Design and implementation of off-grid solar electricity supply for a rural Zambian medical facility

This paper presents the development of an off-grid photovoltaic energy supply in Chongwe District, Zambia, which delivers electricity to a health post and three supporting buildings. The system includes 23.3 square metres of polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) panel with a peak output of 3.4 kW, and 21.1 kWh of storage using absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries. The design methodology for the original system, installed in 2012, along with that of a substantial upgrade in 2014, is discussed. Comprehensive system data from before and after the upgrade were recorded, over a period of fifteen months, allowing system performance to be analyzed in detail. The paper concludes with a reflection on the experience gained during the design and delivery of this project, which can be used as a model for the electrification of further health posts across Zambia and other parts of Africa.