Peru Solar Panel Project

Val Pitkethly has single handily been the driving force that has seen individual solar panels installed in over 1000 households in remote villages across northern Peru. The lanterns are all portable and each one holds a diode board containing 21 LED lights in housing about the size of a small loaf of bread. The lights last approximately 8 years with internal rechargeable batteries and the villagers are expected to collect money from each household to pay for replacements every 5 years. The lights require 7 to 8 hours charge in daylight (direct sun is not required) and will provide approx. 4 to 5 hours of light from a single light bulb each night. The lights are cleaner, healthier to use and overall cheaper than candles or kerosene. Using LED diodes, they are also very efficient and draw a fraction of the charge of ordinary incandescent lights. The lights have been a success in the villages, especially amongst the children who now have the opportunity to study in better light. The Juniper Trust is seeking funds to continue our support of this very worthwhile project.