January 2010 Archives

My name is Ellie Higham and along with Steven Woodward, a long-term volunteer at SolarAid Head Office, we have started as Project Coordinators in Argentina. Steve and I are already enjoying the challenge of working for SolarAid in South America.

We are taking over from Prasanna, a Solar Engineer, who has been with the project for eight months. Now pursuing new opportunities, we would like to say a massive thank you to Prasanna for all his hard work and we wish him the best of luck in the future.

Prasanna (right) with new Project Coordinator Ellie.

Steve and I have been in Argentina for two weeks now. A 20 hour bus ride took us from Buenos Aries to SolarAid's South American base in San Salvador de Jujuy. Eager to start work we met with Prasanna and our South American project implementation partners, Avina, to discuss and plan for the future. During our week together, Prasanna gave us a comprehensive introduction to working in the region and an analysis of the project's achievements to date.

Steve (left) and Ellie begin strategy planning in San Salvador de Jujuy.

There is real appetite and excitement in this region for solar energy, making it an inspiring and exciting place to operate in. In the coming months we hope to build upon the excellent work of Prasanna, Solar Enterprise Volunteer Carl and our Avina partners. We will use the knowledge gained and lessons learned to expand operations; the ultimate aim being to generate lasting solutions for energy poverty and climate change in South America.

More updates to come in my next blog...

Please support SolarAid's work in South America by making a donation.

I am glad to report that a recent trip to visit several key partners across Argentina has been a resounding success: the trip revealed a host of entrepreneurs and companies keen to expand our franchise throughout Argentina.

Prasanna (right) with volunteer Hector.

Our first stop was the city of Cordoba to meet local businessman Hector Feole. Hector imports SolarAid products through his business and is a very important link to rural communities. Employees in this region are often denied work and healthcare benefits by tax-avoiding employers. Hector strives to change this by improving working standards and promoting ethical practice.

The city of Mendoza was our second stop. 200 km away, in the Lavalle desert, the conditions are extreme. There are no local services supplying electricity or water and to make matters worse it has not rained for over a year. Water is collected from underground rivers and wells. However, local entrepreneur Lucero sees this region as a tremendous opportunity for micro and macrosolar installation. The community are eager to work with SolarAid and invest their own funds to support the venture.

No rain has fallen in Lavelle desert for over a year.

Our final location was Bariloche. The microsolar package again received excellent feedback. Encouragingly, having tested the product, members of the community suggested modifying the equipment to charge batteries. Macrosolar installation was also top of the agenda for a community looking to bring solar power to the region.

One of our biggest challenges is creating a widespread distribution network that will reach as many communities as possible. By working with local and ethical entrepreneurs we can reach out to an ever growing network of rural communities.

Please help SolarAid work with entrepreneurs and bring solar power to regions like the Lavelle desert by donating here .