SolarAid launches Andean solar programme

SolarAid is launching a new programme in South America jointly with indigenous NGO Warmi Sayajsunqo to help local communities set up solar businesses to provide renewable power in remote locations.

The solar programme is being carried out with the assistance of Fundación Avina, which works with Warmi Sayajsunqo. It will contain a micro element, where communities set up companies to build and sell small-scale solar products such as solar lanterns and solar radios, and a macro element, where they set up companies to retail, install and maintain solar home systems and larger systems for schools, medical centres and community centres.

The work will start in Jujuy, Argentina, before being scaled up across south-west Bolivia, northern Chile and southern Peru. It will involve a group of actors: local communities, Warmi Sayajsunqo, foundations, governments and SolarAid. SolarAid will train Warmi to work with the local communities so that they can set up their solar microbusinesses, with funding and support from foundations and government agencies. SolarAid is now seeking funders to help them roll out the programme.

The project will have a direct impact on climate change. For example, the average kerosene lamp used in developing countries produces around a tonne of carbon dioxide over five to eight years. Converting it into a solar lantern – as SolarAid’s project will do on a large scale – therefore leads to reductions in carbon emissions.

It will also have a direct impact on poverty. Most indigenous people spend a large proportion of their income on kerosene for lighting and batteries for radios – income that will be saved once they have solar energy. Finally, it will have a direct impact on health, as inhaling kerosene fumes in a small space can lead to all sorts of health problems.

The aim is also to strengthen indigenous culture, identity and citizenship by sharing with indigenous communities the tools for long term economic sustainability through renewable energy and a market-based approach.

For more information
Contact SolarAid Director Nicolas Sireau at nick@solar-aid.org or go to www.solar-aid.org