Under the framework of the Program to Develop the Border Zones of Central America, funded by the European Union and the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), and with the purpose of making the efforts to reduce poverty in the Central American Region more effective, as well as contributing to both the solution of the deficit in electric power generation as to improve the matrix of energy production sources, and at the same time contributing to the health of the environment, CABEI is very pleased to inform that this international organization has approved a grant to the Municipality of SAN PEDRO DEL NORTE of the Department of Chinandega, Republic of Nicaragua, by the amount of US$153,330.00 (One Hundred Fifty-Three Thousand, Three-Hundred Thirty Dollars), in United States Currency, to finance the Project “Installation of Solar Panels in 4 Communities of the High Zone of the Microshed Paso Los Caballos” of the Municipality of San Pedro North

The Project “Installation of Solar Panels in 4 Communities of the High Zone of the Microshed Paso Los Caballos” consists of installing 126 photovoltaic solar systems to generate electric power. These systems will be installed on the roof of the same number of houses, which will be formed by 126 50-Watts power modules in each module in the 4 following Communities: Montaña de La Hoya, El Falcón, Monte Redondo and Palo Blanco. Such solar systems include: 126 panels, 126 contollers, 126 batteries and current inverters witha maximum capacity of 400 Watts, 504 lamps of 12 volts charge each, switches, sockets for the lamps, fusilbles slings, bateries, screws, brackets, bolts and 2,268 lineal meters of cable.

The main benefits expected from the implementation of this project are: a) 720 beneficiaries from 126 families, b) improving the power system, since for the first time the 4 communities will have electric enerty, c) protection of the environment, as forest depredation will be reduced, d) improving health by diminishing respiratory diseases caused by oil lamps and cooking with firewood, e) direct poverty reduction, and f) enhancing the quality of life of the population of these 4 communities.

It is important to mention that this is the fourth project of solar energy generation supported by the European Union and CABEI in 4 municipalities of Nicaragua. All four projects add up to a grant of US$1,166,241 (One million one hundred and sixty-six thousand, two hundred and forty-one Dollars) and translate into the installation of 1,070 photovoltaic solar systems in the same number of houses and benefiting 4,711 persons from 1,070 families.

The other 3 projects of the Department of Madriz, which grant agreements were signed on August 19, 2008, are: 1) by the amount of US$375,983.00 to finance the project “Installation of Solar Panels and Communication Radios in 7 Communities of the Municipality ofLas Sabanas”, 2) by the amount of US$299,564.00 for the implementation of the project “Installation of Solar Energy in 11 Communities of the Municipality of San Lucas” , and 3) by the amount of US$337,364.00, to finance the project “Installation of Photovoltaic systems and Communication Radios in 10 Communities of the Municipality of San José de Cusmapa”.

The program for the Development of Boarder Zones of Central America has two components: 1) The integral development of Border Municipalities, and 2) The Regional Program for the Management of Multi-National Watersheds. The program privileges border projects targeting an increase in the access to basic education and health services, basic infrastructure, protection, conservation and rational use of natural resources, specially water, including also a gender and group approach.
It also allows the funding of inter-municipal projects.