SANTIAGO DE CUBA.— One hundred health care centers of this Eastern Cuban province are using electricity generated by solar photovoltaic panels and are maintained as part of the national energy program in progress.

The objective is to replace storage batteries, light fixtures and other accessories, including TV sets and refrigerators with more up to date technology to make more efficient use of electricity generated by solar panels. This special maintenance program its to assure that these systems work properly and provide the people with maximum benefits.

The use of solar photovoltaic electricity is a rural energy generating approach promoted in Cuba to provide services to areas far removed from the national electric grid. They make use of the high levels of solar radiation that is available all along the Cuban archipelago.

Santiago de Cuba began to use solar generated power in 1998, and at this moment 107 family doctor and nurse facilities are using this source. Two rural hospitals, four rural communities, several schools, and halls for watching TV and videos for the communities use this technology.

Tomas Prado, from the Health Care Services Complex, told the National News Agency reporter that cells assure night-time electrical services to doctor’s offices, as well as providing energy for electrocardiographs, communications equipment for emergencies and lightning.

At the beginning of 2006, the solar panels at ten of these facilities were replaced, as part of the maintenance program taking place in the Guama municipality. Work is continuing to detect any problems that may affect the proper function of these generating modules, which are designed to provide electricity even when weather conditions obscure sunshine from the sensitive silicon cells.

Hospitals located at La Pimienta in Santiago de Cuba municipality and Paraiso in San Luis municipality have hybrid systems that combine solar power with diesel generators to assure the one hundred percent reliability of the service, while at the same time saving valuable fuel and reducing atmospheric pollution.