Solar Projects That Make Us Smile - CleanTechnica

The article highlights innovative solar projects that blend sustainability with local needs, focusing primarily on two examples: solar-powered boats in the Ecuadorian Amazon and a large rooftop solar installation at a Florida school. In the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Achuar Indigenous community, with support from Kara Solar, has developed solar-powered river canoes equipped with 24 solar panels. These boats provide a clean, affordable alternative to diesel-powered vessels, crucial for transportation in a remote region lacking roads. This initiative supports the preservation of Indigenous lifestyles and environmental stewardship by avoiding road construction, which the community views as destructive to their culture and environment. Kara Solar’s approach emphasizes local empowerment through technical training, supply chain development, and financing to enable sustainable energy solutions on the community’s terms. In Florida, the Manatee School for the Arts is installing one of the state’s largest rooftop solar systems, featuring 2 MW capacity and 3,200 Enphase IQ8P-3P microinverters made domestically. This project is expected