Local Company Helps to Power Up Part of Nicaragua for First Time

It’s hard to image daily life without the convenience of turning on lights to read a book, or cook a meal with an electric stove. But in many areas of the world, power is a luxury people just don’t have. Grid Alternatives, a local Bay Area nonprofit organization, is changing that. They provide solar energy to low income homes and even provide a path to work in the solar industry.

By installing over 5,000 solar systems and providing on-the-job training to over 18,000 volunteers, Grid Alternatives caught the attention of CNN, which recently highlighted their work in the United States. And, it doesn’t stop there. Grid Alternatives is also helping on a global basis by coordinating volunteers to install solar power systems in countries where they’ve never had electricity before.

Grid Alternatives and their mission inspired Tri Valley’s very own Solar Universe franchise owner Chris Moody. He recently donated time and significant materials to Grid Alternatives for the community of Potrero del Platanal, Boaco, Nicaragua. This community resides in mountainous terrain with no access to conventional grid electricity. Moody explains, “It’s not often that we think about how people live in other parts of the world. After speaking to the director about the program, I realized we were able to help these communities in a real way. It’s humbling.”

It took three days for Grid Alternatives and a local solar company to install a total of 40 solar power systems in Potrero del Platanal. The community can now enjoy many of the daily conveniences we take for granted like fans, lamps and even TVs.

Tri Valley Solar Universe is proud to have been a part of this program and hopes to continue its support whenever possible.