Carbon Credit for Humanitarian Solar Power

Project Report | Dec 31, 2025
Solar Light, Cleaner Air, Lasting Impact
By John Bottenberg | Acting Executive Director, ATC

Dear Friend of ATC,

Thank you for supporting Carbon Credit for Humanitarian Solar Power. Your generosity is doing two important things at once: reducing climate-warming emissions and improving daily life for families in rural Guatemala who still live without reliable electricity.

Progress & Milestones

In our most recent field round, families received solar lighting systems and water filters, with priority given to homes with infants and expectant mothers—supported through partnership with the Civil Association of Traditional Midwives of Chimaltenango (ACOTCHI).

Key milestones we continue to build on:
— 13 households supported with solar lighting + water filters since July — 38 total toward our current goal of 100 families.
— Reaching the hardest-to-reach homes — systems carried beyond drivable roads to families who rarely receive outside assistance
— Durability by design — with strong battery management practices, systems can serve families for many years
— Household savings — families often save about $5–6 per week by replacing kerosene and candles

Environmental Impact

— With the additional 38 home installations since July 2025, the project has now offset about 1,110+ tons of CO2equivalent emissions to date (including a conservative prorated estimate for the newest systems) and will avoid roughly ~38 tons per year once fully annualized.

Ripple Effects in Families’ Lives

Your support shows up in simple, powerful ways:
— Health: babies and children are no longer breathing toxic kerosene fumes indoors
— Education: children have reliable evening light for homework and reading
— Women’s empowerment: mothers and young women can use evening hours to weave and create goods for market
— Community resilience: safe water filters help reduce waterborne disease where infrastructure is limited

Stories from the Field

Even after many years of installations, one moment never gets old: the first time a family flips a switch and their home fills with safe, bright light. It’s relief, dignity, and possibility—immediately felt.

Looking Ahead

We are preparing for our next growth phase with partners, including Rotary Clubs. We’re currently 38 homes into our goal of 100 families, and we’re working toward reaching the remaining 62 families over the next 6 months with solar lighting plus clean water solutions. Every household reached strengthens health, opportunity, and measurable climate benefit.

Thank you again for making this work possible—a practical carbon offset that families can feel every single day.

With gratitude,
John Bottenberg
Acting Executive Director
Appropriate Technology Collaborative

Links:

• The Appropriate Technology Collaborative Home Page

Families in rural Guatemala are replacing kerosene lamps with clean solar light — cutting over 1,100 tons of CO while saving money for food, school, and health. Your support is creating healthier homes and brighter futures

Dear Friend of ATC,

With your support, our Carbon Credit for Humanitarian Solar Power initiative continues to transform lives in Guatemala while protecting our planet. Since our last report, we’ve reached more families, strengthened our partnerships, and set ambitious new goals.

Progress & Milestones

• 20 New Installations: Families received both solar lighting and water filters, prioritizing homes with infants and expectant mothers in partnership with the Civil Association of Traditional Midwives of Chimaltenango (ACOTCHI).

• Reaching the Hardest to Reach: Our teams carried systems to households located miles beyond drivable roads — often the only organization ever to visit these homes.

• System Durability: Thanks to our battery management design, each solar system can serve families for up to 20 years, extending your impact across generations.

• Household Savings: Families save about $5–6 per week on kerosene and candles, money redirected toward food, medicine, and school supplies.

Environmental Impact

• The project has now offset over 1,100 tons of CO equivalent emissions.

• Each home continues to save one ton of CO annually — adding up to a growing, measurable climate benefit.

Ripple Effects in Families’ Lives

• Health: Newborns and children no longer breathe toxic kerosene fumes.

• Education: Children have reliable light for studying, staying in school longer and achieving more.

• Women’s Empowerment: Mothers and young women use evening hours to weave fabric and craft goods for market, building family income.

• Community Resilience: Clean water filters reduce disease, and solar power provides reliable light for daily life.

Stories from the Field

• First Time Turning On the Light: Imagine the feelings of joy, relief, and hope when a family turns on a safe, bright solar light at home for the very first time.

• Children Thank You: With light, children can now read and complete homework at night without harmful kerosene smoke.

• Working at Night by Solar Light: Women use the evening hours productively, weaving textiles and preparing goods for market.

Looking Ahead

• 100 Families in 1 Year: With Rotary Club partners, we are preparing for our most ambitious expansion yet — installing 100 solar+water systems in the next 12 months.

• Training & Education: Plans are underway to expand solar education, ensuring youth and women gain hands-on skills for the future.

• Sustaining Momentum: Every household reached brings us closer to our long-term vision — healthier families, stronger communities, and a cooler planet.

Your generosity makes this work possible. Together, we are building a future where families thrive and carbon emissions fall — a legacy of light that lasts for decades.

With gratitude,
John Bottenberg
Acting Executive Director
The Appropriate Technology Collaborative