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Unlocking the potential of rooftop photovoltaic power generation for healthcare in Bangladesh

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  • Kowsar, Abu
  • Saha, Shemanto
  • Naima, Foyzunnesa
  • Palash, Mujib L.
  • Faruque, Md Jamal
  • Lasker, Goutam Kumar
  • Haque, Nawshad
  • Alam, Firoz

Abstract

Healthcare services in urban and ‘difficult-to-access’ areas in developing countries suffer enormously due to an unreliable grid-connected electric power supply. Implementing rooftop mini- and microgrid photovoltaic (PV) systems presents a promising solution to the current power challenges. Prior to the deployment of photovoltaic systems, estimating PV generation potential and conducting comprehensive techno-economic studies is of paramount importance. The primary goal of this pioneering study is to assess the total rooftop photovoltaic electric power generation potential in public healthcare facilities using PVsyst and HOMER. This research bridges a significant gap in renewable energy assessment for the country's medical infrastructure by conducting an analysis of healthcare facilities, a first in this field. The percentage of power generation capability utilizing the ArcGIS-determined restricted rooftop space of the primary, secondary, and tertiary level hospitals has been estimated with the capital expenditure (CAPEX), operating expenditure (OPEX), levelized cost of power (LCOE), payback period, and related economic metrics, as well as CO2 emissions. The cumulative PV system size is determined to be around 90 MW (MW), sourcing from 663 micro- and mini-grid PV systems installed on the roofs of 663 public hospitals. The public healthcare sector's collective power generation potential is 124,835 MWh, and the demand amounted to 158,420 MWh. The PV system can meet 79 % of the total electric power requirement. Notably, this study provides a holistic approach to establishing a net-metering-supported micro- and mini-grid system for uninterrupted power supply to healthcare premises.

Suggested Citation

  • Kowsar, Abu & Saha, Shemanto & Naima, Foyzunnesa & Palash, Mujib L. & Faruque, Md Jamal & Lasker, Goutam Kumar & Haque, Nawshad & Alam, Firoz, 2025. "Unlocking the potential of rooftop photovoltaic power generation for healthcare in Bangladesh," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 243(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:243:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125001715
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.122509
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