Access to electricity is easy to take for granted. But for many in remote areas of the world, it’s a luxury they simply do not have. That’s where Light Up The World (LUTW), a Canadian charity based in Calgary, comes in. By providing photovoltaic (PV) systems and renewable energy training to off-grid communities that lack access to reliable electricity, LUTW is helping to improve lives and empower communities to move towards a more reliable and sustainable future.
Solar-powered electricity transforms communities by providing reliable access to energy, empowering people to learn, work and connect like never before. Plus, solar power is clean, renewable and accessible, making it a power solution that’s both good for the planet and for the people who need it most.
Solar power is an ideal solution for off-grid communities such as Huarcaya, Peru.
How Does LUTW Help?
Beyond initiating, organizing and implementing solar PV systems within off-grid communities, LUTW goes a step further by training local technicians to make the transition to a more sustainable energy system successful and long-lasting.
Shining a Light in Peru
One of LUTW’s recent initiatives takes place at a school in Huarcaya, a remote province in the Peruvian Andes. The off-grid school, which is home to nearly 150 students and 15+ teachers, lacks access to electricity, making it difficult for students and teachers to carry out their lessons, especially in the evenings or when sunlight is scarce.
The solar phase of the project began in February 2025, and included the installation of:
- 18 panels donated by Silfab Solar® 370 Wp; HC = 6.66 kWp
- 15 kWh of lithium battery storage
- Mounting system donated by S-5!
- 9 kW three-phase power
S-5! worked alongside student volunteers from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Canada as well as LUTW volunteers to complete the installation. This was the first time the students received direct training from a brand representative, and it was an incredibly valuable experience for them and LUTW to have an S-5! expert on-site.
Student volunteers received on-site training on how to install solar panels using direct-attachment to the metal roof’s integrated ribs.
Overcoming Logistical Challenges
Remote communities come with greater challenges than usual because they are typically difficult to access. Reaching them often requires driving on poorly maintained roads from the nearest city or even taking a boat along a river.
“This project came with significant challenges,” said Milagros del Carmen Huaman Zuniga, Social Enterprise Manager, Light Up the World. “We faced major difficulties such as the community’s remoteness, extremely cold weather, constant rainfall and sub-zero temperatures, which affected the health of the participants.”
These challenges make logistics particularly complex for LUTW, as transporting all the PV materials to the site becomes a major hurdle. One of the biggest challenges is determining how to transport traditional rail systems, which are typically used to mount solar panels. Therefore, they needed an approach that could overcome these transportation difficulties — and that’s where S-5! came in to provide the right solution.
“One of the biggest challenges was transporting materials through difficult terrain and extreme weather,” said Juan Carlos Fuentes, International Business Director, S-5! “That’s where S-5! made a difference. Our lightweight, easy-to-transport attachments helped overcome logistical barriers, making this project possible. I personally traveled to the site to support the installation and see firsthand the impact of bringing clean energy to those who need it most.”
Partnering For Change
The work of LUTW wouldn’t be possible without the help from manufacturers that believe in the charity’s mission. For S-5!, donating its American-made products to LUTW was a no brainer. For this project, S-5! provided:
- 120 Protea™ Bracket and PVKIT® DirectAttach™ solar mounts
- 50 ground lugs
- 100 PV module clips
Direct-attachment of solar modules to an exposed-fastened roof on a remote, Peruvian school.
A second project for this nonprofit organization will begin this summer in Alto Mishahua in Peru, where 40 homes will receive rooftop solar PV. With a proposed positive impact to more than 250 residents, this project will have a far-reaching effect on the community. Each home will receive one 170 Wp panel, one lead acid battery, one charger controller and a cabinet for teams. For this new project, S-5! is providing:
- 280 PVKIT
- 180 CorruBracket™ 500T
- 100 module clips
- 50 ground lugs
DirectAttach Success
In addition to the generous donation of solar PV attachment solutions and on-site training, the installation process for the project in Huarcaya was made more efficient through the use of a DirectAttach mounting method. This innovative approach allowed for significant reductions in both transportation costs and installation time. By eliminating the need for preassembly of the attachments, the DirectAttach method cut installation time by an impressive 50%, allowing the school’s solar array to be completed quickly and efficiently.
With direct-attachment, the solar mounts can be delivered to jobsites in the trunk of a car!
The DirectAttach system also benefited the structural soundness of the school, and will similarly benefit the homes in Alto Mishahua. By eliminating rails, this reduced the load of the mounting system and the overall weight placed on the substructure, minimizing stress on the building itself.
Labor needs are cut in half, resulting in faster, simpler installation on charity projects like this one in Peru.
With one of LUTW’s goals being empowering local technicians to install and maintain the solar PV systems, using a DirectAttach method is key to simplifying the project. Plus, the ease of installing the PVKIT means future installations in the surrounding area can be installed by the community.
A Long-Lasting Impact
The solar installation will not only generate light for the school, but it will also power essential equipment such as computers and other electronics, which were also donated. Students will now be able to complete their assignments after dark or on cloudy days, giving them a leg up on their academic success, and teachers can use the technology to enhance their lessons.
"At S-5!, we believe solar energy can transform lives, and this project is a perfect example,” said Fuentes. “Bringing electricity to remote communities like Huarcaya is about more than just an installation — it’s about providing these communities with light, technology and new opportunities for a brighter future.”
Making The World a Brighter Place
This collaboration between LUTW and its corporate partners is a great example of how manufacturers can make a positive impact on the world, whether it be through financial support or product donations.
“At S-5!, we are proud to support initiatives like this and remain committed to making solar power accessible to communities worldwide,” expressed Fuentes.
LUTW continues to enhance the lives of people and communities, and it’s an honor to support them in their mission. With innovative solutions and the dedication of LUTW and its charitable partners, these projects in Peru stand as global examples of efficiency, cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
To learn more about LUTW and to support its cause, please visit www.LUTW.org and its YouTube channel.
