Project overview
In September 2013, Kutehjumble partnered with the Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit, The Gambia — one of West Africa’s leading medical research institutions — to deliver a complete solar energy solution for the MRC mid-wife’s residential accommodation. The project encompassed the full supply chain: procurement of high-quality solar panels and all associated accessories, professional installation, and complete electrical wiring of the property to ensure safe, reliable off-grid power.
Why it mattered
Healthcare workers in residential settings deserve uninterrupted power for medical equipment, lighting, and communications. This project ensured the MRC mid-wife’s home was reliably and cleanly powered — supporting round-the-clock readiness for maternal and newborn care.
Scope of work
- Supply of solar panels — Procurement and delivery of appropriately rated photovoltaic panels suited to the energy demands of the residential property.
- Accessories & components — Sourcing of charge controllers, deep-cycle batteries, inverters, mounting structures, cabling, and all balance-of-system hardware.
- Full electrical wiring — End-to-end internal wiring of the mid-wife’s house, including distribution boards, circuit protection, socket outlets, and light fittings — all executed to professional safety standards.
- Installation & commissioning — On-site installation of all panels and equipment, system integration, load testing, and handover to the client upon successful commissioning.
- Quality assurance — Post-installation inspection and verification that all systems met MRC’s operational and safety requirements before sign-off.
Key components supplied
Solar panels
Photovoltaic modules sized for the property’s daily energy load and Gambian solar irradiance levels.
Battery storage
Deep-cycle battery bank providing overnight and cloudy-day energy backup for consistent power.
Charge controller
PWM or MPPT charge regulator ensuring safe, efficient charging and battery protection.
Inverter
DC-to-AC power inverter supplying standard household current to all wired circuits and outlets.
Wiring & distribution
Consumer unit, circuit breakers, conduits, cables, sockets, and switches throughout the house.
Mounting hardware
Roof mounting frames and rails securing the panels at the optimal tilt angle for maximum yield.
Outcomes
About the client
The Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit The Gambia, headquartered at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, is one of Africa’s oldest and most respected biomedical research institutions. Operating in The Gambia since 1947, MRC conducts vital research in infectious diseases, maternal health, nutrition, and child survival. Kutehjumble is proud to have contributed to the welfare of MRC’s on-site staff through this solar energy project.
