According to the experts, Da Nang province is a suitable place to harness solar power as it shows an enormous potential for solar energy harvesting with the monthly sunshine hours of 177 on average and the daily average solar radiation of 4.89 kWh/m2. As a result, Da Nang has been ranked as the 5^th potential solar power exploiter among other 16 provinces in Vietnam.  

Taking advantage of those physical conditions, Da Nang Center for Energy Conservation and Technology transfer under the Department of Science and Technology of Da Nang has implemented the models of solar power in 25 rural regions at 11 communes in Hoa Vang district. The project has achieved a growing prominence and brought the local residents a number of benefits.

Particularly, at Hoa Nhon district Medical Center - one of the locations applying the solar-powered water heater project launched by Da Nang City, solar hot water systems not only help local people lower the cost of electricity but also ensure the hygiene in applying first aid and medical treatments as well as the sterilization process of medical instruments.

Similarly, at the 3^rd Base of Care Center System for Agent Orange/Dioxin Children (located at Phuoc Hung Commune, Hoa Nhon district), the model of solar hot water and the solar power system cut down a considerable amount of energy and save a lot of money on the utility bill. It also contributes to provide better care to these victims at the center.

It is estimated that the solar-powered water heater system can save VND370 million on electric bill and VND564 million on gas cost during 1-year period over 24 places. The model should be duplicated nation-wide in order to achieve energy efficiency, especially when energy security has become the burning issue of our time.

Thanh Thao