Aptech Africa Installs Off-grid Solar Systems for Community Health Centers in Sierra Leone

Aptech Africa, an Uganda-based EPC company for solar energy systems, has installed off-grid solar systems for several community health centers (CHCs) in Sierra Leone. The project is funded by USAID and the Sierra Leonean subsidiary of Orange, a global multiservice operator.

The solar energy specialist firm has supplied and commissioned these off-grid installations in 11 community health centers across the country which serve healthcare facilities for underserved and uninsured people. Each system in the CHCs consists of a 1.65 kW solar PV plant with a 9.6 kWh battery bank of 200 Ah deep cycle batteries.

The inverters used in the solar PV systems are of sizes 48V/800, 48V/1200, and 48V/1600. These inverters have a maximum efficiency of 96% and the ability to work in extreme heat conditions. The PV systems are fitted with specialized charge controllers to maximize the power yield from the solar PV modules and minimize conversion losses.

The benefitted health centers are located in Kambia, Koinadugu Fadugu, Kamalo, Tonkolili Manasanka (Northern Province), Karene, Port Loko Mana, Port Loko Rogbere Junction (North-West province), Motuo, Gambia of Bonthe (Southern province), Kono Yamandu, Kono Jaiama (Eastern province).

Aptech’s solar installations helped the entire population of these communities to get benefits of improved health services from the healthcare centers, hence improving their socio-economical lives. These solar PV systems also reduce the carbon footprints of health centers, among other environmental benefits.