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Support Women Entreprenuers of Catarina, Nicaragua
Maria Eugenia Muños Guerrero and Julisa Carballo are women entrepreneurs in Catarina, Nicaragua. They both own and operate restaurants at the top of the hill at the end of the main street that overlooks Laguna de Apoyo, a lake in the base of a volcanic crater. The tourist economy in Catarina provides a vital source of income and employment for local residents. Support this project.
Travel to Nepal in May, 2023 to Bring Solar to a Girls' School - SOLD OUT
Karnali Academy & Simikot Hostel is a boarding school in the Northwestern corner of Nepal that provides bilingual education for 50 girls ages six to 14 who come from remote villages that lack the resources and infrastructure for formal schooling. Travel with GRID to learn about Nepali history and culture, engage in group discussions with other travelers and residents, enjoy Nepali food, and hike to see the breathtaking views of the Tibetan landscape while you install a 5kW off-grid solar system.
Support Dignified Menstruation by Bringing Solar to a Bio-Sanitary Pad Factory in Nepal - Corporate Sponsored Project - SOLD OUT
Miteri Jaibik Pad Udhyog is a bio-sanitary pad factory located in Chitwan and Kathmandu, Nepal. The factory started in 2020 and makes menstrual pads for women from renewable and natural materials including non-oven pulp wood, bio-plastic and release paper. Miteri Jaibik Pad Udhyog is the first biodegradable pad manufacturing company in Nepal.
Bringing Solar with Storage to Amppipal Hospital in Nepal - Sign Up Now
Travel with GRID in November 2023 to bring solar to Amippipal Hospital in Nepal. Amppipal is a small village located in the mountainous region of Gorkha district in Nepal. A solar electric system with energy storage will ensure the hospital can keep its critical services operating during power outages and will also lower the hospital’s bill, allowing cost savings to be invested back into the services offered to the 55-110 patients who come to Amppipal Hospital for treatment every day.
Solar Can Help Los Cachorros Farm in Nicaragua Provide More Meals and Classes for Kids.
In 2023, GRID hopes to bring a 3.4kW grid-tied solar system to the farm to reduce the monthly electric bill, saving the home money each month that can be reinvested to support more kids. Support this project.
Install Solar in San Jose El Paraiso, Nicaragua - 2 spots left!
In March 2023, travel with GRID to bring solar in a remote off-grid community in Nicaragua. Learn about Nicaragua on an 8-day trip where will you will install solar home systems for 15 families in a rural community Energy access provides families with lights and reliable electricity to power small appliances, charge cell phones, and access news and entertainment.
Woman-owned Eco-hotel Gets Solar Panels on Ometepe Island, Nicaragua - Corporate Sponsored Project - SOLD OUT
In April 2023, GRID is bringing solar to Hotel El Guis located in the town of Balgue on Ometepe Island in Nicaragua. Travelers from IGS Energy will install an off-grid battery-based solar system at the hotel in April 2023, bringing reliable electricity to the hotel and its guests.
Solar Powers Off-grid Indigenous School in Mexico - Limited spots available!
Support GRID in bringing solar electricity to an off-grid school in Juntas de Neji, Mexico in 2023. Escuela Meskuich is a small school that teaches Kumeyaay tradition and language to children and visitors. The school hosts groups of people interested in learning about the Kumeyaay language, cuisine, plants, land, pottery, and basketry.
Solar for Rehabilitation Center in Tijuana, Mexico
In October 2023, GRID and travelers from IGS Energy are bringing solar to the Mujer Cansada del Camino, a hostel and rehabilitation center for unhoused people in Tijuana, Mexico. Solar will lower the center's electric bill and this cost savings can be reinvested back into the center to support the women and to help cover the center’s ongoing costs like daily meals, clothing and supplies.
Travel with GRID to Nicaragua to install a drip irrigation system for the Luna family. - Limited spots available!
In November 2023, travel with GRID to Nicaragua to install a solar-powered drip irrigation system for a rural farm. Travelers will learn about Nicaraguan culture and history on this 8-day trip and will install a complete off-grid solar electric system that brings water to the Luna family, their animals and their crops.
Past Projects
Asilo Villa San Francisco in Mexicali, Mexico Goes Solar
In March 2023, GRID staff in Mexico and job trainees from UABC University in Mexicali installed a 40kW grid-tied with battery backup photovoltaic (PV) system at Asilo Villa San Francisco. The PV system will help the home for elderly residents regulate the ambient temperature inside, keeping residents safe during power outages.
November 2022: Latina Muslim Center in Tijuana, Mexico Goes Solar
The Latina Muslim Foundation is a nonprofit organization with a center in Tijuana, Mexico to provide meals, transportation, temporary housing and other services to refugees and asylum seekers, single mothers with children, fathers looking for employment, and other people who are unsheltered or who benefit from the center’s support. In November, 2022 GRID brought solar to the center to reduce their electric bill so the cost savings can be reinvested into the services they provide.
November 2022: Bringing Solar to the farm of Doña Ramona Rodriguez in Nicaragua
In November 2022, international travelers worked alongside GRID staff to bring a solar-powered drip irrigation system to the farm of Doña Ramona Rodriguez in Yupali, Jinotega, Nicaragua. Doña Ramona lost her husband of 22 years to COVID-19 and will use the income saved by the solar system to support her family.
October/November 2022: Supporting Binjel Milk Producers Cooperative in Nepal - Corporate Sponsored Project
GRID brought a solar with battery backup system to the Binjel Milk Cooperative in Nepal in October 2022. Located in the Sindhupalchok district of Nepal, the coop was established in 1995 and has 514 members who produce milk. The co-op produces approx. 1060 liters per day. Solar will lower the coop's electric bill and the battery backup system means milk can stay cold when the national electric grid goes down.
October 2022: Fighting Gender Inequality at Ashok Namuna Primary School in Nepal
In October 2022, GRID and international travelers worked with the community of Jumla Bazar in Nepal to bring solar to Ashok Namuna Primary School, a public school that is increasing girls' school attendance by working hard to improve the quality of education and educational facilities. Solar will bring reliable electricity to the 200+ students allowing classes to use modern technology since the town is not connected to the national electric grid.
