solar panels

The implementation of solar panels form part of government’s plan to protect public health facilities from power outages. Image: Pixabay

Public health facilities to benefit from SOLAR PANELS soon

A move to implement solar panels could help reduce the impact of load shedding on public health facilities

solar panels

The implementation of solar panels form part of government’s plan to protect public health facilities from power outages. Image: Pixabay

The Department of Health (DoH) announced on 28 November 2022, that it is collaborating with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to conduct a feasibility study on the installation of solar panels in critical areas of health facilities, SA News reports.

Solar panels to impact of load shedding

The move to implement solar panels is part of an energy mix designed to reduce the impact of load shedding.

This will also relieve pressure from overstressed backup generators in hospitals.

This follows the announcement by Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla of the government’s plan to protect public health facilities from the devastating power outages.

The DoH stated that it is on track with efforts to ensure that priority hospitals are excluded from load shedding.

This as part of its plans to minimise disruptions in the delivery of essential health services during power outages.

Total exempted health institutions at 77

The DoH along with Eskom have implemented the long-awaited exemption of North West hospitals.

This including Taung Hospital and Ganyesa Hospital.

This takes the number of exempted health institutions from 72 to 77.

“This is a work in progress, and the inclusion of North West hospitals is part of the commitment made by Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla that no province will be left behind,” the DoH said.

ALSO READ: City of Cape Town confirms load shedding plan for the rest of November

Load shedding continues to be implemented

Load shedding continues to be implemented due to the high levels of breakdowns and limited emergency generation reserves.

Eskom currently has 5 032MW capacity on planned maintenance with another 16 390MW capacity unavailable due to breakdowns.

It is anticipated that no load shedding will be implemented during the day from 29 November 2022.

ALSO READ: South Africa sees a combined 120 days of load shedding in 2022