Emergency Solar Power for Myanmar Earthquake Relief Efforts

On March 28, a devastating earthquake hit central Myanmar, causing major destruction and loss of life. The extent of the damage is still not known, but an estimated 2,000+ people have been reported dead and many more injured and left without access to safe and clean housing and essential services. To support relief efforts, basic access to electricity is crucial, e.g., to provide lighting and have the ability to charge devices like mobile phones in order to stay in touch with loved ones and conduct the necessary and urgent work on the ground.

We are Mee Panyar, a social enterprise that has been working on solar PV infrastructure development and capacity building in Myanmar since 2016. We have a team of engineers, technicians and community managers on the ground. We are a community-first organization and have helped more than 3000+ people install and operate their own solar power plants and have a network of 300+ alumni that we have provided free training and employment support to work in Myanmar critical solar energy sector. This work will mobilize our alumni network in order to deploy emergency power stations to electrify relief efforts and restore essential services to vulnerable communities.

A group of trainees at one of Mee Panyar's solar technician trainings in Myanmar

We are assessing the needs on the ground through our local networks. Based on initial findings, we are partnering with Mandalay-based community organizers to install multiple 5kW PV + battery storage systems that will provide lighting, charging, and power for water access for an estimated 200-300 people each. We are already deploying roughly $4000 of our own resources and our own training equipment for initial deployments and are seeking support to be able to provide more systems like this as well as larger ones to set up in key community centers. Larger systems will allow us to also support emergency medical services and power machinery that is useful for rescue efforts. One system costs will costs roughly $2-3k to install.

Use of Funds:

Amarapura township, Bone Ohh Village - One of the areas that we are working to provide power and lighting as well as other essential goods.

Any funding beyond the goal amount will go towards more systems installations through equipment purchase and providing free technical installations & operation support.

Your support will be used to purchase equipment for these solar systems that will be deployed quickly where they are needed most. All systems will be installed by our own team and supported by our training alumni on the ground. They will be used as long as necessary to support ongoing relief efforts. Any systems that are at a later date recovered will be integrated in Mee Panyar's ongoing free solar training activities in the country.

We thank you for your time, consideration, and support for the communities impacted by this devastating disaster. We are committed to using all funds as efficiently and transparently as possible and work with integrity to understand and address critical needs on the ground.

For those that are able to support in Myanmar Kyat:

KBZ Pay : 09771807373

Natasha Sarah Allen