Donated solar PV and battery system powers frontline hospital in Ukraine
A frontline hospital in northeastern Ukraine is now equipped with a reliable and resilient power supply, following the recent commissioning of a 36.5 kWp rooftop solar PV and battery storage system. The project was delivered by RePower Ukraine, a charitable foundation dedicated to restoring energy access in war-affected areas of the country, with support from UK companies Photon Energy and Segen Ltd. Now fully operational, this vital system will enable Slobozhanske Hospital in the Kharkiv region to continue providing life-saving medical care despite ongoing attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure.
Located just 35 kilometers from the Russian border, Slobozhanske Hospital has endured prolonged power outages since the start of the war, with blackouts lasting up to 18 hours a day. Until now, the facility relied solely on a diesel generator during these periods, severely limiting its ability to perform scheduled procedures and significantly delaying urgent medical treatment.
Inspired by the work of RePower Ukraine, Photon Energy and Midsummer Energy successfully raised £15,000 to cover the cost of the mounting system, cabling and installation at Slobozhanske Hospital. Photon Energy also donated 84 solar panels to the project.
To support the Ukrainian economy, the cabling and mounting components were sourced from local companies. The system was installed by Ukrainian engineers specially trained to design and maintain resilient energy systems capable of operating reliably under wartime conditions.
“Raising the money for this project was definitely a marathon rather than a sprint—quite literally, as running a marathon was one of the many fundraising activities undertaken. However, the results speak for themselves,” says Jonathan Bates, Managing Director of Photon Energy and a UK ambassador for RePower Ukraine. “I’m incredibly proud of our team and deeply grateful to our partners, including Segen, for helping to bring this vision to life. It shows what can be achieved when the industry comes together for a cause that truly matters.”
Segen, the UK’s largest distributor of renewable energy technologies, donated a 30 kW solar inverter and a 36 kWh battery storage system with a backup interface—ensuring the hospital can maintain a stable power supply even during grid outages.
Spencer Conday, Managing Director of Segen, comments: “We are honoured to support this critical initiative alongside Photon Energy. The installation at Slobozhanske Hospital is a powerful example of how renewable energy can do more than reduce carbon—it can literally save lives.
“In parts of the world where grid power is unstable or unavailable, clean energy systems with battery storage and backup capability provide more than just electricity—they offer resilience, safety and hope. At Segen, we believe access to energy is a fundamental right, and we’re proud to contribute technology and expertise to help frontline communities maintain essential healthcare services, even under the most extreme conditions.”
Yulia Bila, a spokesperson for Slobozhanske Hospital, says: “During this extremely difficult time for Ukraine, when the healthcare system faces new challenges due to the ongoing military aggression, this contribution is exceptionally valuable. Thanks to the installation of this alternative energy source, the hospital will be able to maintain stable and uninterrupted operations, ensuring continuous medical care for our patients.”
Repower Ukraine continues to seek support from technical experts, funding partners and training organisations. For more information or to get involved, visit: https://repowerua.org/.
