Solubrite

Solubrite brings clean light to the remotest areas in Central America

Imagine a life without electricity. Really think it through for one minute… Imagine, if you couldn’t quickly switch on the lights, refrigerate your food, turn on the stove, enjoy a hot shower in the morning, charge your phone, or enjoy any electronic entertainment devices.

A life without power

You and everyone else around you depend on the daylight to structure the day. Today almost all aspects of our lives depend on electricity – may it be private or economical. Sure, we have spent days without power, but we were on vacation. We didn’t have to worry about daily life challenges.

However, for people living in the most remote and rural areas of in Nicaragua, one of the poorest countries in the world, this is still a reality. According to the world bank in 2016, about 50% of Nicaragua’s rural population has not yet been connected to the grid. Nicaragua‘s government claims that only 10% are off the grid. Nonetheless, this makes up about 600 000 people without electricity.

We were excited to meet with Claudia Vallecillo, Innovation Director, and Mauricio Midence, Head of Nicaragua Operations at Solubrite to hear more about their exciting projects and existing challenges. Solobrite’s basic solar kit consists of a solar panel and a lamp. It provides light for one household for 8-24 hours per day.

ELECTRICITY
IN NICARAGUA

Solar powered energy

Innovative micro-financing

Learn more about Nicaragua
‘s energy challange

Energy for Nicaragua’s remotest areas

The company wants to bring clean, renewable energy to the most rural areas in Central America. Providing basic solar kits to remote regions enormously benefits the population but is also extremely challenging. Not just the lack of infrastructure is an issue. Solubrite’s clients are also demanding. Bringing solar energy to off-the-grid areas frequently means a rough march through partially unsafe regions. Claudia tells us that once their agents arrive, it’s often not the individuals they need to convince. The decision-making process in those communities often varies from ours. Many times, they need to win over the village leader or representative. Solubrite’s agents have to overcome peoples’ suspicions and concerns towards new technologies first.

To impact and benefit as many people as possible Solobrite developed a flexible financing system

PAYGO offers an opportunity to those who typically wouldn’t qualify for any type of credit. It functions like microcredits which are given out without bureaucratic hassle or traditional securities. Families are usually able to pay back the costs of the solar kid within 8 to 15 months.

Afterward, they get to keep the kit. Alternatively, they can use their gained financial standing to upgrade to more powerful equipment. As so often the case with microcredits, the payback rate is very high, Claudia tells us.

Social Business Nicaragua: the impact of soloar energy

The impacts of electricity on on daily life

An impact study conducted by Solobrite in Panama indicated an increase in areas of education, security, and savings.

Furthermore, perceived economic development has risen. We heard the story of a woman who now, thanks to her light can sew after dark. It enables her to gain an income for her and her children. Other communities also appreciate an increase in perceived safety.

Solubrite’s survey also demonstrated an impact on the children’s grades because they were able to study after dark.

Last but not least, the solar kid offers an alternative to petrol or kerosine based light and electricity sources. Despite harming the environment, they are also prone to accidents.

The installment of just one light per household can tremendously benefit individuals and even the community as a whole. That’s Solobrite’s motivation! They want to tackle existing challenges and provide clean energy to even more people. Mauricio Midence, Director of Nicaragua Operations, dreams of reaching 1500 households in 2018. Additionally, Solubrite aims to extend its product range to a water filter. They also want to introduce clean, filtered water to remote areas.

We’ll definitely catch up then and let you know if they made it! We find Solubrite’s approach inspiring and wish them the best of luck in the future. If you want to learn more about them, click here.

GOOD TO KNOW

Electricity in Nicaragua

Nicaragua’s energy crisis 2007

From 2007 to 2008, Nicaragua‘s government faced severe challenges in providing its population with electricity. Major parts of the country, Managua included faced power cuts up to 12 hours daily. Governmental institutions had to close midday to save power. Food prices and costs of living skyrocketed putting enormous pressure on the residents and the government. As a result of the mid 200s crisis, however, private investors have themselves forced to restructure their energy supply. As a result, more and more renewable energy sources are popping up.

Why are so many households of the grid?

The majority of Nicaraguans live on the Pacific side of the country, leaving the central and Carribean part with a low populations density. While low population density promises little returns on investment, the area is also covered with volcanos. Rural areas suffer from weak infrastructure and natural challenges add to the misery. Off-the-grid-solutions have not been “attractive” for a long time though they would be the easiest way to overcome the existing challenges.

Highest cost for electricity in all of Central America

According to energypedia until today, 78% of Nicaragua‘s energy is won over petrol power plants making the poor country highly dependant on the oil market. This and the impact of the privatization of the electric providers make Nicaragua the most expensive country for electricity. During recent years, the weakened economy, high electric costs, and political uncertainty have taken a toll on business and individuals alike.