Solar energy for families in Santo Domingo, Panama

Summary

Northwestern University students are providing two communities with training and materials to install household solar panel systems and build educational capacity by equipping schools with computers.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Santo Domingo and Santa Librada are located in Chagres National Park, Panama. The communities do not have access to electricity because of their isolation. Our group has worked with them to install photovoltaic systems which light community buildings and family homes, power a school computer, protect livestock, and power a school refrigerator. We provide technical expertise, training and funding assistance. These projects benefit the communities’ health, economy and environment.

How will this project solve this problem?

We work in rural villages of Panama to provide solar electricity for families. Our project focuses on aid that is sustainable: we teach the community members about modern electricity practices and provide them with support to last for a lifetime.

Potential Long Term Impact

By using solar energy instead of kerosene lamps, families can save money, protect their health by improving indoor air quality, continue craftwork and studying after dark, reduce carbon emissions, and use solar-energy expertise as an economic asset.

Project Message

Solar energy will change these kids’ lives. Fresh opportunities, from the new school computer to lights which enable studying after dark, will give them a better chance in the educational system.
- Bethany Summersgill, Project lead

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources