Solar Energy to the Blockchain — Guatemala

Veronica Garcia founded the company Bitlumens in Zug, Switzerland.The experience economist Veronica has in the sector, is highlighted by her studies in sustainable energy systems at the ETH and the IBM Research Center in Ru Schilikon.

Her mission?

She plans to install solar power systems connected to a blockchain in 10,000 rural households in rural Guatemala by the end of the year. As identified, the biggest risk is rising operational costs, as a network of around 1000 agents has to be built and access remote areas. However, it’s difficult to evaluate.

The problem that BitLumens is looking to solve exists in Guatemala, where 1.7 million people have no access to electricity and instead burn kerosene, diesel, wood, coal or plastic waste to gain light and energy causing both health and environmental issues.

BitLumens offers a solution. A system which is connected and unlocked via a blockchain which consists of:

• Small solar panel
• Battery
• Sensors
• LED lamps
• USB ports

This solar system can run three LED lights for at least four hours in low light and charge two cell phones. In the future, the system will be able to support use of solar energy for cooking or the operation of water pumps can

The hardware costs $150, but a household rents it for eight months like a traditional lease.

Each solar system contains a sensor that is connected to a control center via a radio network extending over approximately 10 km.

“Thanks to our software, you can always check how much energy households produce, how much they consume,” says Garcia.

A normal scenario, if the monthly rent is paid, the solar system in the household is unlocked — if not, it is blocked. Payment is made via so-called “tokens”, which is a virtual token with which the blockchain identifies and verifies participants. A token costs about half a dollar.

At the end of May, the pre-ICO phase begins, at which Bitlumens sells its tokens at a 30% discount.

In June, Bitlumens intends to conduct an international crowdfunding through an Intitial Coin Offering (ICO) after looking for various funds to fund her project. Financing is obvious when considering the concept and aim of their project.

https://nzzas.nzz.ch/wirtschaft/licht-fuer-guatemalas-arme-ld.1375249?reduced=true