October 2022: Small Businesses on Mancarrón Island in Nicaragua Go Solar
In October 2022, international travelers joined GRID's team in Nicaragua to bring solar to two small businesses on Mancarrón Island in Lake Nicaragua. Solar will provide reliable 24/7 lights and power to a small hotel and a family-fun artisan business that makes nature-inspired balsa wood figures.
September 2022: Bringing Solar to Hadsinja Health Post and Birthing Center in Kanaka Sundari Rural Municipality of Jumla, Nepal - Corporate Sponsored Project
Many areas in the Jumla district of Nepal do not have access to reliable electricity making it hard for healthcare workers to provide needed services, especially during COVID-19. In September 2022, GRID installed a solar system on the Hadsinja Health Post located in Kanaka Sundar Rural Municipality of Jumla, Nepal so the health post can power medical equipment, offer the COVID-19 vaccine and have lights and electric power every day.
Two off-grid indigenous communities in Mexico get solar electricity and solar refrigeration.
In May 2022, GRID worked with two off-grid Kumeyaay communities in northern Baja California to bring solar electricity and solar refrigeration to families. Residents of Juntas de Neji and San Antonio Necua now have reliable solar electricity to power lighting for reading and studying at night, and electric appliances that can provide better access to news, entertainment and income generating opportunities. Solar refrigeration will allow families to keep food, beverages and medicine cold.
Fundación CODET for Blindness Prevention in Tijuana, Mexico Goes Solar
GRID Alternatives worked with Fundación CODET for Blindness Prevention in Tijuana, Mexico to install an 15kW solar electric system on their rood this spring. This project will provide hundreds of dollars in electricity costs savings per month that the center can reinvest in critical ophthalmologic services and outreach efforts promoting early blindness detection in Tijuana’s most vulnerable communities.
Rancho de los Niños Orphanage Gets A Larger Solar System
Located in Ensenada, Mexico, Rancho de Los Niños orphanage is home to 75 children. In February, 2022 GRID staff and local job trainees installed an 18.24kW solar system at the home to augment their existing system with the goal of zeroing out their electric bill.
January, 2022: Solar Home Systems in El Regadio, Nicaragua
GRID has been working with El Regadio since 2017 bringing solar to homes, the school and a women's coffee cooperative. In January 2022, GRID installed eight solar home systems and an improved cookstoves for families living off the grid.
December 2021: Paccelli Orphanage in Mexicali, Mexico Goes Solar
Paccelli Orphanage is a home for boys 6-15 years old in Mexicali, Mexico. In December 2021, GRID installed a solar system to help the home lower their monthly electric bill.
Thank you to the Sempra Foundation for supporting this project.
December 2021: Las Memorias in Tijuana, Mexico Gets A Larger Solar System
In December 2021, to help commemorate World AIDS Day, GRID Alternatives’ International Program had the opportunity to support Albergue Las Memorias in Tijuana, Mexico again by expanding their solar system.
Thank you to the Sempra Foundation for supporting this project.
November 2021: Solar-Powered Drip Irrigation For A Family Farm in La Rinconada, Nicaragua
The Centeno/Gutierrez family farm in the community of La Rinconada in Jinotega, Nicaragua now has a solar-powered drip irrigation. With this system, Pablo Gutierrez and Daisy Centeno will reduce their production costs by eliminating the cost to pump water and increase the diversity of the crops they can grow year-round.
November 2021: Casa YMCA de Menores Migrantes in Tijuana, Mexico
Migrant Centers in Tijuana provide essential services to displaced people and unaccompanied children including meals, healthcare, social assistance, reuniting deportees children & adults with their families, legal services, therapy, and employment advice. In November 2021, GRID installed an 8kW solar system at the Casa YMCA de Menores Migrantes in Tijuana, Mexico.
Thank you to Sempra Foundation for your support!
October 2021: Ciudad de Los Niños Orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico
In October 2021, GRID Alternatives installed a 18kW grid-tied solar electric system at Ciudad de Los Niños orphanage. Solar will lower the home’s electric bill by 90% saving them approximately $270 a month. Founded in 1992, Ciudad de Los Niños is a non-profit orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico providing children and youth with a safe place to live, healthy meals, education including Montesorri preschool, mental health services, speech therapy, extracurricular activities and much more.
Thank you, Flex Foundation for supporting this project.
October 2021: Solar Energy for Families in Totumblita, Nicaragua
In October, 2021 GRID's team in Nicaragua installed 12 off-grid solar home systems for families in the community of Totumblita, Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Having a clean, reliable source of electricity in their homes will allow families to have high-quality lighting for evening reading and studying, use basic kitchen appliances and charge electronic devices. With these systems, families will have better access to news, communication, entertainment, and income-generating opportunities.
September 2021: Supporting Family-owned Woodworking Businesses on Mancarron Island, Nicaragua
Small artisan businesses support Nicaragua's economy and culture, but many remote towns are not connected to the national electric grid. GRID is working with the island community of Mancarron in the Solentiname islands in Lake Nicaragua to bring solar to family-owned woodworking businesses that make handcrafted items that reflect the local flora and fauna. Solar will allows families to operate electric equipment, replace fuel costs and improve noise and air pollution.
July 2021: Lowering the electric bill for Pro Salud in Tijuana, Mexico
Fronteras Unidas Pro Salud is a civil society organization in Tijuana, Mexico that promotes the integral health, social development and well-being of underserved people through rights education, particularly sexual and reproductive rights to promote gender equality and equity. In July, 2021 GRID and partner Gecko Solar installed an 18kW grid-tied solar system on the roof of Pro Salud.
Thank you to Sempra Foundation for your support!
July 2021: Bringing Solar to the Kalika Khetu Health Center in Jumla, Nepal
GRID and partner Gham Power installed solar on the Kalika Khetu health center in July 2021, bringing reliable electricity to the remote center in Jumla, Nepal. With the installation of an off-grid solar system and access to a reliable source of electricity, the Kalika Khetu Health Center now has reliable lighting and electricity to power medical and diagnostic equipment, refrigerate vaccines, warm beds for newborn babies, and provide emergency services and quality care 24 hours per day.
