Resilient Power in Puerto Rico: Innovative Applications for Solar+Storage to Serve Vulnerable Populations

Since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, demand for resilient power technologies -solar PV paired with battery storage (solar+storage)- has so far resulted in over 10,000 residential and 300 critical facility systems across the island. Despite these gains, persistent energy infrastructure issues still plague the island. After the recent earthquakes, entire regions had to contend with extended blackouts. Rural communities face additional hurdles. Communities on the island of Vieques, for instance, rely on an unreliable power supply; a single underwater cable provides electricity to the island.

This webinar explored innovative solar+storage applications in vulnerable communities, including a mobile emergency response trailer and microgrid for medically vulnerable households, both on the island of Vieques. Panelists discussed barriers to resilient power development and local workforce training initiatives.

Panelists:

• Will Heegard – Founder and Director, Footprint Project
• Edgar Oscar Ruiz – Executive Director, Sail Relief Team

This webinar was presented by Clean Energy Group’s Resilient Power Project.