Did you know that less than 2 percent of the world’s electricity is generated by solar power? In the past that was due, in part, to the high cost of solar panels. But in recent years, the technology has grown more affordable so that homeowners and utility companies are beginning to replace or supplement fossil fuel generators with solar panels. So it is important that the 1 billion people in developing parts of the world who depend on kerosene lamps and diesel generators know they can now use affordable solar energy instead. They (and we) can save money as well as reduce carbon emissions by moving to solar energy.

So the Rotary Clubs of Leogane, Haiti and Parker, Colorado, have joined forces to apply for a Rotary Foundation Global Grant to fund a hybrid solar/diesel grid power system for the Respire School in Gressier, Haiti. This year so far, the school has saved $4,000 in fuel costs — not to mention prevent excessive air and noise pollution.

Expect to see more Rotary-sponsored hybrid solar systems pop up around the developing world to save money and to reduce fossil-fuel emissions. This technology is a win-win situation we can all agree upon — but trust Rotary to lead the way in making ours a better world.