Solar Village Project
Solar Resilience Hub Strengthens Energy Security for Puerto Rico Community
In 2017 Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which left catastrophic destruction in their wake. Essentials became emergencies as residents lost power for lights, fans, limited air conditioning, communications, and refrigeration for food and vital medicines.
Born out of those disasters, Solar Village Project Inc. (SVP) accelerated its resiliency work in Puerto Rico with rapid-response solar light distributions and solar + storage resiliency hubs collaborating with grassroots partners. In 2023, SVP partnered with Solar United Neighbors to establish a permanent resiliency hub on the island.
Buoyed by a grant from All Points North Foundation, SVP will bring a fifth resiliency hub installation to Puerto Rico at Venus Gardens, home to thousands of low-income and elderly residents who lack reliable backup power at home. The solar and storage resilience solution at the community center will become pivotal during power outages, heat waves, and major storms on an island that continues to be burdened by outages and skyrocketing electricity costs.
The Venus Gardens Solar Resiliency Hub will feature a 9.5 kW rooftop solar PV system paired with 40.5 kWh of battery storage at Centro Comunal Venus Gardens Norte in the San Juan neighborhood, which will ensure critical loads run continuously. Residents will be able to access clean water, food and supplies, Wi-Fi, device-charging stations, and refrigeration, helping to assure a sustainable and self-reliant community. SVP estimates generating up to 17,000 kWh annually, minimizing disruptions during extreme weather crises. The installation will also save roughly $4,000 a year in electricity costs for the community center that anchors a lower-income community during emergencies.
The replicable community model is a living showcase with its highly visible solar + storage installation. Additionally, the project team plans on building solar literacy locally through user training and community-facing demonstrations, outreach, and events with its partner Solar United Neighbors that address the basics and benefits of solar for resilience.
For more information: visit www.solarvillageproject.org.
Photo credit: EcoRise
All Points North Foundation
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All Points North Foundation provides grants for U.S.-based projects and initiatives that support our priorities: improving public middle school education and teacher training, and implementing effective solar programs and/or projects.
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