Loiza

Located in the northeast corner of Puerto Rico, the Concilio de Salud Integral de Loiza serves a historically under-resourced population that includes a large percentage of Afro-Puerto Ricans. The clinic provides essential medical services such as pre-natal care, immunizations, pediatrics, and dental. The vast majority of patients do not use private health insurance.

Solar Saves Lives partners completed the installation of a 270 kW solar system and a 475 kWh battery. In a state-of-the-art microgrid arrangement, a special controller will calibrate the system to draw electricity from the battery or a separate generator, as needed, to ensure an uninterrupted supply of power. During any disruption to the power grid, the system will power vital services including the emergency room, pharmacy, medication storage, and lighting.  Meanwhile, when the power is on, the solar microgrid will be able to generate enough electricity to save about $7,000 per month on their electricity bills. That is well over $2 million in savings over the expected lifetime of the project, helping the clinic achieve its mission to promote health and well being in the communities it serves.

Funding was provided by the Hispanic Federation, and by The Solar Foundation through a grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. The installation was project managed by the Clinton Climate Initiative and installed by EP Energy, with operations and maintenance to be carried out by AZ Engineering, both local solar engineering companies.