DORSET — Grassroots Solar of Dorset, which has provided solar panels and expertise to Puerto Ricans recovering from Hurricane Maria, is extending its commitment there.
In his initial foray, Bill Laberge, president of Grassroots Solar, trained electricians while installing a solar and battery system for a relative of one of his Vermont customers. Then he had donated solar panels delivered to the community, which were installed on a community center in Barrio de San Salvador, in the city of Caguas. The ribbon-cutting for that sanctuary took place in December. The residents now have a safe, solar-powered storm resiliency center to gather in should another catastrophe strike.
The next phase of the multi-step energy recovery plan laid out by COSS (Comunidad Organizada de San Salvador), the community association sponsoring and managing the project, calls for Grassroots Solar to work with Pirucho Power, LLC, a community-controlled social enterprise, and a local solar installer, Energy Solutions Puerto Rico, to set up a pilot microgrid project involving 8 houses.
With a dedicated board of directors, COSS and San Salvador residents will work with island- and mainland-based energy and community development experts, like Grassroots Solar, to develop a community-owned, solar fueled energy grid. The fourth phase will be Pirucho Power working to install panels and batteries for 800 area homes, creating one of the largest solar communities on the island.
"It is very rewarding to bring solar to Puerto Rico," Laberge said in a release. "This community has worked hard to figure out their own plan for resiliency. It is a pleasure to help them realize the dream of reliable, sustainable power."
Hurricane Maria hit the island in September 2017 initiating the world's second largest blackout. Puerto Ricans spent 7 months without any electricity and power since then has been unreliable, due in large part to the already crumbing energy infrastructure on the island. Blackouts continue to plague the island. The work of COSS and Pirucho Power will provide reliable, resilient, affordable solar power and battery storage to the people of San Salvador.
Grassroots Solar plans to work with other areas of Puerto Rico to give residents energy independence. Grassroots Solar is a full service. Vermont-based solar installation company. For more information visit GrassrootsSolar.com.
