Canadian Solar Inc. issued the following announcement on May 24.
Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ), one of the world's largest solar power companies, announced today that through its module donation, a new solar power system has been successfully energized at the Evans Medical Center at Kirma, Lungi, Sierra Leone.
The charity project was initiated a year ago by Melanie Evans from the 'Lungi Sierra Leone Charity' and was realized with Canadian Solar MaxPower CS6U-P 330W solar modules for a 4 KW solar system.
Four other industry partners donated additional equipment, including storage and control systems. SegenSolar (Pty) Ltd. supplied the inverter, charge controller and electrical components. The Schletter Group contributed the mounting system, while Bonus Solar provided batteries, cables and isolators. The installation and commissioning was carried out by Electric Future, who specializes in design and delivery of solar installations. They provided the expertise and manpower along with Canadian Solar to deliver a safe and reliable solution. The solar power system provides the clinic with a sustainable energy source that enables a constant power supply for vaccine refrigerators, a blood bank and many other medical accessories and emergency lighting.
A reliable power supply is a fundamental prerequisite for adequate medical care. The solar system will directly improve the quality of medical care in the region. A new blood bank, which is the first in the Lungi area, will provide patients with vital bloods, where they previously had to rely on a suitable donor and wait for screening. The solar power system not only provides energy for the blood bank but also powers the vaccine refrigerators, fetal monitor and labor ward ultrasound, along with other critical equipment. A constant power supply is required as any power outage would destroy vital bloods and vaccines. Before the solar power system was installed, the Medical Center had to rely on an ageing generator, which would incur prohibitive costs if it operated for 24 hours a day. Now the generator is used as a backup generator.
"The realization of the solar power system for the clinic in Lungi shows how our industry can sustainably improve the situation for newborn babies, children, and the local population in a developing country," said Dr. Shawn Qu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Solar Inc.
The project is also an example of how different companies from the same industry can consolidate their resources to achieve positive results.
Sierra Leone is one of the least electrified countries with a nationwide electrification rate of just 5%, and in outlay rural areas this drops to 1% – the use of photovoltaics therefore provides greatly needed electricity.
Today, May 24, 2019, the clinic has its official opening ceremony to thank all donors and staff. The ceremony will be attended by the Vice President of Sierra Leone Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh and other dignitaries including the Ministers of Health and Education.
Original source can be found here.
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