Iluméxico design and install solar power technology specifically for rural areas where it is difficult to obtain electricity. Infact in these areas they heavily rely on candles and battery powered lights. These can obviously be dangerous as well as polluting and expensive.
By using renewable energy they are able to improve people’s living conditions as well as give better lighting for working, studying and other activities. In Mexico there are over 640,000 households without an energy supply. This project could of course potentially have wider implications and it is thought that worldwide over 1.44 billion people have no access to electricity.
A key aspect of the project is that they develope everything that is needed to implement their systems. From the actual solar panels to the overall lighting solutions themselves that they call “Prometeo”. In addition they arrange workshops and courses for how to use the equipment. On their website is one example of a success story that has had additional unexpected impacts perhaps. The family’s home has become a meeting places for the children in the area.
Website: http://ilumexico.mx/
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/pages/ilumexico/184981224954
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ilumexico
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ilumexico
For us this provides an interesting usage example of solar power that could certainly be used beneficially more than it is currently. It will be interesting to learn about the way they make it a realistic possibility for rural areas in Mexico as there must be financial and practical barriers. On a media side of things ilumexico have started to create a strong brand for their venture with catchy logo, YouTube videos and clear concise information on their WordPress based website.
There is just about enough information in English as well to allow an international audience to access their work. It may be worth us asking about their plans for the future and do they see it as a project only for mexico or do they have ambitions to take it to other countries. The work obviously focuses on rural and less developed communities but perhaps there would also be elements worth considering in areas that already have access to electricity. It seems that solar energy can be appealing to many who are then put off by the large initial investment required.
No comments:
Post a Comment