by Elizabeth Henke, MD, Chair, ESRAG Habitat Solar Initiative
Rotarians Embrace Solar Energy with ESRAG’s Million Solar Panels Challenge at RICON 2024
Brazilian Rotarians get an open-armed welcome from ESRAG Director Ludwig Kalthoff
Our exciting conversations with a multitude of people at the Rotary International Convention (RICON) in Singapore revealed that ESRAG’s newest initiative, the Million Solar Panels Challenge (MSPC), is gaining remarkable traction, sparking enthusiasm and action among Rotarians worldwide.
During RICON week, the MSPC was featured in multiple presentations, including ESRAG’s official RICON breakout session on how Rotary could become Net-Zero by 2040 and the Solar Power for Wash program. Even before the official launch of the MSPC, Rotarians have already logged an astounding 16,406 solar panels. Solar enthusiasts like Emmanuelle P.S. Barreto from Brazil and her daughter Sabrina eagerly logged their solar panels at RICON, embodying the contagious enthusiasm of the movement.
And as for the sudden appearance of ESRAG Director and Chair Nominee Dr. Ludwig Kalthoff in the picture with the Brazilians? Ludwig (aka Luigi to his closest friends) could not contain his infectious zeal for solar power!
Empowering Rotarians to Combat Climate Change One Solar Panel at a Time
Liz talking about ESRAG’s Solar Habitat panel as part of ESRAG’s May 28 RICON breakout session “Rotary + Habitat
What is the Million Solar Panels Challenge? The MSPC is a campaign to mobilize Rotarians globally to take direct action against climate change. By advocating for the purchase and installation of solar panels, this campaign not only helps slash energy costs but also significantly reduces CO2 emissions.
The Ripple Effect of a Million Solar Panel Installations:
- Environmental Impact: Equivalent to planting 10 million mature trees – without having to wait!
- Economic Savings: Over $3.5 billion saved on people’s electricity bills.
- Emission Reduction: More than 7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions prevented.
Join the Million Solar Panels Challenge: Make a Global Impact with Solar Energy
Million Solar Panel Challenge
How You Can Participate: If you’re a Rotarian, here’s how you can make a difference:
Log Your Solar Panels: Document the number of solar panels you have already installed on your own home, business, or for those less fortunate. Log Your Solar Panels Here
- Community Education: Encourage fellow Rotary members to log their solar panels or purchase solar panels for themselves or for underserved communities around the world.
- Climate-Friendly Clubs: Motivate your clubs to invest in clean solar energy to offset their carbon footprints and join the net zero movement.
- Give the Gift of Solar: Millions of people worldwide lack access to electricity.
- Donate a solar panel or installation to someone in need. Donate solar panels via this link.
The Million Solar Panel Challenge is not just a campaign; it’s a movement towards a sustainable future. Every panel counts, and every Rotarian’s effort brings us closer to a cleaner, greener planet. Join the challenge today and be a part of the solution!
Photos, from top: Brazilian Rotarians get an open-armed welcome from ESRAG Director Ludwig Kalthoff when they register their solar panels for ESRAG’s MSPC (credit: Dr. Liz Henke), and Liz talking about ESRAG’s Solar Habitat panel as part of ESRAG’s May 28 RICON breakout session “Rotary + Habitat: Local Collaboration Models for Impact” with panelists from Habitat for Humanity and Shelter Box. Photo provided by Trinnah Caracho of Habitat for Humanity.
