Cidra invests in solar power system, acquires new ramp-equipped van for Alzheimer’s center
By THE STAR STAFF
The Municipal Government of Cidra, with the support of the Office of the Ombudsman for the Elderly (OPPEA by its initials in Spanish), has bolstered the free services offered by the Cidra Center of Eternal Spring (Centro Cidreño de la Eterna Primavera) for people with Alzheimer’s. The initiative involved installing a solar power system and adding a new Ford Transit van equipped with a ramp to expand transportation options for participants.
“At this center, we provide daily care, meals, nursing services, social work, and activities tailored to the needs of people with Alzheimer’s, while offering their caregivers and family members a space that supports them in that responsibility,” Mayor Delvis J. Pagán Clavijo. “We needed to strengthen two key areas: service continuity during power outages and participant transportation. With the support of OPPEA and the Ombudsman, Dr. Yolanda Varela, we were able to address both needs and expand the resources available at this facility.”
The solar system represented an investment of $98,352.24 -- funded entirely through resources secured in collaboration with OPPEA -- and includes 52 solar panels (410 watts each), three batteries providing some 48 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of storage, and two hybrid inverters (10,000 watts each). Prior to the installation, the facility relied on a generator during power outages and had to keep a supply of diesel fuel on hand to operate it. The equipment also lacked the capacity to keep all air conditioning units running simultaneously -- a limitation that affected the environment for participants and staff and could necessitate adjustments to certain services and activities.
“For a population with Alzheimer’s, maintaining routines and the necessary conditions to receive daytime services is crucial,” the mayor noted. “This system allows us to reduce our reliance on the generator and keep equipment connected to the backup power supply when the electrical grid fails.”
In addition to the investment in energy infrastructure, a Ford Transit valued at $62,500 -- also funded through OPPEA -- has been acquired. The vehicle, the facility’s first of this kind, seats eight passengers and features a ramp to facilitate access for participants with limited mobility. It will be used to transport them to activities, outings and other engagements related to the program’s services.
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