LUTW’s Solar Power & Education Project in the Peruvian Andes
Welcome to Huarcaya, Peru — where Light Up The World, in partnership with NAIT and SAIT, is transforming a rural community. This groundbreaking project brings solar energy, high-speed internet, hot water, and digital education to a school serving 124 children at an altitude of 4,500 meters.
Project Overview:
What We’re Doing:
- Solar Power & Sustainable High Speed Internet: The largest solar + internet installation for LUTW to date, featuring 18 solar panels to power 40 classrooms and provide sustainable high-speed satellite internet. To ensure long-term access, we implement a shared-cost model where communities contribute a minimal fee allowing them to access high speed internet for as little as 10 soles a month. By splitting this cost among community members, we make connectivity both affordable and sustainable.
- Hot Water Access: For the first time ever, the remote town of Huarcaya will experience the simple comfort of hot water, thanks to the installation of a solar thermal tank, helping ease the pain of cold water at high altitudes.
- Digital Education: Introducing LUTW’s first-ever computer lab with 7 Chromebooks, high-speed satellite internet, and a charging station to provide students and teachers with new learning opportunities.
- Training & Empowerment: Providing hands-on training for both students and teachers to ensure effective use of technology and sustainable practices.
Project Impact:
This project is about much more than technology, it’s about transforming lives. For the first time, children in Huarcaya will experience the simple comfort of hot water, while gaining access to the digital world through modern education tools.
LUTW, alongside NAIT and SAIT, is helping bring essential resources to a community that has long awaited them. Together, we are creating a future full of opportunity, sustainability, and education.
Sponsor our International Program!
Show your company’s commitment to clean energy and community empowerment. Sponsor a project, send employees on an impact trip to Peru, or contribute through a donation.
Itinerary for the Huarcaya Project (February 2025):
Day 1 & 2: Arrival in Lima
- Arrive at Jorge Chávez International Airport.
- Group briefing and presentations, and welcome dinner/walk.
- Overnight stay in Lima.
Day 3: Orientation and Journey to the Project Site
- Early morning flight from Lima to Arequipa.
- Settle into accommodation. Acclimatize, briefings and logistics.
Day 4: Project Implementation
- Initial project overview meeting with local leaders.
- Technical workshop and training.
Day 5-9: Project Execution: Solar Installation & Community Engagement
- Begin installation of solar panels at the school.
- Interactive community engagement session with local leaders and children.
- Evening briefing on project goals and expectations.
- Install solar thermal tank for hot water.
- Begin training sessions with local teachers and students on using new digital tools.
- Evening reflection and team-building activities.
Day 10: Final Review & Departure
Day 11: Departure
- Travel back to Lima for departure.
- Return flight to home destination.
Our Partners:
This project is made possible thanks to the generous contributions of our partners:
- Silfab Solar – Donates solar panels to LUTW, covering the shipping costs to Peru and saving us a considerable amount.
- S-5! – Donates solar module clamps and cable clips for mounting panels on metal roofs, saving us thousands on module clamps and hundreds on access points.
- Cambium Networks – Provides internet equipment at a discounted rate in Peru, contributing to significant cost savings of tens of thousands of dollars through their ongoing sponsorship
- Novum Solar – Will be capturing live recordings of the installation and community impact.
Additionally, Muster Point Productions will be accompanying the trip to create a documentary on energy poverty, filming footage for LUTW to showcase this transformative initiative. We are incredibly excited about this collaboration!
Get Involved:
LUTW is always looking for volunteers, corporate partners, and donors to support our transformative projects. As a leading solar charity in Canada, we invite you to help us bring sustainable energy, education, and opportunity to communities in need.
Contact Us
For more information, to volunteer, or to partner with us, click here to get in touch.
