Solar Energy in Nicaragua:
Photovoltaics and Other Direct Applications
Terrasol is a U.S.-based
non-governmental organization that supports the development of solar energy in farms,
schools, and community centers in remote communities in Nicaragua.
Terrasol cooperates with
Grupo Fenix, a non-profit
organization supporting renewable energy and sustainable development in Nicaragua,
especially in low-income communities. (See also
Solar Empowerment in a Rural Nicaraguan Community.)
Since 1987, Terrasol volunteers have worked to bring
solar-powered electricity to rural Nicaragua, in cooperation with the people of these
rural areas and Nicaraguan development and research agencies. Our volunteers have provided
solar electric (photovoltaic) systems to areas that have never before had electric power.
The systems are typically used for adult evening literacy classes and other community
activities.
Crisis in Nicaragua By William I.
Robinson, August 2021
Part 1
Part 2
We are not presently working on projects ourselves. If you
wish to volunteer in solar energy in Nicaragua, we recommend that you contact
Grupo
Fenix.
If you are looking for solar energy equipment to purchase in
Nicaragua, please contact Suni Solar in
Managua.
Photovoltaic panels (PVs)
convert sunlight directly into electricity. A PV panel feeds electricity to a battery,
which stores the energy until it is needed. In a typical Nicaraguan installation, the
system powers 40 watts of fluorescent lights, enough to light a couple of classrooms or a
community center. We are now using made-in-Nicaragua PV panels.
Photovoltaics are often the quickest and least
expensive way to bring electricity for essential services to remote areas. They require
very little maintenance and have no adverse impacts on the environment. They provide an
independent, decentralized source of power to the user.
Terrasol also supports direct applications of solar
energy such as solar cookers, solar grain drying, and solar distillation of water.