"Enersol's mission is to improve the quality of life in rural Latin America, by helping local institutions utilize clean, renewable solar energy technologies for health and education applications."
—Richard Hansen, Enersol Founder and Volunteer President

In the Beginning...

When Enersol first began its work in 1984, we were exploring new territory. In those early days, our primary focus was to bring solar electricity and light to households in remote areas of the Dominican Republic, located beyond existing electrical distribution networks. We provided training to community residents, as well as technical training and business development assistance to small local enterprises. Enersol established locally managed revolving loan funds to make the systems affordable.

Our greatest challenge was often reaching the villages that needed our help. Developed roads were few and far between and, in those instances, we simply loaded supplies on the backs of burros and made our way across rivers and through the mountains!

When it came time to create an identity for Enersol, a volunteer sketched a drawing of a burro carrying a solar panel, capturing both the spirit and tenacity of the organization. It remains our logo to this day, and reminds us all of what is possible when you follow your passion, regardless of the obstacles.

Richard Hansen, Founder
Enersol, Inc.