Utah Charity Sending Solar Power to Japan

BLUFFDALE -- As many as 4 million homes in Japan still have no power after the earthquake and tsunami, but a Utah charity aims to turn the lights back on for 1,000 families. The infrastructure for electricity is still shattered in the areas hardest hit by the earthquake and the tsunami. But the sun still shines, so TIFIE Humanitarian will send portable solar units that can provide immediate power.

TIFIE stands for Teaching Individuals and Families Independence through Enterprise. The organization is partnered on this project with Goal Zero, which makes a line of portable solar power kits. The electricity they produce will make a big difference for Japanese families still struggling without electricity. 

"(The kits) consist of three components. We call it the collect, store, use," said Joe Atkin, president of Goal Zero. The solar panel collects power and connects to the battery pack that stores power. The kits they will send to Japan cost about $180. "Once the power is in here," Atkin said, pointing to the battery pack about the size of a flower vase, "they can use it for any devices like cell phones, laptops, lighting systems." 

TIFIE is taking contributions to increase the number of kits they'll send. CLICK HERE to donate.
Email: jboal@ksl.com

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

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