WeGen’s Solar PV System for the Mindanao Medical Center to help MMC generate savings, bring down carbon emissions.
WeGen Distributed Energy Philippines recently announced the inauguration of the 317.52 kWp solar PV system it installed for the Mindanao Medical Center in General Santos City, South Cotabato. WeGen executive chairman Michael Saalfeld, WeGen Laudato Si’ President Charlie Ayco, and company Vice-President for Sales Orlando Alparce flew in from Manila to personally congratulate the executive of the MMC for their commendable decision to have the MMC transition to solar energy.
“We laud the decision of the MMC to shift to the use of clean, safe, sustainable, and renewable solar energy. It’s a decision that reflects well on the values of the leadership and the staff of the hospital, and the long-lasting impact and effects of the move to solar will benefit not only the hospital, but its patient-clients, the immediate community of General Santos, and the country as a whole. Every solar PV installation such as this is a contribution to our collective efforts to fight climate change and to save the planet from its destructive effects,” said Mr. Saalfeld.
The MMC’s 317.52 kWp solar PV system will mitigate 192 tons of carbon dioxide every year for the next 25 years. This is equivalent to 4,434 trees planted annually, also for the next 25 years. The MMC consumes 1,239,790 kWh/year. The solar PV system will henceforward produce an average of 417,580 kWh/year to cover almost half of this power requirement, while the rest will come from SOCOTECO II.
Allocate more funds to patient-used facilities
Another very important impact of the MMC’s decision to go solar is the dramatic reduction of electricity costs. The system is expected to bring down the MMC’s monthly electricity bills by as much as 40%. The MMC will also get immediate returns on its investment in terms of reduced electricity costs.
“The MMC will be able to save money on energy costs and redirect these savings to the departments and facilities that require more funding. Increased budgetary allocations for facilities most used by the hospital staff or the patients, for instance, will enable the hospital to be more efficient and productive. These improvements will definitely have measurable, positive effects on both the staff and the patients,” said Mr. Ayco.
Hospitals such as the MMC have tremendously high power requirements as they run sophisticated equipment and machines needed to sustain and save lives. Among such equipment are MRI machines, ventilators, CT scanners that consume high levels of electricity. It also takes much electricity to maintain the daily operation of air conditioning units, elevators, and various office equipment.
“The electricity that will be sourced from the sun can now power the hospital’s lighting systems – the lights in the hospital rooms, the offices, the common areas, and the corridors. This will lead to big savings for the MMC,” Ayco added.
WeGen’s solar PV system installed in the MMC will require very little or no maintenance.