In honor of the International Women’s Day, Wood Mackenzie, in collaboration with Let’s Share the Sun and other partners, recently donated 24 solar panels and 2 battery storage units to a domestic violence shelter in Puerto Rico. This fully installed 10.8 kW-DC system and 27.2 kWh battery will supply a significant portion of the shelter’s energy needs.
Luke Lewandowski, VP of global renewables research for Wood Mackenzie, stated that the energizing of this system ahead of International Women’s Day serves as a powerful example of how energy equity is essential to achieving gender equity. He expressed hope that the solution would provide a clean and safe environment for the shelter’s residents while highlighting how energy poverty can worsen the challenges and conditions of gender inequality worldwide.
Since 2021, Wood Mackenzie and Let’s Share the Sun have been working together to enhance energy access in some of Puerto Rico’s most vulnerable areas. Frequent power outages due to storms and infrastructure challenges, coupled with rising costs, have placed a significant strain on local communities.
The dedication ceremony, held on February 27, was attended by Lewandowski, Nancy Brennan-Jordan, co-founder of Let’s Share the Sun, Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA), and other industry supporters.
Nancy Brennan-Jordan highlighted the value of the partnership with Wood Mackenzie, noting how it transforms energy access and inspires solar companies to support communities. She emphasized that the solar system will strengthen services for domestic violence victims and help women rebuild their lives.
Wood Mackenzie continues its commitment to advancing energy security. This year marks the fourth time the company will send volunteers to Puerto Rico to assist vulnerable communities. The delegation will spend one week in Adjuntas installing solar panels and energy storage systems on homes.
Lewandowski expressed pride in continuing the collaboration with Let’s Share the Sun, reaffirming their commitment to providing renewable energy benefits and stability to those in need. He mentioned that their work is ongoing and they are excited to support these communities and shelters throughout the year.
Since 2022, Wood Mackenzie has installed over 250 solar panels and numerous energy storage systems, helping to power 39 homes and several domestic violence shelters. These installations are crucial for energy and financial stability, especially for residents dependent on medical devices.
In 2023, the group energized a solar PV and energy storage system for Casa Julia, a women’s shelter in Puerto Rico. From 2023 to 2024, the system saved Casa Julia $8,000 in power costs, prevented 77 outages, and provided 100% of the shelter’s energy needs. The system installed in 2024 has delivered similar benefits, with savings directed to critical rehabilitation programs for residents.
Lewandowski concluded that it is inspiring to see the impact of the collaborative effort, noting that for many, stable and affordable energy is not guaranteed. He explained that by leveraging available technologies, they are helping communities transition to more sustainable energy sources. He also highlighted that the ongoing partnership with Let’s Share the Sun demonstrates Wood Mackenzie’s commitment to providing energy access and transforming global energy systems.
Founded in 2010, Let’s Share the Sun is a 501c3 nonprofit that facilitates solar and energy storage installations in underserved communities worldwide, including Haiti, Honduras, and Puerto Rico.
