MakatiMed installs solar generator system

MANILA, Philippines - Staying true to its “going green” efforts that involve finding alternative and earth-friendly sources of energy, premier health institution Makati Medical Center has installed a Solar PV (Photovoltaic) Generator System that can knock off an estimated 30,000 kgs. of annual carbon monoxide emission — the equivalent of 933 planted trees, or 217 smoke-belching vehicles removed from the streets.

The installation, composed of 151 monocrystalline modules with a 25-year lifespan, is located on the rooftop of the 10th floor of Tower 1.  It is the first installation in the country to use Solar DC Optimizers, which enhances the throughput of the systems even with shadows.

According to engineer Lawrence Harder, AVP for MakatiMed’s Mechanical and Bio-mechanical Engineering Services, the project started in the fourth quarter of 2012 and was completed on February 10, 2013. The installation of the system was handled by SasonbiSolar, a solar PV systems integrator with expertise in Solar PV Generator Systems for commercial and residential applications.

According to SasonbiSolar, MakatiMed’s Solar PV has an annual production capacity of 56,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh).  If a kWh costs P10, this translates to an estimated P560,000 in annual savings for MakatiMed — funds that can now go to efforts and other initiatives that will serve more patients.

MakatiMed is no stranger to solar energy, having installed a solar-powered air-conditioning system in 2011. The Sedna Aire solar absorption air-conditioning system, with the use of natural solar power, significantly reduces electricity consumption and operating costs.

Sedna Aire employs a solar absorption system, which is still capable of carrying a full air-conditioning load, especially during sunny periods. Heat energy from the sun is absorbed by a solar heat pipe collector, which is then utilized for the displacement of electricity for the cooling process. Albeit the minimal amount of electricity still needed to pump the refrigerant, the system makes use of substantially less of it than its conventional counterpart.

The air-conditioning project led to MakatiMed receiving an Excellence Award at the 11th Asian Hospital Management Awards (AHMA) in September 2012.