Installation of photovoltaics and training at Pope John Hospital in Aber, Uganda

At Pope John Hospital in Aber, the aim was to achieve maximum effect with the smallest possible input of resources. A technical evaluation by BBM had revealed several weaknesses. Throughout the hospital, the electrical cables were in poor condition. The main distributor had to be classified as dangerous. It also became apparent that the building services team lacked basic knowledge of electrical engineering. All the solar equipment was there, but not in use.

BBM was commissioned to support the hospital in the necessary renovation measures and to reduce operating costs. First, a new distribution board was delivered and the existing solar panels were installed. The photovoltaic system consists of an inverter, overvoltage and earthing protection and 300 metres of cable. Because the best technical equipment is only as good as the team that looks after it, the training measures were particularly important in this case. After inputs on the topics "Basics of electrical engineering", "Power supply of a hospital", "Back-up systems" and "Monitoring and maintenance", the participants proved capable of developing solutions together. The training objective was thus achieved.

The new system reduces operating costs by about 100 euros per month. This is a small amount from a European point of view, but it contributes noticeably to easing the financial situation for the hospital.