Thank you to the SolHomes, the Townshend Lamarre Foundation, and all of the individuals who supported this project.
May 2021: 20 Off-grid Homes in Santa Catarina, Mexico Go Solar
In Spring 2021, GRID's team in Mexico installed clean, reliable electricity to 19 off-grid homes in the Pai Pai community of Santa Catarina in Baja California, Mexico. With the installation of solar home systems, 19 families now have access to clean, reliable electricity in their homes providing lighting for reading and studying at night, and the ability to charge cell phones and use kitchen appliances. Solar enables families to have better access to news, communication, entertainment, and income-generating opportunities.
Thank you to the Alstom Foundation for supporting this project.
October 2021: Solar Power for Sion Orphanage in Baja California, Mexico with IGS and Flex Foundation
In October 2020, GRID Alternatives installed a 20kW grid-tied photovoltaic system at Casa Hogar Sion in Tijuana, Mexico. This system will generate up to 90% of the orphanage's electricity and the savings will be reinvested back into the children's care, paying for, among other things, a quality education for the 75 children living there.
October 2020: Madre Asunta Migrant Center in Tijuana, Mexico Gets Solar with Flex
In October 2020, GRID Alternatives installed a 18.4 kW grid-tied solar system at Madre Asunta migrant center for women and children in Tijuana. The system will save the center money each month, which they can use to provide services to the 150 women and children that they house every day.
September 14-16, 2020: Bringing Solar to the Pandu Gupha Health Post, Jumla, Nepal
In September 2020, GRID and Nepali partner Gham Power brought reliable solar electricity to the remote Pandu Gupha Health Post in the Kanakasundari Rural Municipality in Jumla, Nepal. With access to clean, reliable electricity, the staff at the health post will be able to power quality lighting and fully utilize their medical and diagnostic equipment, refrigerate vaccines, and warm beds for newborn babies, enabling them to provide 24-hour quality medical services to thousands of residents for common diseases, physical injuries, and maternal and child healthcare.
Mujeres del Sol 2020: Women in Solar Nicaragua Brings Solar Power to a School in San José el Paraíso
In January 2020, 10 Nicaraguan women traveled with GRID Alternatives to San José el Paraíso to install a school solar system for GRID's 6th Annual Women in Solar Nicaragua project! The school is this remote community's only electrical source, improveing the children's education as well as the community's access to information and communication.
December 10-13, 2019: Energy Access for Families in San Isidro
In December 2019, GRID Alternatives' staff worked alongside local participants and community members to install 10 battery-based solar home systems in the community of San Isidro, Jinotega, bringing clean lighting and AC power to these households. Learn more about the project or check out photos from the install.
GRID Reactivates a Solar System at Las Memorias Hospice and Addiction Support Facility in Tijuana, Mexico
On December 2nd, to help commemorate World AIDS Day, GRID Alternatives’ International Program, alongside local students from Universidad Tecnológica de Tijuana, reactivated an unused photovoltaic system that had fallen into disrepair at Albergue Las Memorias in Tijuana, Mexico.
November 9-16, 2019: GRID Brings Solar to a Women's Coffee Cooperative in El Regadio, Nicaragua
In November 2019, GRID participants traveled to Nicaragua with GRID to support women by bringing a solar-powered coffee grinder and roaster to a women's agricultural cooperative in El Regadio. With the ability to roast and grind their coffee beans locally with the power of the sun, the women's cooperative is now able to offer higher value coffee products in the market, and generate additional income to support the community and their families. Learn more about the project or check out the photos from the install.
November 2-9, 2019: Power from the Sun for the Chitrasen Tower in Chitwan National Park, Nepal
In November 2019, GRID participants traveled with GRID staff to Nepal's Chitwan National Park to install solar on the Chitrasen Tower, an off-grid wildlife observation tower and ecotourism stay in the Chitrasen Community Forest Buffer Zone. With access to clean, reliable electricity, the Chitrasen Tower is now able to accommodate overnight guests, generating additional income for the community that goes towards improving the local schools, supporting resource management and anti-poaching initiatives, and building awareness around conservation. Learn more about the project and check out photos from the install.
October 29 - November 1, 2019: Solar-Powered Water Access for 49 Families in La Sardina, Nicaragua
In October, eight local Nicaraguan volunteers joined GRID's Nicaragua team to install a solar-powered water pump that brings potable water to 49 families in La Sardina, a rural community located in the department of Chontales in central Nicaragua. With a clean and reliable water source close to their homes, women will save time fetching water and children will suffer less from water-borne illnesses. Learn more and see photos from the trip!
October 19-26, 2019: GRID brings solar to San Jose de Torrez, Nicaragua
In October 2019, local volunteers traveled with GRID's Nicaragua team to the rural community of San José de Torrez to work alongside community members to install solar home systems on 15 homes. Like many rural communities in Nicaragua, San José de Torrez does not have access to national electric grid, and families often rely on kerosene lamps and candles for lighting. Access to clean reliable electricity will now provide families with safer, higher quality lighting for reading and studying at night, and the ability to plug in electric appliances that gives families better access to news, entertainment, and income generating opportunities. Learn more and see photos from the trip!
October 19-26, 2019: Sponsored Project: Bringing Solar to Casa San José in Tijuana, Mexico
In October 2019, employees from IGS traveled to Mexico with GRID Alternatives to install a 5kW grid-tied solar system at Casa San José, in Tijuana. This system now generates 100% of the home’s electricity and the installation gave the opportunity to gain hands-on training to Mexican renewable energy students from a local technical college. Learn more and see photos from the trip!
October 3-6, 2019 Bringing solar to the Kumeyaay community of Juntas de Neji in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico
In October 2019, participants traveled with GRID to the off-grid Kumeyaay community of Juntas de Neji to provide solar energy access to five families and a community teacher's house. With access to clean, reliable electricity, families will be able to power lighting for reading and studying at night, and electric appliances that can give them better access to news, entertainment, and income generating opportunities. Learn more and see photos from the trip!
