LUTW and S-5 : Empowering Remote Communities with Solar Power and Connectivity
At LUTW, we believe access to electricity and the internet is not a privilege, but a right. Yet for millions living in remote off-grid communities around the world, reliable electricity and internet access remain out of reach. That’s why, from our home base in Calgary, Canada, we work to bring clean, renewable solar energy to underserved communities and with it, the opportunity to learn, connect, and thrive helping transform lives with light, knowledge and opportunity.
Through solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and hands-on training, we empower communities to move toward energy independence. We don’t just install systems, we build capacity by training local technicians, ensuring long-term sustainability and community resilience.
A Beacon of Light & Connection in Huarcaya, Peru
One of our most recent projects brought solar energy and internet access to a school in Huarcaya, a remote community deep in the Peruvian Andes. With no connection to the electrical grid, the school, serving nearly 150 students and more than 15 teachers, faced serious challenges. Without light, teaching and learning ceased when the sun went down in the evenings or when sunlight was scarce. The absence of power also meant no access to modern educational tools like computers.
In February 2025, we launched the solar installation phase of the project with generous support from our valued partners, including Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), Silfab Solar Inc., Cambium Networks, EDULINK LATAM, and S-5!. With their collaboration, ranging from technical expertise to equipment donations, our team, joined by enthusiastic student volunteers from SAIT and NAIT, successfully completed the following system installation:
18 Silfab Solar® panels (370 Wp, HC = 6.66 kWp)
15 kWh lithium battery storage
9 kW three-phase power system
S-5! DirectAttach™ mounting system designed for durability in the remote Andean environment
Our student volunteers received hands-on instruction from our partner S-5!, gaining valuable training in direct-attachment installation on metal roof-experience that will benefit both their careers and the communities they support.
Tackling Remote Challenges
Reaching Huarcaya wasn’t easy. Our team had to traverse rough terrain, braving sub-zero temperatures, rain and remote logistics that made transporting a traditional rail-based solar mounting system nearly impossible.
“This project came with significant challenges,” said our Regional Manager, Milagros del Carmen Huaman Zuniga. “Beyond the weather and terrain, the remoteness itself made it incredibly complex to get equipment to the site. Therefore, we needed an approach that could overcome these transportation difficulties.”
The Power of Partnership
Our work is made possible by partners who share our vision of a brighter, more equitable world. For this project in Huarcaya, S-5! generously donated:
- 120 Protea™ Brackets and PVKIT® solar mounts
- 50 ground lugs
- 100 PV module clips
Their involvement didn’t end there. A second project is underway this summer in Alto Mishahua, deep in the Peruvian Amazon, even more logistically complex. This time, every piece of solar equipment must be delivered by boat along a tributary to the Amazon River, a clear example of the unique barriers we face bringing power to the world’s most remote communities.
40 homes will receive individual rooftop PV systems, impacting over 250 residents. Each household system includes one 370 Wp solar panel, one LFP battery, charge controller, inverter, 4 lights, 2 outlets and a protective cabinet.
DirectAttach™: Faster, Smarter, Lighter
The rail-less system helped us cut installation time by 50%, reducing labor needs while also minimizing the structural load on buildings, especially important in rural areas with less robust construction. Plus, these mounts were so compact they fit in the trunk of a car, streamlining transportation.
This method also simplified training for local technicians, helping us achieve one of our core goals: building local capacity so that communities can manage and expand their energy access in the future.
Lighting Up More Than Classrooms
This project is about more than solar panels, it’s about opportunity. Electricity now powers lights, computers and other educational tools at the school in Huarcaya, and in combination with the internet, it enables students to learn after dark and teachers to enhance their lessons.
“Solar energy is transforming lives in real, measurable ways,” said Fuentes. “This is more than a project—it’s a pathway to a better future.”
Join Us in Lighting Up the World
At LUTW, we’re proud of what we’ve achieved but we know there’s more to do. With the support of dedicated partners like S-5!, we continue to deliver sustainable energy to the communities that need it most. Together, we’re creating lasting change, one light at a time.
Learn more about our work by visiting our YouTube channel to see our impact in action.
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Thinking of a DIY Solar Project?
If you’re considering a solar installation for your own home or community, check out S-5!, one of our trusted partners. Their mounting solutions are widely used for rooftop solar and work especially well in remote, off-grid environments like Huarcaya.
Learn more or contact them at:
Partnering for resilient, sustainable energy.
