Orocovis
Hurricane Maria devastated the remote community of Orocovis, leading to prolonged power outages and cutting off access to clean water. In this largely rural area in the heart of Puerto Rico’s Central Mountain Range, Solar Saves Lives partners helped the community rebuild and preserve access to essential health services in the face of interruptions to the power grid. These partners installed a robust solar energy and battery storage system at the Salud Integral de Montaña, a clinic that serves 10,000 unique patients each year. At the clinic, important medical services are offered to a rural population that is rather vulnerable to geographic isolation, including the threat of landslides and historically unreliable electric and water infrastructure. The system includes a 136 kW solar array installed by ISO Solar Puerto Rico, and a 456 kWh Tesla Powerpack battery.
Project funders and partners include The Solar Foundation, The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, the Hispanic Federation, and the Clinton Foundation. Special thanks also goes to several organizations and individuals who hosted a 2018 fundraiser in Connecticut to support this project. Organizers of this event include the ICC Environmental Action Committee, the Interreligious Eco Justice Network, The Green Bank, Solar for All, Hoffman Auto Group, CT Puerto Rican Agenda, and Claro Inc.
