panels. Some ingenious options include Om Solar Solution, a Solar EPC Company in Kanpur that may install energy systems that integrate with other systems or solar carports on roofs.
Upkeep and Observation
For solar power systems to function properly, constant maintenance is required. To ensure the system functions properly, hospitals will need to pay for continuous monitoring. This procedure will proceed more easily if you collaborate with a Lucknow solar firm that performs repairs.
Integration of the Grid
Connecting solar power to hospitals’ existing power sources might be challenging. A hospital needs to confirm that its solar panels are compatible with its other power sources, including uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems and backup generators.
Government Policies and Incentives for Solar Energy in Hospitals
India has been actively promoting solar energy through a number of initiatives and financial incentives. Hospitals may be able to reduce the cost of solar panel installation because to these benefits. Among the most significant government initiatives are:
Tax Benefits and Subsidies: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) provides financial assistance for rooftop solar installations. Additionally, hospitals can deduct solar system depreciation more quickly, which reduces their tax liability.
Hospitals can send excess energy from their solar panels back to the electricity grid and receive credits in exchange thanks to net metering. This enables hospitals to further reduce their electricity costs.
Corporation of India (SECI): With SECI’s assistance, large solar projects can be completed more easily, and hospitals can collaborate with SECI to install solar power plants.
Solar Financing: A number of banks and other financial organizations provide low-interest financing for the installation of solar panels. These financial products can