Impact Spotlight
Solarizing two schools, improving education access and supporting economic growth for over 2300 people
Providing training to at least 500 community members and elected leaders on solar energy and the environment
Saving the community over $180,000 during the lifetime of the solar installation
About
In Guatemala, the Indigenous communities surrounding the Lake Atitlán watershed are disproportionately experiencing the impacts of environmental degradation. Local agriculture and fishing economies are drying up along with the watershed. Moreover, the region has an unreliable, unsustainable grid, leading to frequent power outages for those who have access to energy in the first place. Residents have an average income of $1.20/day, making access to electricity unaffordable for most community members.
Natün Guatemala is a Maya-led organization that uses community-led initiatives to improve local educational, nutritional, health, and economic development. As an organization made up of individuals from the community, they promote Indigenous leadership, rights, and capacity alongside local Indigenous leadership councils. With over a decade of work in their community, Natün continues to co-design all of their projects with the community they serve.
“The panels will help us reduce electricity costs and invest resources in more support in the communities.”
HF Partnership
With the support of the Honnold Foundation, Natün will install two battery-backed hybrid solar systems for Tierra Linda and El Barranco preschools, and a hybrid system with battery backup in the main office in Panajachel. This will ensure consistent electricity for school and community needs, allowing continued learning and working during power outages. Once complete, the install will not only reduce the local carbon footprint, but it will also provide the community a place to access reliable energy, addressing the cost and access issues that are the primary barriers to in-home electricity.
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