CLIENT: Ilumexico

DATES: Sep 2009 – Jul 2014

COMPANY
Iluméxico is a social enterprise founded in 2009 by a group of young engineers, dedicated to improving energy access across Mexico with sustainable and inclusive solutions. It aims to eradicate energy poverty by introducing clean solar technology systems and community development programs in marginalized areas,

CHALLENGE
In Mexico alone, over 400,000 families live without electricity, often resorting to harmful and inefficient energy sources like diesel, candles, or firewood. These not only pose environmental risks but also can have severe health implications.

APPROACH
As a co-founder of Iluméxico, my primary focus was on maximizing the social impact for people. This approach enabled me to raise over $2 million, facilitating the exploration of various business models. Through this, we were able to define the organization’s direction to benefit families lacking electricity in Mexico.

RESULTS

Iluméxico has crafted a holistic approach that includes designing and manufacturing solar energy systems tailored for rural Mexico, ensuring durability and efficiency. The organization not only installs these systems but also provides maintenance training and technical support to communities, ensuring long-term sustainability. To overcome financial barriers, Iluméxico offers a financing model allowing gradual payments. Furthermore, it emphasizes renewable energy education and sustainability through workshops, aiming to empower communities to fully benefit from solar energy solutions long-term.

LESSONS LEARNT

The sustainability challenge for businesses has always been present, especially for models relying on gradual payments and managing late or non-payments. Partnering with allies to mitigate these impacts and exploring prepaid systems are viable solutions.