metadata: {"signature": "0x90b6ebedcbe349623f51d8a8cdb596945004b7da636da6f78ac63335f66477f9242b50916cd6ee0ffe458e54b092149832f2568daf086a28c1130a37641adcd11b", "application": {"round": "0x9288f7f7f428ed6a7225a8c986855b95d9adb106", "answers": [{"type": "email", "hidden": true, "question": "Email Address", "questionId": 0, "encryptedAnswer": {"ciphertext": "ThTxkx1R9rcgtXJGiNPSmbxBet0ebE1p0Va8eeWRlBa+UQbP9VwNtH4F8gR6hfDw", "encryptedSymmetricKey": "4ea93c8f9756cd01c53d66f5e2af888b8ba715c8d2b52efe2c12a11b5823de8c3711afe7570d17030da3cd82b9f7f213f3287d88b176dac11ef449bd4174a1f21a06e29330c5de44e824ced1b3ee6600759ee58cf5232a00453c787ca9819a85a6bc4bb2a2aec3684f8431bb5b6aec9b6d48213a25f102fd1665f4c0ac3bf29c0000000000000020d17878da7185d1e76ccc0ffdc513835719675706b6fde92897940ed095890ffa13de7126179ed10c8b6aa8033f0d9996"}}, {"type": "short-answer", "hidden": true, "question": "Telegram Handle", "questionId": 1, "encryptedAnswer": {"ciphertext": "JwS15jTrc3n4nlR0YWYzY2hmbybAHbpb/5Cx/CblN/E=", "encryptedSymmetricKey": "28dc6c904cd494a6c55015411115ba5717ab6533bbd03fbf7cea164925f916c88753f64637b5664ace55ec65445d210ca196aa2f2391ce945e1faa1c2c81b73f716a05fdf3305e76c4d41fcd5069a3e71151c5c8958d49b9d35ad0a61311c8a1932fcacd0278b97a9a9ba7db89fe1032b8314fed7029457112574441b095f791000000000000002037257f6bae9b229b9d57809125a2b29d62ab678774bfcae4c761af1bce8711d3654c0cfc295ab1891d5ecdc816bbc2ae"}}, {"type": "short-answer", "hidden": true, "question": "Gitcoin Gov Forum Handle (gov.gitcoin.co)", "questionId": 2, "encryptedAnswer": {"ciphertext": "Aly4/XU/AXYnxkveJgLBEcuICK8zCtPzr6fxQqBNja8=", "encryptedSymmetricKey": "dc38dee5e6ff79e6684f5e372d9d1d5ca3437ae4115f2c84b0e3b2b25b7da954cce413e37cbaff7b125fe3ac1cda5613dd77eab263666ff117499bf7860b2955983fb8fd3cbc30988a1305bf90d0428773a41a540aa07fa9295113bc388b1d94e3404b5da77d4c60eb193164766df32813216a14989a2cfa46236738908e2ca400000000000000204d23ecaf5c68c7abe8a8dce7b02d530e9290d4ce4f04ed42fe3bec1aca21fc60d121a72f7c610e1466470e623e4e50ab"}}, {"type": "short-answer", "hidden": true, "question": "Arbitrum Gov Forum Handle (forum.arbitrum.foundation) - Arb has provided some funding for the round and we want our community to get more involved in governance. ", "questionId": 3, "encryptedAnswer": {"ciphertext": "jZppZj4qFcBXQ2fT+E3GdOOAzzPlhPMReF/LHP8acUQ=", "encryptedSymmetricKey": "9f5811b7369bf99376250e688abcdcfedb886d9fd76e91195b486d15497d8a8c58da6956b8c7705cf0213cae02364f0997a6ded07481ffd8e327cdc9233a03ab74d5649d109cda6b3b4411a3e28ac9ef12e12e94fee9d9a19c249ae227c89784d17dbb07588a719c652e7f6596d54720a23fce96564a945e41b0df3e0cb6751a000000000000002062c4206092dc683a4190f5b06c9559f72e35e0d27456d2bae03db34bf4716802d00361d43397506a289ce91f244571a1"}}, {"type": "short-answer", "answer": "n/a", "hidden": false, "question": "Link to your Public Group Chat (Discord or Telegram )", "questionId": 4}, {"type": "number", "answer": "127000", "hidden": false, "question": "Total prior funding for the project in USD", "questionId": 5}, {"type": "paragraph", "answer": "Grants and donations ", "hidden": false, "question": "Please expand on how much funding you\u2019ve received from each funding source and when? (VC, grants by foundation, token sales, etc)", "questionId": 6}, {"type": "number", "answer": "18", "hidden": false, "question": "How old (in Months) is the project?", "questionId": 7}, {"type": "address", "answer": "0x99573d9494cA4bffe5984FfdDB3aD3F92E091920", "hidden": true, "question": "If you participated in past grant rounds using a different project payout wallet address, please share it here:", "questionId": 8}, {"type": "number", "answer": "2", "hidden": false, "question": "Total team size", "questionId": 9}, {"type": "paragraph", "answer": "https://twitter.com/jhruth\nhttps://twitter.com/ColeenChase", "hidden": true, "question": "Profiles or socials of other main team members publicly associated with the project: ", "questionId": 10}, {"type": "paragraph", "answer": "The Solar Foundation's mission is to increase access to off-grid solar energy in underserved areas of emerging markets. Through solar power and blockchain, we provide affordable, clean electricity, reducing carbon emissions and enhancing climate resilience. We believe decentralized clean energy is a public good, benefiting communities with empowerment, self-sufficiency, and climate resilience. We have several successful projects in Uganda, Nigeria, and Puerto Rico that demonstrate our impact. We are focused on contribute to achieving universal clean energy access by 2030 (SDG #7). ", "hidden": false, "question": "Please explain how your project meets the Climate Solutions Round eligibility criteria. ", "questionId": 11}, {"type": "paragraph", "answer": "GoodDollar treasury suffered a major setback due to a hack/stolen funds. This has delayed our deployment from the previous GG19 grant.