Solar is an international industry, and I’m an example of how countries are mutually supporting the solar (r)evolution. Since I’m an electrical engineer from Colombia, I joined Inovateus Solar for one month through the YLAI Fellowship program. YLAI, which stands for the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative, was started by the Obama Administration. The program places entrepreneurs from various countries with companies or organizations similar to their field of work, so they can learn new skills and practices that will benefit their communities and businesses back home. The goal is to develop invaluable personal and business relationships across borders, enriching the cultural and business acumen of both hosts and fellows.
I was placed at Inovateus because I founded and run Dinamov Soluciones Renovables, a renewable energy group which does small-scale solar projects. Working with a larger company like Inovateus has exposed me to many aspects of the U.S. solar industry, such as Inovateus’ 7 MW Kokomo project nearing completion and the powerful software program used to design large projects known as PVsyst.
Besides the day-to-day experience at work, I met an incredible group of people, with amazing skills and values, who were always willing to share their time and give me a hand. As a passionate supporter of renewable energy, I admired the way Inovateus is working to build a brilliant tomorrow by spreading the message of conservation by implementing clean energy nationwide.
Inovateus and Dinamov have strengthened our Colombian-U.S. ties by forming a partner-in-supply agreement to distribute solar energy products and offer better prices in the central region of Colombia. Since Colombia does not have a tariff on imported renewable energy products, this should prove to be beneficial for both parties. In addition to the supply partnership, we are working on a proposal for a medium-scale solar energy project near the town of Sáchica. Both the supply deal and the project will help accelerate the implementation of renewable energies and benefit the environment in my country.
I’d like to thank the Inovateus team for participating in the YLAI program. They have truly made me feel like a part of the family. To everyone who let me carpool with them, helped me get acquainted with South Bend (haircuts, new shoes, and a couple nights out on the town), and tutored me on everything solar, thank you! Please know you are always welcome in Colombia. It’s an amazing place, with great food, music and weather. There is more sunlight in my country than a company as large as yours will know what to do with!
By Vladimir Ducon, guest blogger, recent YLAI Fellow at Inovateus and head of Dynamov Soluciones Renovables in Bogota, Colombia