September 21-27, 2019 Sponsored Project: Solar Microgrid in Jodhgaun Village, Jumla, Nepal with Google Cloud
In September, GRID brought reliable electricity to the remote village of Jodhgaun in Nepal's Jumla district with the installation of a 12kW solar microgrid. Access to clean, reliable electricity will provide families with safer, higher quality lighting for reading and studying at night, and the ability to plug in electric appliances that can give families better access to news, entertainment, and income generating opportunities. Nepali women joined GRID for a hands-on training opportunity in solar installation. This project was sponsored and made possible with the generous philanthropic support of Google Cloud. Learn more and see photos from the trip!
August 12-16, 2019: Bringing solar to families in Isla Zapatera, Nicaragua
This August, GRID staff traveled with six Nicaraguan volunteers to the communities of El Islote, Terron Colorado and Manares in Isla Zapatera, Nicaragua to work together with community members to install 13 Solar Home Systems. Due to the location of these communities on small islands and remote peninsulas, and the difficulty in reaching them, these communities lack access to the national electric grid. Families must rely on the use of candles, kerosene lamps, and battery lamps for lighting at night and to do their daily activities. Access to clean reliable electricity provides families with safer, higher quality lighting for reading and studying at night, and the ability to plug in electric appliances that can give families better access to news, entertainment, and income generating opportunities. Learn more.
July 21-25, 2019: GRID brings solar and an improved cookstove to a school in Paso Real, Nicaragua with local volunteers
This July, GRID worked alongside Nicaraguan volunteers to install solar electric systems and an improved cookstove at an off-grid school in the community of Paso Real in the department of Esteli, Nicaragua. With access to electricity and an improved cookstove, the school can now power quality lighting for students and teachers in the classroom, as well as provide a safer and healthier means of cooking for the mothers that prepare lunches for the students.
June 13-15, 2019: Nepali women trainees bring solar to a remote birthing center in Jumla, Nepal
In mid-June 2019, nine Nepali women trainees traveled with GRID to a remote village in the Jumla district Nepal to bring solar to the Miteri Birthing Center. With solar, the Center will now be able to offer enhanced medical services 24 hours a day with lights, electric medical devices, refrigeration for vaccines, and counseling on reproductive health to patients of all ages. The installation itself served as a hands-on training opportunity for women, as part of GRID's Women in Solar Nepal program. Learn more and see photos from the project.
June 11-14, 2019: Solar-powered water access for 35 families in Zanzibar, Nicaragua
This June, eight local Nicaraguan volunteers joined GRID's Nicaragua team to install a solar-powered water pump that brings potable water to 35 families in Zanzibar, a rural community located in the department of Chontales in central Nicaragua. Learn more about the project and see photos from the installation.
April 22-26, 2019: Bringing solar to the families of San Fernando Island, Nicaragua
This April, GRID Alternatives traveled to the remote island of San Fernando with local Nicaraguan participants to install solar home systems on ten local families' homes. The solar home systems allow families to light their home with clean, renewable electricity for the first time, replacing the use of hazardous kerosene lanterns and candles. See photos from the install.
April 27 - May 5, 2019: Sponsored Project: Bringing solar to La Hacienda orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico with IGS
In late April 2019, nine employees from IGS traveled to Mexico with GRID Alternatives to install a 27 kW grid-tied solar system on La Hacienda orphanage in Tijuana. With solar, the orphanage is now anticipated to save up to $500 per month on their electricity bill, funds they can instead put towards unlocking opportunities for the children that live there. Four Mexican students studying renewable energy at the Universidad Tecnlogica de Tijuana also joined IGS and GRID in the installation for a hands-on training experience in solar. See photos from the install!
March 25-29, 2019: Solar Home Systems and Improved Cookstoves in El Regadio, Nicaragua
This past March, GRID Alternatives traveled to the department of Jinotega, Nicaragua, to install 15 solar home systems and nine improved cookstoves for families in the community of El Regadio. This was GRID's third project in El Regadio, after bringing solar to the local school and installing the community's first 20 solar home systems in 2017. Local Nicaraguan participants joined GRID for the installation to gain a hands-on training experience in solar, installing all the off-grid systems and improved cookstoves from start to finish over the four days of the project. Learn more and see photos from the project.
March 3-10, 2019: International Solar Spring Break with University of Michigan - Solarizing the Kumal Tower in Chitwan National Park
During the first week of March, a team of 11 students from University of Michigan traveled with GRID to Nepal's Chitwan National Park to bring solar power to the Kumal Tower as part of GRID’s first International Solar Spring Break! With access to clean, reliable electricity, the Kumal Tower will be transformed into an ecotourism stay for visitors, creating employment opportunities and generating income to bolster conservation efforts and livelihoods in the local community. See photos from UMich's trip and installation!
February 25 - March 1, 2019: Solar-powered Drip Irrigation on the Chavarria family farm in Jinotega, Nicaragua
In late February, GRID's Nicaragua staff installed a solar-powered drip irrigation system on the family farm of Andres and Mayra Chavarria, in the rural community of Colón, Jinotega, in north central Nicaragua. The system brings clean energy and greater economic opportunities to the Chavarria family, in addition to greater food production and availability for the community of Colón. Learn more about the project and see photos from the installation.
February 17-24, 2019: Solarizing the Green Tower in Bardia National Park, Nepal with RES
In February of 2019, 11 RES employees joined GRID in Nepal's Bardia National Park to install solar on the Green Tower, an observation tower and ecotourism accommodation located in the Bathanpur Community Forest of the Bathanpur Bufferzone. Managed by the User Committee of the Bathanpur Community Forest, the Green Tower is expected to see a significant increase in the number of overnight guests now that it has access to reliable electricity, creating employment opportunities and generating additional income to bolster conservation efforts and livelihoods in the local community. See photos from the installation with RES.
February 7-9, 2019: Solar-Powered Grain Mill + Solar-Powered Youth Athletes in Jumla, Nepal
This February, GRID installed a solar-powered grain mill with the Karnali Sports Club (KSC) in Jumla, in western Nepal. The grain-mill will generate revenue to aid KSC in supporting their 22 female and 16 male youth athletes, and surrounding communities now have a nearby grain-mill, saving families time and money. The project provided a unique, hands-on solar training opportunity for KSC youth athletes and a second training opportunity for Nepali women who participated in GRID's first Women in Solar project in December 2018. This project was made possible with generous support from BayWa r.e. Learn more and see photos from the installation.
