Camarillo, Calif.-based SolarWorld is donating solar modules to power 10 pump stations to provide clean, safe water for up to 175,000 earthquake survivors in Haiti. SolarWorld is donating modules to the Charleston, S.C.-based nonprofit Water Missions International (WMI) for use in water-pumping stations in the Haitian capital of Port-Au-Prince. At a discount, the company also has shipped modules to operate about 25 additional WMI water stations. The company could speed product to Haiti because, from its U.S. sales hub in Camarillo, Calif., SolarWorld has been active in the Latin American market about 30 years. The company is the largest and most experienced solar manufactuer in the United States.
"Fuel shortages in Haiti are causing major roadblocks in providing aid," says George C. Greene IV, WMI VP for international programs. "Through SolarWorld’s assistance, WMI continues to place solar-powered water systems in the neediest areas. We have been incredibly blessed by our relationship with SolarWorld, and we know thousands of lives will be saved as a result of its hard work and generous efforts."SolarWorld is donating the 10kW of solar equipment through its Solar2World program, which provides equipment for off-grid rural solar projects in the developing world. Last summer, the program gave more than 10kW in modules to a clinic in a remote Haitian village. The clinic reportedly is serving quake refugees.