The Belau National Hospital Solar System is a project funded by the Taiwan government that involves the design build of a solar system capable of producing 150 kilowatt for the hospital.
According to the Capitol Improvement Project (CIP) the new system which is now being installed will translate to about 7 to 10 percent of the daily requirement of the hospital.Health Minister Victor Yano that the hospital’s monthly electricity reaches up to $90,000 and once the project is fully installed the power bill can be slashed down by 10 percent which means savings of at least $9,000 every month.The CIP said that once completed the solar lighting will provide power to the exterior and interior lighting of the hospital.The project also includes the supply and installation of solar powered “street lights” around the perimeter and parking areas of the hospital.Gail Manalastas, Project Manager said that the system is capable of producing power even in low sunlight or cloudy conditions.He added that the project will be using top of line materials which are all-weather type.CIP further said that the solar system arrays shall be installed on the roof of the walkway of the hospital and along specially constructed mounting platforms in the parking lot of the hospital.The office added that these installations shall be capable of withstanding winds up to 125 mph, also considering the close proximity of the hospital to the sea, hence salt spray, the solar arrays and other components to be used shall be corrosive resistant materials to prevent rust or oxidation.The project amounts to $2,430,376 and was started on Oct. 12 and is expected to be completed on Dec. 31, 2008.Yesterday instead of conducting a formal ground breaking ceremony the contractor Lucky Ocean Ltd. instead donated items to the hospital such as 100 pieces bedsheets, pillowcases and other bedding materials.“Instead of spending on drinks and food these items will benefit the hospital and patients,” Yano said.
