Mariana Palacios is an extraordinary woman, one of those rare individuals who combines leadership, vision, and perseverance. As head of her household alongside her husband, Mónaco Cruz, she lives in the community of La Rinconada, in San Sebastián de Yalí, Jinotega, with their two children. Her entrepreneurial spirit drives her to both save wisely and invest strategically. Mariana knows that installing a solar-powered irrigation system is not just a worthwhile investment, but a unique opportunity to transform her family’s production and strengthen the local economy.
About the Farm and Community
Mariana and Mónaco’s farm, jointly registered in both their names, currently grows seasonal vegetables, adjusting production according to market prices. They own 2 acres of land but cannot fully utilize it due to the high fuel costs of running a water pump—spending nearly $3,000 each month on gasoline. With a solar irrigation system, they could eliminate this expense and plant year-round without relying on rainfall. The savings will allow them to expand their crops and hire local workers, directly creating jobs within the community.
GRID Alternatives has already implemented two other solar irrigation systems in La Rinconada, and the results have been transformative—neighbors have become top producers, new jobs have been created, and farmers now plant in any season without the burden of fuel costs. This project would not only help Mariana’s family reach their goals, but also contribute to the ongoing growth and resilience of the entire community.
Project Dates: September 21 - 27, 2025
Cost: $2,500 per person
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