Elon Musk’s Interest in Puerto Rico may begin the solar revolution.
If Elon Musk and Tesla rebuild Puerto Rico’s electricity grid with solar energy and battery storage 
systems, it would bring tremendous hope to an estimated 1.2 billion people globally who do not have access to electricity. As an immigrant from Colombia (South America) I know first-hand the possibility of low-cost, off-grid solar could provide a profound economic benefit for people in remote and impoverished areas. Tesla’s Solar City division has accomplished this in smaller-scale applications in the islands of Ta’u and Kauai of Hawaii. Although the Puerto Rico project would be one of a much larger scale, it is not out of the realm of possibilities with the proper organization and leadership standing behind it.
The challenge with taking this beyond Puerto Rico and accomplishing it at a global scale is most remote areas in need of solar energy and battery technology lack the financial backing to fund projects of this magnitude. It would take a very unique business model to scale projects this size in order for it to be profitable and worth it for investors. It would also require complete engagement and cooperation from not only the companies and government organizations building these projects, but the residents and citizens of that nation as a whole. Understanding culture and local customs would be critical to encourage effort by the collective towards a common goal.
With the chaos of what these hurricanes have brought to our brothers and sisters of Puerto Rico and surrounding areas, the silver lining maybe a change that would have an unprecedented impact in not only our global energy supply but our precious environment as well. Mr. Musk’s statement may be the spark needed to inspire action steps by those who not only have the power, but the necessary funds to make this project in Puerto Rico and eventually, the world actually happen. At Clean Initiative, we support these efforts and will continue to inspire change to protect the worlds citizens, wildlife, and natural resources.
Pablo Quintero
CEO of www.thecleaninitiative.com
