Solar Products

The objective of the Project is the development, promotion, and commercialization of the “Solar Products”. These are agricultural and organic products processed using renewable energy in the form of solar cookers. The Solar Products include: fruit jams, tomato sauce, cookies, and coffee toasted in the solar cookers.

Other project objetives include:

• Increased level of professional development for the members of Solar Women of Totogalpa (SWT).
• Better market access with a network of distributors and providers.
• Contribute to the protection of the environment, strengthen self-esteem, and generate income for the women and their families.

Solar Product development began with experiments in the use of solar cookers in the SWT member’s homes. The process of coffee toasting and elaboration of jams was realized by the women of the community, while the solar cookies were a joint effort by an international volunteer and SWT.

The women prefer the coffee processed in the solar cookers due to its improved taste and stronger aroma. Instead of drying the green coffee beans on the ground in the sun, they complete this transformation in the solar cookers and only use the fire to toast the coffee for a few minutes to finish the toasting process. Moreover, some scientific studies have demonstrated that coffee toasted in the solar cookers has a higher level of essentials oils.

The jams, sauces, and cookies are processed in the solar cookers, which are completely isolated and protected from the outside environment, and are therefore more hygienic, do not lose their nutritional value, and do not contain chemicals or preservatives.

Currently, the women are growing organic produce and citrus in the Solar Center that will serve as fresh, high-quality ingredients for the Solar Products. SWT is also developing a network of organic producers to promote the use of organic products and offer another vitally needed income source for members of the community.

Solar Products offer many benefits including:

• The products are not contaminated by smoke.
• They are organic and hygienic.
• They are nutritious and of high quality.
• The save cooking and wood-gathering time.
• They do not have negative effects on the health of the women due to exposure to smoke.
• They do not destroy the environment (by pollution nor deforestation). They promote the use of renewable energy.
• They provide employment opportunities to the women and the community. 

The Solar Products are currently commercialized at the Solar Center