In collaboration with Pickering Energy Solutions, Brother’s Brother Foundation is bringing reliable, sustainable energy to healthcare facilities and communities in Liberia. This year, a team of six electricians and two nurses traveled to Bong County to upgrade wiring at Phebe Hospital, ensuring its compatibility with the European-standard utility grid, and to plan additional solar power projects at clinics across the region.

Solar power systems have already been installed or upgraded at six clinics, including the Jowah, Boway, and Shankpalla Clinics. A new system was also installed at the Gbarna Outpatient Clinic, while battery replacements and maintenance were completed for Zwedru Community College. Additionally, eight inverters damaged by lightning and age were replaced at Phebe Hospital and Curran Hospital.

Pickering Energy Solutions is also piloting the use of Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, which offer longer lifespans and greater efficiency than traditional lead-acid batteries. To further enhance sustainability and cost-effectiveness, plans are underway to manufacture these batteries locally in Liberia, providing not only a reliable energy source but also economic opportunities for the community.

Switching to solar power has significant environmental and economic benefits. Each 6 kW inverter/4 kWp solar power system installed or upgraded avoids the release of 11.4 tons of CO2 annually and saves the Liberian Ministry of Health an average of $2,668 per year. With an economic return on investment of just over two years, these systems represent a remarkable solution for providing clean, sustainable energy to underserved communities.

“Thank you so much for supporting our ongoing solar program, and I am truly honored to be partnering with you as we improve the quality of healthcare and the lives of our brothers in Liberia.” Chip Pickering, PhD, President, Pickering Energy Solutions