International Impact Stories

There are certain meaningful experiences throughout life that compel you to turn inward and reflect. My trip to the rural community of El Pedregal, Nicaragua with GRID Alternatives to work on an improved cookstoves project was my time to reflect on life.

Earlier this month I took an incredible trip with GRID to install a 1.2 kW off-grid solar system in Nepal's Chitwan National Park. Often in the clean energy space, unless you are a developer or installer yourself, you can feel fairly far removed from the technology and often our knowledge of the technical side of the business can be intangible and learned only from drawings and maintenance reports. I wanted to get my hands dirty and help build a system from start to finish.

When Richmond, California resident Ruth Ruiz started her application process with GRID to get solar on her home, she had no idea she was opening the door to electrifying her family’s village in Nicaragua.

Martha Lorena Torres Espinoza (Lorena), and her family lead a typical life in Agua Fria, a rural community in the Matagalpa region of Nicaragua, before solar come to their village.

At the end of May 2017, nine Trojan Battery Company employees traveled with GRID to San Isidro, Nicaragua, where they installed solar on a community school and health clinic. Trojan employee Nhi Sung recounts his experience in this special guest post.

Each year, GRID offers a unique opportunity for Nicaraguan women who are interested in the renewable energy industry to gain hands-on solar installation experience by participating in our "Mujeres del Sol" project. In January 2017, 10 women installed a 1 kW off-grid PV system on a primary school and health clinic in Los Encuentros, Estelí. Paola Pérez Belli, an environmental engineer from Managua, reflects on her experience participating in this project.

During the first two weeks of October, GRID Alternatives completed its first project in Nepal, bringing power to a community that is still rebuilding after last year’s earthquakes. GRID Alternatives’ International Program volunteer Ryan Berglas reflects on his experience.

During the first two weeks of October, GRID Alternatives completed its first project in Nepal, bringing power to a community that is still rebuilding after last year’s earthquakes. GRID’s International Program Director Jenean Smith writes about her experience.

Kelsey Schrock, Project Coordinator for GRID Alternatives' International Program in Nicaragua details a small taste of life in Nicaragua--a must read for anyone interested in traveling on one of our upcoming volunteer trips.