 |
To aid disaster relief effort in earthquake-torn Nepal, AspectSolar's lightweight, durable solar charging panels and battery systems are being used by high-elevation skiers Mike and Steve Marolt to bring power to the country's remote villages.
The Marolt brothers' solar program has taken on tremendous urgency since the disaster. They have joined forces with renowned mountaineer Ed Viesturs to raise funds for Power Nepal—a new non-profit venture whose mission is to supply portable solar power equipment to villages that lack reliable energy sources.
Power Nepal has been structured as a 501(c)(3) to enable individuals and organizations worldwide to donate funding for the critically needed power solutions. The organization is currently poised to supply hundreds of AspectSolar's power units to villages across the devastated country.
"Although our products have won recognition for innovation and reliability, nothing pleases me more than to know that they are being used to make a difference in peoples' lives," said AspectSolar CEO Esmond Goei. "To be part of the Marolt brothers' disaster relief effort in Nepal is a true privilege."
"A number of villages in Nepal have hydro or wind power, but many do not," said Steve Marolt. "After our expedition to Nepal last year, we decided to create a pilot program to provide Nepalese villages with portable solar power. Our many great experiences using AspectSolar products on our expeditions made the choice clear on which product line we wanted to use. We are grateful for AspectSolar's generous matching contribution of their products to make this effort possible."
While the earthquake was the catalyst for moving Power Nepal forward, the Marolts have stated that the project is being approached as a long-term, scalable effort. The goal of making reliable, long-lasting power solutions available in remote areas will ultimately enrich the lives of residents of the Nepalese villages for years to come.
Related post: Portable Solar-Powered Devices Help Survivors from the Nepal Earthquake