EWB-USA’s Walla Walla University (WWU) Chapter partnered with the community of Japura, Peru, and the local municipality to build a total of 76 individual photovoltaic (PV) systems for individual homes and the community’s school. The PV systems provide power for operating two to three lights and two electrical outlets, one AC and one DC. Each system is able to provide lighting for 10 hours each day along with a small amount of power for other appliances such as televisions, radios, and cellphone chargers.

In addition to installing the system, we trained a select group of community members who had been elected to serve on an electrical committee. These community members are responsible for basic maintenance of the system, educating the community, and for the long-term lifespan of the systems. Our goal, as engineering students of WWU and as representatives of EWB-USA, was to provide a sustainable and functional PV system for each family by educating them on proper operation and maintenance of the system, constructing the system using local parts, and by guiding the community through the implementation process. 

As a result of our work in Japura, families now have the opportunity to start and expand small businesses, which will allow them to achieve financial independence and support their children. In addition, children will be able to study at night whereas previously they had only an hour or so before sunset to do homework after returning from school. The local primary school also will be able to implement technology in the classroom, including small laptops and multimedia projectors. As one teacher explained, “The children will not have to draw their lessons.”