From Cali suburbs to rural Africa, Marianne Walpert is a physicist that makes solar happen.
When Californians first started putting solar on their houses, the utility companies took all the extra energy. Ouch. Marianne pushed through laws that ensured homeowners get paid for the energy they create.
Her newest endeavor is called Simusolar, a startup that provides solar electricity to small communities in Tanzania from as low as $8/month. The business makes too much sense – no to toxic kerosene, and yes to jobs for the local community (huzzah for economic empowerment!). Fishermen in Lake Tanzania have been using solar lights when they fish at night, replacing petrol-based lamps.
Simusolar customers make really small monthly payments using their mobile phones, and get access to clean and dependable power. Neat idea, eh?
Marianne shows us how solar tech, sustainability, and helping others can easily equal the mighty sum of success.
Photo: Solar fishing lamps made by Simusolar in collaboration with 3D printing company, Sculpteo.Rise up! Share this piece.
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