Salesians expand photovoltaic energy production system at Ricaldone Technical Institute

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries at the Ricaldone Technical Institute, located in San Salvador, El Salvador, have expanded the photovoltaic energy production system with grid supply. The project was carried out with the support of the Ministry of Cooperation of Germany BMZ, the Salesian Divine Savior Province of Central America and Don Bosco Mondo.

This system consists of over 400 panels installed in the central building, which holds classrooms, to convert sunlight into electricity. The system will also have a 7-kilowatt peak solar system that will function as a practical training module for future technicians.

A Salesian explained, “This training will be provided at the Ricaldone Vocational Training Center and will include professional technical courses in renewable energy and energy efficiency. The training is expected to start in the 2026 school year.”

The new solar panels are also saving the school money. The Salesian noted, “With this renewable energy system, the Ricaldone Technical Institute reduces its environmental impact by 275 tons of CO2, and plans to reduce electricity costs by 45%. These funds will be allocated for the technical training of low-income students in the scholarship program.”

Initiatives like this have taken prominence in Salesian schools and centers since Pope Francis’ 2020 Laudato Si’, which had as its theme “Good Christians and Upright Citizens.” Pope Francis underlined the importance of education and training to help youth foster environmental responsibility.

Close to 22% of El Salvador’s population lives in poverty, according to the World Bank. Youth in El Salvador are confronted not only with poverty but with instability, high levels of violence and inadequate access to educational opportunities. Despite ranking high for economic indicators, the need for practical education in El Salvador is more important than ever with 12% of youth ages 15-24 unemployed and 41% underemployed.

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – The Ricaldone Technical Institute in San Salvador expands the photovoltaic plant to renewable energies

Salesian Missions – El Salvador

World Bank – El Salvador