The Mahogany project, now in its final year, aims to support three communities on the eastern coast of Nicaragua to access solar PV energy systems for home and enterprises. The three remote communities of Magnolia, Belen and Hone Creek, are located inland, along the vast Rio Escondido. The communities have no access to the national grid and are extremely marginalised with their only reliable transport route being the river.
Through a micro-loan scheme, this project aims to support up to 65 households in the community to access one of four carefully designed solar home systems of varying sizes. Access to solar power will replace traditional fuels such as candles, kerosene and diesel that are currently being used for lighting, leading to improved living conditions for families as well as reducing fuel costs, health issues, and risks of fires and spillages. Access to clean, affordable solar power is also expected to allow existing micro-businesses to expand, and allow households to use the energy for income generating activities.
Read more at Renewable World