5th Annual"Mujeres del Sol" (Women in Solar) Nicaragua! Bringing solar and improved cookstoves to families in El Platanal, Nicaragua
In January 2019, a group of 10 Nicaraguan women traveled to El Platanal, Boaco to install 15 solar home systems and 11 improved cookstoves, as part of GRID's 5th Annual Women in Solar project! The Women in Solar program gives local women the opportunity to get hands-on experience in solar and encourages women to join the predominately male-dominated industry. The installed solar home systems will provide basic lighting and energy needs for families who previously did not have access to conventional electricity, and the improved cookstoves will provide families a clean and more efficient wood-burning stove. See photos from the installation.
December 15-17, 2019: Launch of "Women in Solar" Nepal Program! Bringing Solar Power to the Kaathe Tower in Nepal’s Chitwan National Park
This December 15-17, 10 Nepali participants traveled to Chitwan National Park to install a 2kW off-grid solar system on the Kaathe Observation Tower for the launch of GRID’s first “Women in Solar” project in Nepal! The installation provided a unique, hands-on training experience for participants that exposed them to work in renewable energy and demonstrated to participating women that they too have the potential and opportunity to be a part of the growing solar industry in Nepal. Now successfully installed, the access to reliable electricity will also help the local community generate additional income to support conservation and livelihood efforts in Chitwan National Park. This project was sponsored by Empowered by Light with support from Friends of Nepal and Creating Possibilities. Learn more and check out photos of the installation.
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December 1-9, 2018 - Sponsored Project: Bringing off-grid solar to a school in Juntas de Neji, México with Trojan Battery Company
At the beginning of December 2018, ten employees from Trojan Battery Company traveled with GRID Alternatives' International Program to Baja California, Mexico to bring off-grid solar to the local school in the Kumeyaay community of Juntas de Neji. 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 used Trojan batteries to store electricity generated by the solar panels. Learn more and see photos from the installation.
December 2018 - Sponsored Project: Community micro-grid in Chatang, Nuwakot, Nepal
Three months after a severe landslide cut through Chatang in mid-September 2018, community members have safely returned to live in their village, and GRID partner Gham Power, has now successfully completed the installation of a community micro-grid. Chatang is located in the Nuwakot District of central Nepal, and despite neighboring the capital district of Kathmandu, the region is not as developed and lacks essential infrastructure, like access to the electric grid. The remote community is at least 3 hours walking from the nearest road and current sources of energy for lighting and cooking include flashlights and kerosene oil lamps, which are expensive and unreliable. A micro-grid is a better option to power the community, and will provide energy for basic needs and essential infrastructure, such as lighting, communication, healthcare, and local revenue generation. This project was made possible with the generous support of Northland Control Systems, Inc. See photos from the installation and learn more about the project.
November 16, 2018: Building a brighter future for families in San Isidro, Nicaragua
On November 16, local Nicaraguan participants traveled with GRID Alternatives' to the rural community of San Isidro, to install 17 battery-based solar home systems and bring clean lighting and AC power to community households. There are 300 residents in San Isidro with no access to conventional grid electricity. The community is located where two municipalities converge, which means San Isidro is not always recognized and is often left out of the allocation of resources for basic services. Solar is a solution that provides high quality lighting for night-time studying and activities at home, while enabling families to use regular home appliances like lamps, cell phones, RVs, computers, fans, and more. Learn more and see photos from the installation.
November 5-8, 2018: Solar power for the Kumeyaay community in Juntas de Neji, Baja California, México
Located in the municipality of Tecate, Juntas de Neji is the northernmost indigenous community in Baja California, México that sprawls 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. This past November, with support from Flex Foundation, GRID staff installed 18 Solar Home Systems alongside Flex employees and renewable energy students from the Universidad Tecnologica de Tijuana, bringing clean, renewable energy to families in Juntas de Neji for the very first time. Learn more.
October 2018: Bringing solar to the Shree Dumre Secondary School in Palungtar, Nepal
In early October 2018, Northland Controls employees worked alongside GRID staff and GRID partner Gham Power to install a 1.8kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system on the Shree Dumre Secondary School, located in Palungtar municipality of the Gorkha District, a region of Nepal severely affected by the devasting earthquake of 2015. The school currently holds classes for around 120 students from Grades 1 to 8. Most of the students come from the remote villages of Dumre Dada, Jaljale, Pathivara and Patchang and have to walk on an average of one and a half hours to reach school each day. Now with access to clean, reliable electricity, the school will be able to power computers, printers, and internet, that will enhance the quality of education for the students of the Shree Dumre School. Learn more.
September 8-16, 2018- Sponsored Project: Solar power for Door of Faith Orphanage in La Misión, Baja California, México with IGS
At the beginning of September 2018, eight employees from IGS Energy traveled with GRID Alternatives' International Program to Door of Faith orphanage, working alongside renewable energy students from Universidad Tecnologica de Tijuana to install a 30kW grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) system. The system will significantly reducing energy bills and directly increasing their savings capacity so the orphanage can continue to serve children and families from nearby communities in need. Learn more.
August 18-26, 2018: Solar power for an orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico with IGS
In August 2018, ten employees from IGS Energy traveled with GRID Alternatives' International Program to Casa de la Esperanza orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico, to install a 15kW grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) system alongside four renewable energy students from nearby Universidad Tecnologica de Tijuana. Harnessing the power of the sun, the orphanage will now be able to generate their own clean energy, significantly reducing their electric bill, and directly increasing their savings capacity. Casa de la Esperanza orphanage is part of a network of private orphanages in Mexico supported by GRID's non-profit partner Corazón de Vida. This was GRID's second PV system installation on an orphanage within this network. Learn more.
