In mid-September the time had finally come! Our facility team led by Moses Bangura had already checked all supplies at least five times and was eager to get started. With the arrival of Peter van Zwol from Independent Energy, the necessary expertise was in-house. The installation of the new solar energy system then went smoothly. Not only have the batteries been replaced, but we have also been able to install 60 extra solar panels. They are also much more advanced than the 72 panels we already had, meaning the capacity of the entire system has more than tripled!
In addition to the central system, there are now two separate systems with their own solar inverter (one directly connected to the obstetrics department and one that goes to the children's & men's department and the water factory), which when in excess supply back to the battery bank, so that less There is a chance that the entire hospital will suffer from electrical problems. The container is also equipped with the latest technical gadgets and an extra layer of insulation material, so that the batteries and equipment can remain better cooled.
The joy and relief among the hospital staff is still palpable every day. Since installation we have not had to turn on the generator once! Even on cloudy days, the solar system provides enough power to power the hospital day and night. This means that we are no longer dependent on unreliable, external factors and we no longer have to pay for diesel.
What a rollercoaster it has been. Just when we had ordered the extension, the batteries suddenly gave up and we were much further away from home. But now the future of Lion Heart Medical Center looks bright again. Radiant, green and sustainable! We would like to thank everyone who helped make this happen: all individual sponsors, foundations, funds and companies that contributed with the Christmas campaign or through other means. None of this could have happened without you!
In particular, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Schumacher-Kramer Foundation, which stepped in in our greatest moment of need. Without their extensive contribution, we would not have been able to order the new battery bank or bear the difficult bridging period. We would also like to put Independent Energy in the spotlight. They assisted us with help and advice throughout the entire process in a very effective and fast manner. We are very happy with the good cooperation and the beautiful result!