Many of you in the microgrid industry have asked me what we can do to help Puerto Ricans get the lights back on quickly, and cleanly.

Seven weeks after Hurricane Maria wiped out 100% of the ailing power grid, 70% of Puerto Ricans still do not have electricity, and many expect it will take a full year to restore the whole island.

We all know that solar + storage microgrids can be installed much faster than rebuilding the obsolete, centralized grid that had been powering the island, and that these systems could be much more resilient to future hurricanes and fuel disruptions while bringing economic benefits to Puerto Ricans.

Help Puerto Ricans Now: 5 Worthy Non-Profits Bringing Power to Puerto Rico

We have found five non-profit organizations that are on the ground in Puerto Rico today, bringing microgrids to the places that need it most. We have vetted these organizations and, if you want to get the lights on for Puerto Ricans before the end of the year, they will make good use of your money or equipment.

The Longer Term: HOMER Energy’s Efforts

Here at HOMER Energy, we are continuing to explore how best to catalyze the construction of solar power systems on schools, clinics, community centers, and ultimately homes and entire communities in Puerto Rico; however, the immediate priority is to get small-scale equipment into powerless communities as quickly as possible. Alison Mason is the solar/storage expert on our team who is spearheading our effort. She will be in Puerto Rico next week providing first-hand oversight of these efforts.

We believe that small-scale solar + storage systems can reduce disease, save lives, and help many parts of Puerto Rico. This effort does not replace the need to restore conventional electric service but will be able to reach many desperate communities much faster. If you would like to help, please direct your contributions to the five organizations listed above.