New solar system strengthens community kitchen in Ponce.

With the installation of a 6-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system along with 19.9 kilowatt-hours of battery storage, the kitchen at El Pesebre now can operate during blackouts and grid failures caused by disasters or the current fragility of the island’s electrical infrastructure.

By THE STAR STAFF

In a collaborative effort to strengthen community resilience in southern Puerto Rico, the nonprofit organization Empowered by Light has partnered with El Pesebre Inc., Planet Solar and the New Jersey Commission for Puerto Rico (attached to the New Jersey Department of State) to install a solar power and battery storage system in El Pesebre’s (Nativity Scene) communal dining room and kitchen, located in Ponce’s Cantera community.

The installation was made possible by a $25,000 grant from the New Jersey commission, a donation from Planet Solar -- which also designed and installed the system -- and contributions from individual donors.

El Pesebre Inc. is a vital organization serving the Cantera community and surrounding areas in Ponce. From its facilities, the organization operates a family shelter that can house up to 250 people, provides support trained in search and rescue during emergencies, and offers classes and community workshops. Its communal kitchen plays a central role in the disaster response efforts, providing food to 18 communities in times of crisis.

During the 2020 earthquakes, El Pesebre sheltered 475 people under tents while continuing to prepare and distribute food. After the passage of Hurricane Fiona, the organization served some 1,500 plates of food daily. Electricity is essential for El Pesebre to continue helping its community in times of need; however, network instability has made it increasingly difficult to prepare and store food safely during emergencies.

With the installation of a 6-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system along with 19.9 kilowatt-hours of battery storage, the kitchen at El Pesebre now can operate during blackouts and grid failures caused by disasters or the current fragility of the island’s electrical infrastructure. The system will power essential kitchen equipment, refrigeration and lighting, ensuring that meals continue to be prepared and served when it is most needed.

“We are grateful to the State of New Jersey for its generous donation, which allowed us to strengthen the capacity of El Pesebre to support families during crises,” said Moira Hanes, CEO and co-founder of Empowered by Light. “Renewable and reliable energy is the solution to improve both the resilience and sustainability of the communities across the island.”