International Impact Stories

This is your last chance to show your support, spread the word, and help us cross the finish line strong on August 6th to #PowerUpNepal! We can do it! But we need your help.

The village of Dhapsung, Nepal may seem worlds away from where you sit right now reading these words. In fact, GRID Alternatives’ headquarters office in Oakland, CA is situated more than 7,500 miles across the Pacific. But thanks to Chris Fearon, a dedicated volunteer and supporter of GRID, Dhapsung feels much closer. Chris offers us a glimpse into the resilience, vibrancy, and humanity of Dhapsung through his own eyes.

Community-based solar micro-grids have great potential to contribute to development around the world. Yet today, few rural micro-grid models exist that are self-sustaining and meet the long-term needs of beneficiaries. GRID Alternatives and Gham Power are on a mission to change that.

In many developing communities around the globe, women spend a significant portion of their day gathering wood for cooking and walking hours to the nearest town to purchase kerosene for lighting. Because women are responsible for cooking and lighting in their households, they are disproportionately exposed to the toxic fumes from these fuels.
What if the people that energy poverty affects the most could become the leaders of the clean energy revolution?
What if women could gain back their productive hours, expand energy access in rural regions, and earn an income all at once?

A year after the devastating earthquake, Nepali people are still moving from rubble to reconstruction. Now, GRID’s International Program is leading a project to bring solar to one of the most impacted communities, the mountain village of Dhapsung. GRID is partnering with Digo Bikas Institute to apply a sustainable development approach to transform Dhapsung, Nepal with the power of electricity. Read on to learn more about the Power Up Nepal project and see how community development can be catalyzed by solar energy.

Eddy Matute of El Guaylo, Nicaragua reflects on how his life has changed since solar was installed on the school in his community.

Asucena Mendoza reflects on her journey to become a teacher in El Delirio, and how solar has impacted her classroom and community.

My name is Karelia Tercero. This is a short story about how I became the first female solar technician for GRID Alternatives in Nicaragua.