\n- Visited project sites in Uganda and Kenya.\n- Distributed 110 solar lanterns to Ayowecca.\n- Complete the microgrid project with OMAWA, benefitting that community.\n- Partnered with Helpers Foundation for solar energy, water pump and security lights. ", "hidden": false, "question": "If you've received funding in past grant rounds, please share any new updates or milestones from the prior months. You can also include the challenges you've faced. ", "questionId": 12}, {"type": "checkbox", "answer": ["Yes"], "hidden": false, "question": "Have you used Hypercert, Deresy, Karma GAP or other impact tool for your project? ", "questionId": 13}, {"type": "paragraph", "answer": "https://hypercerts.org/app/view#claimId=0x822f17a9a5eecfd66dbaff7946a8071c265d1d07-18646452860166664982402538363438602683154432\nhttps://gap.karmahq.xyz/project/the-solar-foundation", "hidden": false, "question": "Please share links to any tools you are using to track impact (Hypercerts, Deresy, Karma GAP).", "questionId": 14}, {"type": "paragraph", "answer": "* Number of kerosene lanterns and diesel generators replaced by solar power\n* Number of students (under 18) served by the solar-powered school (parents want to send their children to a school with reliable power for computers and lights)\n* Number of adults served by the solar-powered community center (public charging station, digital skills training center, etc.)\n* Number of people utilizing the solar-powered water pump\n* Increased economic & educational opportunities such as light for longer work & study, other businesses/orgs that will pay the community to use the solar power, etc. ", "hidden": false, "question": "How do you measure the impact of your project? Please provide examples and/or standard metrics. This might be used in future impact reports ", "questionId": 15}, {"type": "paragraph", "hidden": false, "question": "Anything else you'd like to share about your project, previous work, or other project affiliations? Anything you'd like to add that may help in determining project eligibility?", "questionId": 16}, {"type": "checkbox", "answer": ["Yes"], "hidden": true, "question": "Would you like to opt-in to future messages from the Climate Coordination Network (CCN) for updates, information, and/or interviews? ", "questionId": 17}, {"type": "checkbox", "answer": ["Yes"], "hidden": true, "question": "Would you like to opt-in to us sharing your information with select third-parties for investment opportunities? ", "questionId": 18}, {"type": "multiple-choice", "answer": "Renewable Energy", "hidden": false, "question": "Which of these categories best represents your project? Choose from: ", "questionId": 19}, {"type": "checkbox", "answer": ["North America"], "hidden": false, "question": "Location/Region where the project is located: Choose from: ", "questionId": 20}, {"type": "multiple-choice", "answer": "Africa", "hidden": false, "question": "Primary Location/Region where the project is making an impact: Choose from: ", "questionId": 21}, {"type": "short-answer", "answer": "Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania", "hidden": false, "question": "What specific Country or Countries are you making an impact in?", "questionId": 22}, {"type": "checkbox", "answer": ["Yes"], "hidden": true, "question": "Have you read and confirmed your grant abides by the Program General Eligibility Policy? https://gitcoin.notion.site/GG18-Eligibility-cb4a5754c56043d4b3ed34eddbac261c?pvs=4", "questionId": 23}, {"type": "checkbox", "answer": ["Yes"], "hidden": false, "question": "Would you like to be included in an additional 125k sub-round funded by Shell? All grantees must agree to a KYC process to be eligible to receive these funds. ", "questionId": 24}, {"type": "checkbox", "answer": ["No"], "hidden": false, "question": "Would you like to be included in an additional 50k sub-round funded by Celo? In order to qualify you must meet one of these eligibility criteria: Have an active deployment on the Celo blockchain or Have a clear public intention, commitment, or roadmap towards supporting Celo.  ", "questionId": 25}], "project": {"id": "0x915afe8f908b671dccd3b681318303e32a352973e9c29ea8df22ed980eb9e5c0", "title": "The Solar Foundation \u2600\ufe0f Decentralized solar energy for underserved communities \u2600\ufe0f", "logoImg": "bafkreifn5qtcv2qj4epn3aqy3errusoabm36zgsnds5yw3dmseud5gqrzm", "metaPtr": {"pointer": "bafkreidfckyrpwworx6fyl7or64dn6rjmn6qswft5b7pw35nyqz25357cq", "protocol": "undefined"}, "website": "https://solarfoundation.xyz", "bannerImg": "bafkreih2odcpcozroikmd5yr6u3hzxlgmmqltzhac7g7cwd6qkjkjiseee", "createdAt": 1692099904817, "credentials": {}, "description": "## TL;DR\nEnergy access is still a major problem in Africa. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), an estimated 600 million people lack access to electricity, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, a place that is perfect for low-cost, high-impact, off-grid solar \u2600\ufe0f\n\n\nThe Solar Foundation\u2019s mission is to leverage new technologies like the blockchain to fund and accelerate off-grid solar solutions for underserved communities in emerging economies. We believe decentralized solar energy is a public good. Through working on solar projects with our local partners in Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, we\u2019ve witnessed how small solar solutions in rural, low-income communities unlock profound, real-life, tangible benefits. \nFor GG20, The Solar Foundation is evolving to focus on more full-stack solutions such as solar-powered community centers. We\u2019ve learned through first-hand experience that combining more than one impact\u2014for example, when we combine solar power with public charging hubs, computer labs, solar-water pumps  and/or skill training centers\u2014we can impact more people and the sum of the impact is so much greater than the parts. \n## Update\n\n[![Ayowecca-Jon-Solar-Lamp-Shakinghands](https://i.postimg.cc/YCXfs2RV/Ayowecca-Jon-Solar-Lamp-Shakinghands.jpg)](https://postimg.cc/DSXXWTtd)\nFor GG19, our grant proposal focused on raising funds for an innovative Solar + UBI pilot project for women in collaboration with [GoodDollar](https://www.gooddollar.org/), and with [Ayowecca](https://ayoweccauganda.org/) as our local partner. The project suffered a major challenge when GoodDollar\u2019s treasury was drained in January 2024. Nevertheless, we moved forward in the following ways:\n1. One of our co-founders, Jon Ruth, visited Ayowecca Uganda to meet with the project participants and learn about their needs and how solar can benefit their lives, their families & their community.\n2. Jon distributed SunKing Pro 200 Solar Lanterns to 110 women in the Ayowecca Uganda community to replace the polluting and harmful kerosene lanterns that served as their only source of light. The lanterns provide light for up to three days with a durable, long-lasting battery and are 20X brighter than a kerosene lamp. They can also be used for charging phones in addition to providing light for working, studying, cooking and conducting business at night. For example, women can use the portable light at the market to sell their goods after the sun has set as shown in the picture below.\n\n[![Ayoweccalanternstrading](https://i.postimg.cc/DzPFTDWt/Ayoweccalanternstrading.jpg)](https://postimg.cc/Lq5Gkx3T)\nIn addition to the above project, we also completed a solar microgrid project with OMAWA in Tanzania to power the Iring\u2019ong\u2019weni Primary School in Mataleto. With this project, we tested our **new Solar Foundation Impact Survey** and learned more about the benefits provided not only to the students, teachers and staff, but to the entire community\u2014it\u2019s estimated that 1,000 people are served by the solar power installed. \nA quote from Joseph Maro, executive director of OMAWA, nicely sums up this project: \u201cWe know that lack of energy inhibited the effective learning and education of the children and resulted in a sub-optimal learning environment. We would like to thank The Solar Foundation for helping us fulfill our mission of enabling the education of vulnerable children and creating livelihoods thereby sustainably reducing poverty in the rural districts in Tanzania.\u201d\nSpecific benefits of the OMAWA microgrid that were highlighted in the impact survey include:\n- Lights for classrooms, staff houses and outside security.