Hello,

Solar projects are very rare to see on Kiva.org. Which is a shame, because if the solar is locally owned, then it can spread economic success quickly. Locally owned solar projects will allow for other local businesses to thrive- from allowing agricultural businesses to have access to refrigeration, to powering tools, to running water pumps, to allowing internet access & ability to work when it's not sunny. All while replacing kerosene or other dirty forms of creating electricity. While researching other solar farms in developing countries- it seems that it's still a form of imperialism, and most of the economic gains from the solar investment then leaves the country.

IDEA: Use non-sea worthy shipping containers- the top of the solar panels is the top of the solar rack. The solar rack makes an additional shady space. Therefore, storage is produced, along with solar power.  It would also be a good source of recycling EV batteries, so that the solar farms are not connected to the grid. While these EV batteries may not have the power for a vehicle anymore, they could live a 2nd life in storing solar power.

Not only could this model be on Kiva.org with 0% profit, but as a seperate entity, I think the amount of funds raised could be massive if it allowed a 1-4% returns to the micro-lenders. The solar project will always be owned by the local people.

Thank you,

Andrew Rianhard

VSRE, LLC