With the installation of a solar PV system, the facility now has electricity for the first time, and will be able to power lighting, fans, as well as electronic educational materials that expand the school's access to resources and enhance the overall learning environment for the students. This project is the second phase of GRID's effort to bring solar electricity to Juntas de Neji in 2018, and followed the installation of 18 solar home systems that were installed in November. Both phases of the project use Trojan batteries to store electricity generated by the solar panels.
Juntas de Neji is home to 140 residents including 90 Kumeyaay people who are indigenous to the area. Located in the municipality of Tecate, Juntas de Neji is the northernmost indigenous community in Baja California, México that extends across 11,590 hectares of land. Although Juntas de Neji is relatively close to larger towns like Tecate and Tijuana, grid electricity has never been extended to the community. Most families in the community recently received new 500 square foot homes to reduce overcrowding, but the homes were not provided a source electricity nor potable water, even though they have have electrical outlets and a tank for water on the roof.
Originally constructed several decades ago, the school was only recently brought back into use and officially registered early this year, opening its doors again this past August to serve the children from the community. With the installation of a solar PV system, the facility will have electricity for the first time, and will be able to power lighting, fans, as well as electronic educational materials that expand the school's access to resources and enhance the overall learning environment for the students. The PV system's battery storage uses flooded deep-cycle lead acid Trojan batteries, which will allow the school lights and small appliance 24 hours a day so the school can be used as a community meeting space at night. See photos from the solar installation at the school with the Trojan Battery team!
For the upcoming 25 years, the community of Juntas de Neji and their future generations will finally have access to clean, reliable electricity for the first time. Access to electricity for the community and school of Juntas de Neji will dramatically improve the quality of life for residents, create an opportunity to generate income, and greatly enhance the learning environment and educational resources for the local children.
This project is sponsored by Trojan Battery Company, and is part of a larger philanthropic partnership with GRID Alternatives' International Program. Since GRID began working in Nicaragua 10 years ago, all of our off-grid systems in Nicaraguan communities have utilized Trojan batteries for energy storage. Trojan Battery Company sponsored a solar school and health clinic project in Nicaragua last year, sending employees to participate in the installations and immerse in local culture and daily life in the rural community. Philanthropic partnerships like Trojans' are critical in enabling GRID to bring the benefits of solar- financial savings, job opportunities, and a clean, renewable energy source- to famililes and communities that would not otherwise have access. Learn more about becoming a corporate sponsor for our international projects. Learn more about becoming a corporate sponsor for our international projects.
Check out photos this project here!