April 22-29, 2018: Off-grid solar for a wildlife observation tower in Nepal's Chitwan National Park
In April, GRID Alternatives participants traveled to Nepal to install a 1.2 kW solar system to provide clean, reliable electricity to an off-grid wildlife observation tower in Chitwan National Park. Chitwan is Nepal’s first National Park, a refuge to the Bengal Tiger and home to one of the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros, among many other species. Electricity transforms the tower into a safe space for travelers to view the wildlife the park protects and stay overnight for a fee. The income that this eco-tourism operation generates is managed by local residents that are dedicated to wildlife and resource conservation, habitat restoration, women's empowerment initiatives, and education programs. Learn more.
April 14-22, 2018: 11 homes in Platanal, Nicaragua now have solar home systems and improved cookstoves
In April 2018, GRID Alternatives participants traveled to Nicaragua to install solar home systems and improved cookstoves for 11 households in Platanal, Nicaragua while learning about household energy matters in rural communities. The solar home systems displace harmful kerosene lamps and provide each household with light and AC power outlets so families can use regular home appliances like lamps, cell phones, TVs, computers, and fans. The culturally appropriate improved cookstoves are more efficient and require less wood than cooking over open flames, which means fewer emissions, healthier air, and saving women time. Both solar and improved cookstoves directly impact the health and well-being of Nicaraguan families. Learn more.
February 17-25, 2018: Solar-powered drip irrigation on the farm of Maria Luisa & Freddy Cruz
In February 2018, GRID Alternatives’ International Program participants worked with Maria Luisa and Freddy Cruz, who are small-scale farmers in the community of La Rinconada, Jinotega, Nicaragua, to install a solar-powered drip irrigation system on their land. The system reduces the family's production costs, increases the diversity and volume of the crops they can gro year-round, reduces pollution, and increases their income. Learn more.
4th Annual "Mujeres del Sol" (Women in Solar) Project in Nicaragua
In January 2018, GRID Alternatives hosted our 4th annual Mujeres del Sol project, which offers a unique opportunity for Nicaraguan women interested in joining the renewable energy industry to participate in a project to gain hands-on experience installing solar. 10 women volunteers from Nicaragua joined us for the installation of a solar-powered potable water pumping system in the rural community of San Isidro, where most people make their living through small-scale agriculture. In Nicaragua, although there are several universities with renewable energy programs, opportunities to actually participate in a hands-on installation are scarce. The annual Mujeres del Sol project is a part of GRID's Women in Solar initiative across the whole organization with the goal of bringing more women into the solar industry. Learn more.
November 25-December 3, 2017: Improved cookstoves in El Pedregal, Nicaragua
In many rural Nicaraguan homes, the kitchen is a place where families are exposed to harmful smoke from cooking over open flames. In November 2017, travelers joined us in the community of El Pedregal, Nicaragua to install 17 improved cookstoves to replace open-fire stoves in homes that already have GRID solar home systems. A culturally appropriate cookstove design was chosen to respect families' cooking traditions while improving efficiency, saving families time, and improving air quality. Learn more.
November 5-12, 2017: Off-grid solar, women's empowerment, and wildlife conservation in Nepal's Chitwan National Park
In November 2017, GRID travelers installed a 1.2 kW off-grid solar system in Nepal's Chitwan National Park. The solar system powers the Dulekhola Tower, one of 11 observation towers located throughout the "buffer zone," a mile-wide area along the circumference of the national park that is a delicate balance of jungle and human settlement. Electricity transforms the tower into a safe space for travelers to view wildlife and stay overnight for a fee. The income from thetowers is managed by local residents that are dedicated to wildlife and resource conservation, habitat restoration, women's empowerment initiatives, and education programs. Learn more.
October 24-27, 2017: Casa Hogar Ebenezer Orphanage Solar Project in Tijuana, Mexico
In October, GRID's International Program and GRID San Diego completed our first project in Mexico -- a 10 kW solar system on the Casa Hogar Ebenezer orphanage with support from our partners Corazón de Vida and Get Charged Up. Home to 35 children ages 3-18 years, the orphanage provides safe accommodations and stability for displaced children in Tijuana. The new solar system will save the orphanage hundreds of dollars each month. Residents of the home and 23 students from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California in Tijuana studying engineering and renewable energy joined us for this hands-on project to learn about solar and gain skills to enter the growing renewable energy industry in Mexico. Learn more.
October 7-15, 2017: Solar Home Systems in El Regadio, Nicaragua
The community of El Regadio lies in the north central region of Jinotega in Nicaragua. Jinotega is known for its cool climate, its mountainous terrain, and its ideal conditions for growing coffee. Most people make their living growing crops and raising cattle. Many families use kerosene or diesel lamps in their homes to see at night, even if they are aware that they are at risk for respiratory illnesses, because it is the least expensive option. In October 2017, GRID Alternatives participants worked alongside residents to install solar home systems that provide 20 households with light and AC power outlets so families can use regular home appliances like lamps, cell phones, TVs, computers, and fans. Learn more.
August 12-20, 2017 Sponsored Project: IGS Energy & GRID bring solar home systems to San Isidro
In August 2017, ten employees from IGS Energy traveled with GRID Alternatives' International Program to the community of San Isidro, Jinotega, Nicaragua. Together, we worked alongside community members to install 18 battery-based solar home systems so families now have access to light and AC power in their households. Like many communities that do not have access to the electrical grid, residents previously relied on non-renewable energy sources that are expensive and hazardous to use. Solar is a solution that provides high quality lighting for night-time studying and activities at home, while enabling families to use regular home appliances like lamps, cell phones, RVs, computers, fans, and more. We are grateful that IGS joined us all the way from Ohio to make this project possible! Click here to see photos from this project.
July 22-30, 2017: Solar School in El Regadio Nicaragua
Ten international participants traveled to the community of El Regadio in San Sebastián de Yalí, Nicaragua in July to work alongside community members on the installation of an off-grid solar system on the local school. The system provides lights and AC power to support and improve the quality of communication, education, and recreation for students and community members. Electricity at the school enables the teachers and residents to charge their cell phones and plug in small appliances. Classes can be offered in the evenings at a convenient time for working adults and the teachers will be able to plan their lessons at night without having to commute into town to use electricity. We were connected to El Regadio through a GRID client in the Bay Area from Nicaragua whose family members live in the community! Click here to see photos from this project.
