SOLAR FASHION WHEN YOUR ROOF ISN'T ENOUGH

FAQS about Haiti solar roof battery

Can a solar battery power a house in Haiti?

When Smith arrived in the eastern Haiti town, the answer came as a resounding “yes.” The batteries were powering lights and phones and being guarded preciously. About the size of a lunch box, the Relay is a portable solar battery capable of powering lights, phones & small electronics in homes that didn’t previously have electricity.

What is the Haiti solar initiative?

The Haiti Solar Initiative has provided 75 solar-powered Relay batteries in Haiti & outfitted community centers & ministries with solar panels to maintain vital health & educational services. The devices designed by Jake Smith ’18 are compact, inexpensive & intuitive to use. The work doesn’t come without risks.

Could a new solar system solve Haiti's fuel crisis?

Recognizing the vulnerabilities caused by HUM’s dependence on fuel-powered generators, the new solar system serves as a promising solution. Haiti’s current insecurity means that roads are often blocked, so accessing fuel is sometimes impossible. Other times, fuel might not be available at all or it is outrageously expensive on the black market.

Why are Haitians so smart?

The Haitian people are so smart and so good at solving problems. They’d welded new circuit components. They figured out how the Relays worked, found a way to flip the wires so they could run two lights instead of one.”

How have natural disasters impacted Haiti?

Natural disasters including hurricanes and earthquakes have ravaged Haiti over the past decade. Those disasters have exacerbated political upheaval and violence, exemplified by the July assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. The turmoil makes daily life precarious for Haitians and potentially dangerous for foreigners and aid workers.