Prasanna: January 2010 Archives

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 .