May 20-28, 2017 Sponsored Project: Trojan Battery and GRID bring solar to San Isidro
In May 2017, 10 employees from Trojan Battery Company traveled to Nicaragua to immerse in the community of San Isidro and work alongside residents to install solar PV systems on their local school and health clinic. Since GRID began working in Nicaragua over 9 years ago, all of our off-grid systems in Nicaraguan communities have utilized Trojan batteries for energy storage. During the sponsored project, Trojan employees had the opportunity to get hands-on with their batteries see their company's products being used to impact people firsthand. Click here to see photos from this project and read about one employee's powerful experience here.
May 5-14, 2017: Solar-Powered Grain Mill in Jimling, Nepal
In May 2017, a group of GRID Alternatives travelers worked alongside Jimling community members and Nepali solar company Gham Power to install a 3.78 kW solar-powered grain mill system. In this remote community in Nepal's Chitwan district, community members are subsistence farmers and agroprocessing is critical to daily life. Having access to the grain mill will improve local agroprocessing by allowing community members to process higher volumes of grains with greater efficiency and convenience. The mill will benefit approximately 100 households in Jimling and surrounding communities. Additionally, the project provides opportunity for the family who operates the mill from their existing small business and will support the entire community through income being generated and circulated locally. Click here to see photos from this project.
May 4-12, 2017: Solar Home Systems in Potrero Sur, Nicaragua
In March 2017, travelers took a week-long journey with GRID Alternatives to transform the rural community of Potrero Sur, Nicaragua with the power of solar in their homes. Previously, many families used kerosene or diesel lamps to see at night, despite their awareness of the risks of respiratory illnesses, because these were the only options accessible to them. For basic lighting, some families had two D alkaline batteries with wires connected to a tiny light bulb from a flashlight. These lighting solutions were expensive and hazardous to use and did not provide the quality of lights families desired. The new solar home systems now provide 15 families with light and AC power outlets so they can use regular home appliances like lamps, cell phones, TVs, computers, and fans. Click here to see photos from this project.
January 15-21, 2017: 3rd Annual "Mujeres del Sol" Project
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 annual "Mujeres del Sol" project. In January 2017, 10 women installed a 1 kW off-grid PV system on the primary school and the health clinic in the rural community of Los Encuentros, Estelí. While a few renewable energy programs are offered by universities in Nicaragua, opportunities to get actual installation experience are very scarce. The "Mujeres del Sol" initiative gives Nicaraguan citizens a chance to learn about solar, gain skills to enter the growing renewable energy industry, and to have a role in creating a clean energy future for their country. Click here to see photos from this project.
November 5-13, 2016: Solar Home Systems in El Pedregal, Nicaragua
In the rural community of El Pedregal, Nicaragua, families are living in extreme poverty. With the nearest town a 2 hour walk away, it is difficult for people to get even the most basic necessities. Nearly 7 years ago, GRID worked with the community to install solar on their local school. In November 2016, GRID returned to El Pedregal to install solar home systems, providing a brighter path for current and future generations.
October 15-23, 2016: Solar Powered Drip Irrigation System in Matagalpa, Nicaragua
In October 2016, GRID Alternatives’ International Program volunteers worked with farmers Silverio Rizo and Anita del Carmen Matus Marea to install a solar-powered drip irrigation system on their small farm in the community of Jucuapa Abajo, Matagalpa, Nicaragua. The system makes it possible for the Rizo family to irrigate their crops all year round, improving crop volume and diversity and providing additional income for their family of 12.
Solar Microgrid in Dhapsung, Nepal Sept 25-Oct 6, 2016
One year after the devastating earthquakes, Nepali people are still working to move from rubble to reconstruction, and from darkness to light. In the wake of the disaster, GRID Alternatives installed a solar microgrid to bring power to one of the most deeply impacted communities in Nepal: the village of Dhapsung. Thanks to the hard work of our volunteers and partners and the generosity of our supporters, the Dhapsung community now has an unprecedented level of connectivity and opportunity.
Solar-Powered Drip Irrigation System, July 23-31, 2016
GRID Alternatives International Program volunteers traveled with GRID in July to install a solar-powered drip irrigation system on a small farm in Jinotega, Nicaragua. The solar-powered irrigation system will enable the Cruz family to dramatically improve their crop productivity and diversity, spend less time collecting water, and increase their income, transforming their agricultural livelihood and leaving a lasting impact on the family.
Solar-Powered Drip Irrigation System, June 4-12, 2016
In June 2016, GRID Alternatives’ International Program volunteers installed a solar-powered drip irrigation system on the small farm of Juan Pablo Herrera and Maria Helena Molina in Jinotega, Nicaragua. Volunteers installed a solar-powered water pump that moves water from a water source into a tank, and then gravity moves the water through the tubes to the plants drip by drip.
Solar Powererd Drip Irrigation System, May 14-22, 2016
In May 2016, GRID Alternatives’ International Program volunteers installed a solar-powered drip irrigation system on a small farm in Matagalpa, Nicaragua. The system includes a solar-powered water pump that moves water from a water source into a tank, and then gravity moves the water through the tubes to the plants drip by drip.
Solar School in Rural Nicaragua, March 5-13, 2016
In March 2016, GRID Alternatives volunteers installed a 1kW off-grid battery-based solar electric (PV) system on an elementary school in San Juan de Paula, Boaco, Nicaragua. Volunteers had the opportunity to stay with families from the community for three days during the solar installation. Before and after the solar project, the group traveled around country to learn more about Nicaraguan geography, people and culture.
Solar-Powered School and Health Clinic, El Guaylo, Esteli
In January 2015, GRID Alternatives led a group of Nicaraguan women volunteers to install a battery-based PV system on the community school in El Guaylo. One year later, in January 2016, GRID led another all-women volunteer team to install a battery-based solar PV system on the health clinic. Impacts from El Guaylo's solar-powered school and health clinic include access to technology in schools, entrepreneurship opportunities, better medical care, and savings of time and money. Read more about the background and impacts of these projects in the El Gualyo Case Study.
