Utilising solar energy on hospital buildings can provide a wealth of benefits, among them environmental, economic and operational.
Clean energy is not a new concept in the health service. Indeed, a long time ago, the NHS pledged to become net zero and every trust has its own green plan. Installing solar panels is an affordable and simple way to boost green credentials, while at the same time causing minimum disruption.
Green credentials
Hospitals are large consumers of energy and the NHS is known to be one of the country’s biggest consumers of energy and resources.
Due to its immense size, it also has a large carbon footprint. Solar panels are able to provide a renewable and clean energy source and therefore reduce a hospital’s carbon footprint.
When it comes to solar power, there’s always a criticism that the sun doesn’t shine in the UK and therefore, this isn’t a reliable solution for the NHS. However, this is not the case, solar energy is renewable and abundant – not finite like fossil fuels – providing a reliable and long-term source of energy.
Financial benefits
NHS budgets are always going to be stretched and with an ongoing energy crisis, being able to cut costs here is a big win. If a hospital can get even a proportion of its energy from on-site sources, this is an easy place to make savings.
A long-term goal of energy independence will protect a hospital site from volatile energy prices and supply disruptions.
Health benefits
One of well-known mottos of healthcare is “prevention is better than cure”. Preventative healthcare reduces strain on the NHS in the long term and reduces costs.
Reducing reliance on fossil fuels will improve air quality and slow the impact of climate change – improving health outcomes.
Installing solar panels promotes an image of stewardship and responsibility and sets an example for others to follow. They can also be used as educational opportunities in the community and promote wider engagement and awareness.
What to consider before installation
There are several things to consider before embarking on a solar panel project and it is important every installation is properly planned and costed.
Firstly, a suitable site should be identified. If this is to be a roof, as many installations are, the structural integrity and orientation of it should be properly evaluated. The site needs to be able to support the weight of solar panels and receive adequate sun exposure.
A thorough analysis of the hospital’s current energy consumption should be carried out, covering overall energy requirements and peak usage. The size of the solar panel system needed can then be determined, bearing in mind that it may not meet the hospital’s full needs at this time.
The financial implications of course need to be considered. This includes the total installation cost, including panels, inverters, mounting systems, and labour – as well as ongoing running costs.
Regulation, compliance, building and safety standards must all be taken into account. This includes local planning laws, industry regulations and health and safety laws.
It needs to be certain that any new solar installation will fit seamlessly into the existing electrical system of the building or buildings and any need upgrades must be taken into account.
When it comes to making the switch, ensure that disruption will be minimal, this includes access to hospital areas and noise consideration. Ensure there is back up power should anything go wrong when making the final switch.
Grants
Government help is available to help with the switchover to clean energy. The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme provides grants for public sector bodies to fund heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures and supports the aim of reducing emissions from public sector buildings by 75 per cent by 2037.
In phase 3c of the scheme, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust was awarded £665,892 to decarbonise the Cardiac Day Unit. This included the installation of air source heat pumps, solar panels, and an electric boiler.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was awarded £28,431,899 for two projects to decarbonise Friarage Hospital in Northallerton and The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough. Both hospitals will get air source heat pumps and solar panels will be fitted.
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was awarded £832,984 to support the decarbonisation of Kent Lodge, a teaching facility at Broadgreen Hospital. Part of this is the installation of wind turbines and solar panels.
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust was awarded £18,974,330 to support the decarbonisation of Trafford General Hospital and the main base for South Manchester Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service.
Air source and water source heat pumps will be installed at both sites and solar panels will be fitted at Trafford General Hospital.
While it may seem daunting, installing solar panels is a very achievable way of saving costs and reducing carbon emissions. With thorough planning and consideration, solar panels will provide short and long-term benefits for any hospital that installs them.
