César Augusto Rojas

Colombian engineer bringing solar power to remote Andean communities

César Augusto Rojas developed the Solar Energy for All initiative that has installed over 2,500 solar energy systems in Colombia's rural regions since 2020. His modular solar kits, costing just $300, provide basic electricity to 15,000+ families living off the grid. Partnering with Greenpeace, he created the 'Solar School' program installing renewable energy labs in 87 rural schools. Rojas' 2022 documentary Lighting the Andes won an environmental film award at COP27. His team's peer-reviewed study showed solar adoption reduced kerosene use by 90% in试点 communities. Recently appointed to the UN's Sustainable Energy Council, his work inspired similar projects in Peru and Ecuador. Key innovations include solar-powered cold storage for farmers and emergency lighting systems during Colombia's recent political unrest.