Neno Health Center is a rural health facility located in Neno District in the southern region of Malawi. Previously reliant on an unstable connection to the national grid, the facility faced frequent power outages that compromised healthcare delivery. On 2nd May 2025, a solar PV system was commissioned to provide a reliable, clean energy source for the health center, marking a significant milestone in improving rural health services
Project summary
The need
Before the solar installation, frequent electricity outages disrupted critical medical services. Inconsistent lighting, unreliable power for medical equipment, and limited nighttime care reduced the quality of service for patients, especially in maternity, emergency, and outpatient care. A sustainable energy solution was urgently needed to stabilize operations and support quality healthcare delivery in this high-demand facility.
The solution
To address these challenges, a 6.75 kWp solar PV system with a 15 kWh battery bank and a 5 kW inverter was installed. The system now powers all essential areas of the health center, including the maternity ward, outpatient department (OPD), general wards, guardian shelter, and laundry shelter.
Impact
The solar installation has strengthened health service delivery at Neno Health Center, which treated more than 30,000 patients per year. Clinical staff now work in a well-lit, powered environment with functioning medical equipment, improving patient care, safety, and operational efficiency. Reliable power ensures uninterrupted services across departments, supporting SDGs 3 and 7.