Introduction

Help us install solar electricity into the sewing cooperative in Nicaragua! Since our first encounter to provide more technical sewing training to the workers in 2005, we are dedicated to the success of the Fair Trade Zone. The factory benefits the people of Nueva Vida whom fled Managua after Hurricane Mitch in 1998. See the small film Ants That Move Mountains. The main work was that of Maquiadores in the free trade zone, where many seamstresses work endless hours for pennies a day under horrific conditions. The non-profit Jubilee House since has helped these people build their own factory and form a coop where all could take part and pride in the work they were producing. Best of all they work as they see fit on normal schedules for a fair, living wage. They are, however, still at the mercy of their power supply which goes down daily with rolling blackouts anywhere from four to twelve hours a day. In addition, their energy bill is enormous and we wish to help offset that by forming this project to oversee the instillation of solar electricity. Any funds offset from the electric bill will be diverted into other important JHC projects, such as their non-profit medical clinic and the spinning plant which has finally broken ground Feb. 2007!

Our designer, Rene Geneva, recently returned from a last minute trip this January 2007 to introduce our project to Joseph Marino, president of DC Power Systems in Healdsburg, CA, and Philip Beard, retired professor and long-time humanitarian supporter in Nicaragua. Douglas Gonzales of Suni Solar and Heime from Grupo Fenix were also gracious enough to offer their support. Click here to read about her adventures. Everyone is cheering on the success of this project and we're currently plugging away with the details. We will consistently update our pages with the latest news, so don't forget to check back!

Please include your name and address so we may mail you your tax certificate. You may make a check out to The Jubilee House Community, Inc and please label your check "Solar Project" in the 'memo' field on the front of the check to ensure that your donation goes specifically to the solar project. The Jubilee House Community, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which has been providing service ministry since 1979. All gifts are tax-deductible. The Center for Development in Central America (CDCA) is a project of the JHC, Inc. You may mail donation to the address below.

JHC
c/o Faernyn's Grove
PO Box 41313
Austin, Tx 78704
512.762.2918

Technical Specs

We would like to design a 19kw array, grid-tie or off-grid system with battery backup and an off-roof, movable array to ensure maximum exposure to the sun. Our goal is to have a solid plan in 2007 before the PBS show Visionaries will be filming all efforts of the JHC and provide a major incentive to all parties involved to get their name out there as true supporters of socially responsible projects.

This project will greatly benefit the community in Cuidad Sandino and its surrounding area. The array will also provide back up power for a well that serves as an emergency source of water for the area. This well provides water to anyone who asks, and is particularly helpful when there is a problem with the main water delivery system, which is about half the time.

The cooperative businesses that will benefit from this program are the following:

1. The Women's Sewing Cooperative
2. Our Organic Agriculture Cooperative which has its offices on the property
3. Filtron--the ceramic water filter cooperative
4. The Building Materials Cooperative
5. The Spinning Plant Cooperative (Construction began Feb 2007)

In addition to these cooperatives, the International Training Facility will benefit from the project. This is where the Jubilee House houses and trains both long and short term volunteers in Sustainable Development. The offices and living for their permanent team are also on the property that will house the array.

Contributors

Below is a list of contributors thus far. It will be updated regularly.

Joseph Marino, President of DC Power Systems in Healdsburg, CA is offering equipment procurement support, as well as hands on support of the design and installation of the system. Rene joined Joseph and company recently to view the project in detail in Cuidad Sandino and meet with Mike Woodard of the CDCA.

Solar Energy International (SEI) will help provide INVEST volunteers that will train the community cooperative to install the solar array themselves as well as the ongoing maintainence that is necessary to keep it running prime.

Laurie Stone is the international program manager at SEI and our direct contact to SEI. She is a wonderful consultant regarding design, training, and successful grant writing.

Jsun Mills, of Intelligent Energy, is a valuable consultant with design, technical issues, logistics, and equipment procurement. He is currently working in Mexico with renewable energy. You may contact Jsun at intelligentenergy[at]yahoo.com.

Philip Beard, retired professor and long-time humanitarian supporter in Nicaragua of whom also graciously allowed Rene to join their recent trip to Nicaragua.

Douglas Gonzalez, project manager of Suni Solar will "at [our] service for any needings"and was incredibly helpful in obtaining necessary amplification measurements during our trip and will continue to be a rock in our foundation.

Grupo Fenix: While we are not specifically working with them, we feel that it is necessary to give them a mention as they have been a very valuable contributor in introducing us to people that have interest in this project. As they have many successful projects under their belts already, it is most appreciated that Susan is just an email away with any questions we may have.

Jennifer O.: Research Specialist. Her expertise will help us produce the perfect grant. Her information will be updated as soon as we obtain permission to do so.

How you can help!

We would like to design a 19kw array, off-grid system with battery backup and an off-roof, movable array to ensure maximum exposure to the sun. Our goal is to have a solid plan by February, 2007 when the PBS show Visionaries will be filming all efforts and provide a major incentive to all parties involved to get their name out there as true supporters of socially responsible projects.

Below is a list of foreseeable needs to bring this project to fruition.
Email us if you would like to get involved!

Design/Install: We are currently seeking persons with experience intersted in being a large part of this project.

Equipment donations: We will be approaching major manufactures for donations (or goods at cost) of PV panels, batteries, a controller, inverter, and other items we may need for install.

Grant-Writing Information: Do you have experience writing grants? While we plan on writing a grant to help fund this project, we have no expertise and are seeking networking and advice to facilitate this in the best way possible.

Volunteers: There is a lot to be done with a project of this magnitude, from spanish translation to paperwork to hands-on expertise. If you feel that you have fabulous-ness to offer, we would love to hear from you!

Monetary Donations: Of course, you knew this was coming. While everything on this list is vastly important, nothing will be able to be done without proper funding. Our initial goal is set at $50,000 and all donations are tax-deductible under Non-profit status.