Adequacy of solar energy to keep babies warm.

OBJECTIVE

Solar energy could be used as an alternate energy source for keeping neonates warm especially in tropical countries. The present study investigated the efficacy of solar powered room heating system.

SETTING

Referral center for neonatal care.

INTERVENTION

A fluid system heated by solar panels and circulated into a room was used to maintain room temperature. A servocontrolled heating device was used to regulate and maintain desired room temperature.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Neonatal rectal temperature and room temperature.

RESULT

Infants between 1750-2250 g were observed to require a mean room temperature of 32.5 degrees C to maintain normothermia. In 85 infants less than 1500 g, of the 5050 infant temperature records, only 3% showed a record less than 36 degrees C.

CONCLUSIONS

Solar powered room heating is effective in maintaining infant temperature and is cost-effective as compared to the existing warming devices.