Using solar-powered refrigeration for vaccine storage where other sources of reliable electricity are inadequate or costly

This paper highlights some lessons learned with solar-powered refrigeration, and discusses some critical factors for successful introduction of solar units into immunization programs in the future including: sustainable financing mechanisms and incentives for health workers and technicians are in place to support long-term maintenance, repair, and replacement parts; system design is carried out by qualified solar refrigerator professionals taking into account the conditions at installation sites; installation and repair are conducted by well-trained technicians; temperature performance is continuously monitored and protocols are in place to act on data that indicate problems.