International Impact Stories

Solar supports women’s health and employment

This International Women’s History month, GRID is raising money to install solar on the Miteri Birthing Center.

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Energy Certainty in Uncertain Times

We are happy to report that our staff is back to work in Nicaragua!

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Expanding perspectives, relationships & technical skills in La Misión, Mexico

In September, eight IGS Energy employees traveled to La Misión, Mexico with GRID's International Program to install solar on Door of Faith Orphanage. Elizabeth Lugviel shares her experience in a guest blog post.

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A Journey in Nepal, Measured in Moments

On Earth Day 2018, eleven participants traveled to Nepal with GRID Alternatives to install a 1.2 kW off-grid solar system in Chitwan National Park. Here, Marissa Leshnov, GRID Bay Area’s SolarCorps Workforce and Volunteer Fellows, recounts some of the moments that shaped her experience in Nepal’s sub-tropical plains.

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"Shine On": A Solar Journey from St. Louis, Missouri to La Rinconada, Nicaragua

In February 2018, GRID Alternatives installed a solar-powered drip irrigation system on the small farm of the Cruz family in the rural community of La Rinconada, Nicaragua. Participant Bob Pashos, a Solar Educator at StraightUp Solar in St. Louis, MO, reflects on his experience installing the project while immersed in Nicaragua for a week with GRID. Here, he shares his daily diary.

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"Independencia Generada por El Sol" en El Platanal, Nicaragua: Estudio de Caso

Tener energía solar en su casa le ha permitido a José Ariel mantener su independencia y dignidad, a pesar de los desafíos que enfrenta vivir con una discapacidad. Al continuar viviendo en su propio casa y criar animales, él tiene un propósito y una rutina cómoda.

La Familia Cruz, Sistema de Riego: Estudio de Caso

Boanerges y Luisa son miembros de una organización basada en Jinotega que se llama AVODEC (Asociación de Voluntarios para Desarrollo Comunitario), la cual trabaja en temas de salud, educación, agricultura y desarrollo económico, en la mayoría de las comunidades del departamento de Jinotega, AVODEC dio la asistencia tecnica agricola a la familia Cruz, ademas de micro préstamos para poder cubrir el costo de insumos y materiales del cultivo. GRID Alternatives ha estado trabajando con AVODEC durante tres años para llevar energia solar a comunidades rurales con proyectos de escuela, sistemas de riego por goteo y bombeo de agua.

Tío Raymundo: "Everything comes with time, so be patient"

"My name is Raymundo de Jesus Villagra Garcia and I’m 63 years old. I was born in the same house where I currently live in the community of San Isidro, in the mountainous northern region of Nicaragua. My parents were one of the first families to come to this community and there were very few inhabitants." Read more about Tío (Uncle) Raymundo, and his leadership in the community.

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"Sun-Powered Independence" in El Platanal, Nicaragua: Case Study

Having an off-grid solar system on his house in the rural community of El Platanal, Nicaragua has allowed Jose Ariel to maintain his independence and dignity, despite the challenges he faces living with a disability. By continuing to live in his own house and raise animals, he has a purpose and a comfortable routine.

The Cruz Family Farm: Case Study

Impacts from the Cruz family's solar-powered drip irrigation system include higher earnings, more diverse crops, eliminating the need to rent a gas pump three times per week, the ability to work the farm and produce year-round, and more locally grown food available in their community.