Matagalpa, November 28-Dec 6, 2015
In November 2015, GRID Alternatives’ International Program volunteers installed a solar-powered drip irrigation system on a small farm in Matagalpa, Nicaragua. The project uses solar power to pump water from a water source into a tank, and then gravity moves the water from the tank into tubes that water the farmer’s crops through drip irrigation.
Agua Fria, Esteli, November 14-22, 2015
In November 2015, GRID Alternatives led a team of volunteers to Nicaragua to install an off-grid PV system on a health clinic in the town of Agua Fria, Esteli. Volunteers worked in two groups to install the battery-based systems that brought lights and AC power to the rural health post called a “casa base”. The health post is used every week by the community to treat a range of injuries and illnesses since the closest hospital takes hours to walk to from each community. A volunteer health worker is on call at the health post and several times a year the post is used by health brigades that bring vaccines and other medical services to the community.
Sponsored Project: San Fernando, October 2015
In October 2015, GRID Alternatives led a private trip to Nicaragua with volunteers from SunEdison to install an off-grid photovoltaic system on a primary school in the community of Sector 2, located at San Fernando Island in Solentiname.
Totumblita, Matagalpa, July 25-August 2, 2015
Join us on a trip to install an off-grid photovoltaic system on a primary school in the community of Totumblita. Totumblita is tucked behind a forgotten corner of the town of Ciudad Dario, Matagalpa, Nicaragua, down an unimproved road that is impassible during the rainy season. GRID volunteers will install a PV system that will provide lights for the school and AC power, allowing the school to serve as a central charging place for cell phones and other appliances that improve the quality of life in this impoverished farming community.
Los Chaguites, June 20-28 2015
Los Chaquites is a rural community that has never had electricy. Residents are still seeing by candlelight and kerosene lamps - which are costly and dangerous for indoor use. Travel with us to install solar on the school, providing a safe place for community members to meet and learn after dark, as well as charge phones.
Agua Fria, Esteli, April 2015
In April 2015, GRID Alternatives led a trip to Nicaragua with volunteers to install an off-grid photovoltaic system on a primary school in the community of Agua Fria. Agua Fria is a small town located in the department of Esteli, Nicaragua. The community is made up of 159 people living in 30 houses and is 6km from the electric grid. There is a public bus that visits the community twice a week when the road is passable in the dry season.
Sponsored Project: Platanal Solar Homes, March 2015
In March 2015, GRID Alternatives led a private group of 40 volunteers to Nicaragua to install off-grid solar home systems in the community of Potrero del Platanal, Boaco, Nicaragua. This community has no access to conventional grid electricity and is one of the most remote towns in this region, tucked away within the mountainous landscape of San Lorenzo, Boaco. The 235W systems use high-quality components and are designed to meet the needs of the rural families, bringing lights and AC power their homes. GRID Alternatives installed an off-grid PV system on the school in Platanal in 2013.
Drip Irrigation Pilot Project, December 2014
In December 2014, GRID Alternatives’ International Program launched a pilot project to improve the lives of small farmers in rural Nicaragua. GRID Alternatives volunteers worked with local families and partners, Suni Solar S.A. and the National Union of Growers and Livestock Farmers (UNAG), to install a solar-powered drip irrigation system to provide water to fruits and vegetable crops for small family-run farms. The system will pump water from a nearby water source, store the water in a tank, and then use gravity to provide water to the crops, providing a reliable low-water irrigation method for the farmer’s fruit and vegetable crops during the dry season. Click here to learn more about this project.
La Trinidad, Boaco, October 2014
Volunteers helped install two off-grid photovoltaic systems in La Trinidad, a rural community in the department of Boaco, one on a small health post and the other on the primary school. Volunteers also got to stay at a sustainable coffee farm in Matagalpa and see the colonial town of Granada. Click here to view photos from the trip, or here for more information about the project, click here.
Los Encuentros, Matagalpa, August 2014
Volunteers installed a 1.38kW off-grid photovoltaic system on a primary school in the community of Los Encuentros, a rural community located in a very remote part of Matagalpa, Nicaragua that is only accessible by footpath. The school serves 81 children and serves as a community hub. After the installation, volunteers visited Granada and saw the annual festival of its patron saint, Virgen de la Asunción, where processions filled the street with colorful flowers, decorations and fireworks. August 15th was also the “hipico,” a parade of horses with cowboys dressed to impress. For more information about this project, click here.
Sponsored Project: El Islote, May 2014
May 2014, GRID Alternatives led a team of SolarCity employee volunteers to Nicaragua through SolarCity’s Give Power Foundation to install a 1.38kW off-grid photovoltaic system on a primary school in the community of El Islote. The small fishing village of El Islote (“The Islet” in Spanish) is located in the municipality of Buenos Aires, Rivas, Nicaragua, about 58 miles south of the country’s capital of Managua. The community sits on the edge of a freshwater peninsula in Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America. Click here to see photos.mmcknight@gridalternatives.org or 510-731-1321.
Charco Muerto, Granada, March 2014
In March 2014, GRID Alternatives led a trip to Nicaragua to install a 1.38kW off-grid photovoltaic system on a primary school in the rural community of Charco Muerto. This community sits on a white sandy beach on the edge of Lake Nicaragua and is perched on the southeast end of volcano Mombacho. Volunteers also had the chance to see the town of Masaya celebrate the festival of San Lázaro in honor of the patron saint and protector of animals. Click here to view photos from the trip.
Sponsored Project: Potrero Sur, February 2014
On February 1 2014, GRID Alternatives and Power to the People led a trip to Nicaragua with volunteers from Sunrun to install a 1.38kW off-grid photovoltaic system on a primary school in the community of Potrero Sur. Potrero Sur is a rural community located in Boaco, Nicaragua (90 kilometers northeast of the country’s capital, Managua). Volunteers stayed at a sustainable coffee farm in Matagalpa and visited the historic town of Leon to learn more about Nicaragua before and after the solar installation. Click here to view photos from the trip.
GRID Alternatives acquired Power to the People in 2014. Click here to read about past projects through Power to the People.
