MEMSOL (Micro-Emprendedores de Mantenimiento Solar - Micro-Entrepreneurs in Solar Maintenance) is a recent project developed by TECNOSOL to support young entrepreneurs in Nicaragua. The 11-month program is designed to train the young men and women to become technical specialists in Photovoltaic services as well as support their development and education as entrepreneurs.
The budding entrepreneurs are then able to become independent agents in rural communities, to sell and install photovoltaic systems, as well as provide technical assistance for existing customers in otherwise isolated areas.
Following the training program, TECNOSOL provides them with a line of credit to launch their business in solar energy. Through this project TECNOSOL increases its development in remote communities by partnering with local people.
Solar energy has the potential to reach and benefit the most vulnerable communities, because it is cheaper, faster and safer than conventional power or heat generation. The investment required is comparatively modest, the systems are set up for individual, autonomous use and therefore not dependent on large infrastructure such as distribution grids, which are non-existent in many remote places.
Solar technology bears significant development potential as an immediate resource and practical way to enhance people’s quality of life, especially in rural areas, where decent housing, clean water, and electricity are not always available. Setting aside an oil lamp or a coal stove to use clean and renewable energy has shown direct positive impacts on people’s quality of life.
Families who have installed solar energy for their homes are finding more and more ways to put the power to productive use such as powering electrical fences for their livestock, water pumping and solar cooling.
Parents and caretakers who use solar energy help avoid harmful accidents or even death to their children and families, by replacing the flammable resources previously used to illuminate their homes. Many sad stories of children disfigured by burns can be prevented by using safe, renewable energy.
Farmers who market their products locally as well as export outside the country, have confirmed that using renewable energy for their production processes makes them more competitive and facilitates achieving international certifications.
“I have had a freezer in my shop for a year and it saves me time and money. I used to travel 100 km to buy ice and it cost me $10 a week....because of the lights I can stay open later and earn $40 more a day.” (Lesbia Sebastiana Diaz shopkeeper in El Jobito, Rama)