Free solar generated electricity in Peru

Many energy experts are convinced that solar energy can provide stable and cost-competitive source of clean electricity in many isolated and rural areas. Installing solar panels in these areas is often connected with lower costs than connecting this area with already existing power network.

The positive example on this matter comes from the Peru, South America. Peru has initiated a program that once done should provide more than 2 million of its poorest residents with solar generated electricity -for free.

'The National Photovoltaic Household Electrification Program' began on July 8, with the installation of 1,601 solar panels in the Contumaza province of the country. These panels represent the first phase of the program and should be enough to power 126 impoverished communities.

Jorge Merino, Peru's Energy and Mining Minister, announced that „the entire program will allow 95 percent of Peru to have access to electricity by the end of 2016.“ The program will be fulfilled with the installation of 12,500 solar systems, enough to power around 500,000 households in Peru. The entire program is expected to cost about $200 million.