At a time when healthcare and the environment are both top of mind, solar panels should be taken into account as an option for the world’s healthcare facilities. Hospitals in particular rely on electricity to run equipment.
Electricity is essential for running medical equipment, from refrigerators and sterilization machines to incubators and more. Without it, patients could experience poorer outcomes and incur higher healthcare expenses.
1. Reduced Electricity Bills with Solar Panels
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are major energy consumers due to their reliance on high-powered machinery that often consumes a substantial amount of electricity continuously.
Solar panels can help hospitals reduce their electricity bills by producing clean, renewable energy. This is especially advantageous for hospitals located in remote locations with limited grid access.
Solar can not only reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in an environment where greenhouse gas emissions are a concern. This is especially significant for hospitals striving to become climate neutral.
2. Reduced Carbon Footprint with Solar Panels
Solar energy is an efficient and clean source of power that produces zero greenhouse gas emissions. This enables healthcare facilities to reach their sustainability objectives and reduce their carbon footprint.
The healthcare sector is an energy-intensive one, with hospitals and other healthcare facilities using large amounts of electricity to run medical equipment, light up rooms, maintain temperature-controlled environments, and more. Renewable sources like solar energy can help modernize healthcare infrastructure by cutting costs, improving energy efficiency, increasing security levels, promoting environmental sustainability and improving reputations.
For instance, a hospital in New Brunswick has experienced significant savings after installing solar panel systems. They were also able to reinvest money into patient care and other projects, enabling them to expand their business operations.
3. Reduced Maintenance Costs
Solar panels for hospitals offer an effective way to cut energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, these systems typically require low upkeep – no costly repairs or service calls required!
Healthcare facilities like hospitals, mental health clinics and nursing homes use a considerable amount of energy. Furthermore, they require a reliable power source to run critical equipment 24/7.
The healthcare industry is the 4th highest energy consumer, meaning there’s a high demand for power. Medical equipment like ventilators, MRI machines and CT scanners require constant supply of electricity.
Larger hospital campuses typically offer ample rooftop space for rooftop installations. Community solar is another viable option for institutions with limited roof space; hospitals can subscribe to large shared solar farms that generate clean energy credits over their lifespan.
4. Increased Patient Satisfaction
Solar panels for healthcare facilities can be a game-changer in the industry, revolutionizing how hospitals and other health-related buildings generate and consume energy. Not only do they offer significant economic advantages to facilities but they also enhance their reputation as eco-friendly leaders.
Strategic solar panel placements can save hospitals utility costs and repurpose unused space for other uses, like rooftops or parking lots. This is especially advantageous in remote or rural areas with limited electricity access.
Microgrid systems enable hospitals to manage their energy use and consumption in real-time, helping reduce the impact of high utility rates by dynamically shifting loads during peak demand periods. Furthermore, a microgrid allows hospitals to shift some loads onto off-peak periods and store energy for later use.
5. Increased Revenue
Solar panels offer hospitals a reliable source of power that can save them money in the long run. By having access to this reliable electricity source, hospitals avoid price fluctuations associated with coal and natural gas prices, making it simpler for them to plan and budget their energy expenses.
Maintaining a reliable source of energy allows healthcare facilities to keep their equipment running during emergencies. Fire stations and children’s hospitals, for instance, rely on battery storage systems to keep life-saving machinery operational even in extreme weather conditions.
Solar technology can improve the sustainability of healthcare facilities and boost their reputation as environmentally responsible organizations. This results in increased patient satisfaction, reduced carbon emissions, and lifted staff morale. Furthermore, it generates employment opportunities and boosts a country’s GDP.