\n- Power for televisions and radios.\n- Community charging hub for charging phones and radios for the community.\n- Substantial emissions reduction benefits from the elimination of the use of kerosene, candles and diesel generators.\n- Increased health as it is well known that kerosene lights/burners have adverse effects such as harming children\u2019s lungs and eyes as they try to study.\n- The local community no longer has to walk 60-80 km to charge their phones and radios and now they can get news about what is happening in Tanzania and abroad.\n- Solar power enabled new sources of income, as two shops and a local church asked to share the solar energy in exchange for a small amount of money. The school is also renovating a room to host a solar-powered barber shop.\n[![Omawa-Solar-Banner-Close.jpg](https://i.postimg.cc/xCk2zdpS/Omawa-Solar-Banner-Close.jpg)](https://postimg.cc/S2p30mpZ)\nSince GG19, we have also continued to partner with Helpers Social Development Foundation to pilot the idea of a solar-powered community center. The center is now equipped with solar and we also funded a solar water pump, water storage tanks and solar security lights so that the water can be utilized by the community of approximately 400 people. This center houses a primary school and will soon offer digital skills training to enable youth and women to earn income by participating in the digital economy.\n\n[![Helpers-Solar-Comm-Cntr](https://i.postimg.cc/fbpP1fC6/Helpers-Solar-Comm-Cntr.jpg)](https://postimg.cc/Ny8bHTW4) \nAre you looking for a way to take joyful, meaningful and sustainable climate action that impacts real lives? Please support our #GG20 grant and join our efforts to accelerate solar in rural, low-income communities for improved health, safety, knowledge and income-generating activities, in addition to decreased GHG emissions from replacing the diesel generators and kerosene lamps currently used in these underserved areas.\n## Road Map\nThe Solar Foundation is evolving to focus on more full-stack solutions such as solar-powered community centers. Here is our roadmap for 2024:\n- Partner with Helpers Social Development Foundation to pilot the Community Center Model and sustainable funding ideas. Develop an open-source framework that can help other communities.\n- Utilize the Community Center framework to help additional communities fund and sustain their solar-powered community centers.\n- Pilot new sustainable funding models such as public charging hubs and solar-powered businesses. \n- Launch a new initiative, Sol Mama, to help women, families and communities access greater benefits/utility from solar power through Productive Use of Energy appliances (PUEs) like solar-powered fans, refrigerators, electric pressure cookers, etc.\n- Explore and test solutions for how Community Centers might provide affordable and reliable access to the internet.\n- Partner with Switch, a fellow Gitcoin Grantee based in Nigeria, who is developing hardware and software solutions for monitoring solar energy in a transparent and decentralized way. We will be piloting this technology with two of our sites in Nigeria in Q2 2024. We plan to incorporate this on-chain stream of data into our impact certificate pilot as a proof of the solar project impact.\n## Team Members\nJon Ruth has over 15 years of experience developing, managing, and constructing over 400MW of C&I and utility-scale solar projects. He has also been on the nonprofit United Solar Initiative board for six years. Since 2016, Jon has been involved in cryptocurrency, working with Gitcoin, CCN, Spark and many other projects. For 20+ years, Jon has studied climate change and has a passion for building sustainable solutions to one of the most significant challenges humanity faces.\nColeen Chase is a member of the Climate Coordination Network (formerly the Gitcoin Climate Advisory Team) and former contributor to Gitcoin where she helped manage operations and outreach for the Gitcoin Grants Program. Her background includes marketing and operations at Microsoft and Apple. She is passionate about finding and creating models to utilize blockchain technology and web3 for meaningful, sustainable, real-life climate action.\n\n", "lastUpdated": 0, "projectTwitter": "Solar_FND"}, "recipient": "0xB936d993379e5f52b6b8fdcDFA380508F037A420"}}