Mónica Páez

Peruvian social entrepreneur bringing solar energy to remote Amazonian communities

Mónica Páez is a Peruvian innovator whose Soluciones Solares company has transformed access to electricity in the Amazon basin since 2020. Developing portable solar microgrids tailored for rainforest conditions, her systems now power 850+ homes in indigenous communities previously reliant on diesel generators. Páez's modular designs use bamboo frames and waterproof solar panels resistant to humidity and insect damage, reducing installation costs by 40% compared to standard solar solutions. Her 2022 partnership with Energy Partnership for the Americas expanded coverage to 15 additional communities, providing clean energy for healthcare centers and education facilities.

Pioneering a pay-as-you-go model through mobile money platforms, Páez ensures affordability for low-income families while creating local maintenance jobs. A 2023 study by LatinClima showed her projects reduce CO2 emissions by 2,300 tons annually while increasing children's study hours by 3 hours daily. Her viral social media campaign highlighting community stories earned $500k in crowdfunding for expansion. Páez's work was featured in National Geographic's 2024 documentary series Sunrise in the Jungle, showcasing how decentralized energy solutions can leapfrog traditional grid infrastructure. Recently appointed to the UN Climate Solutions Advisory Board, she advocates for indigenous-led climate innovation frameworks.