In August of 1998, we installed the first PV system in Malvas - it included photovoltaic panels (solar cells), a charge controller, several deep cycle batteries, a radio to communicate with the hospital down the mountain in Huarmey, an examination light, an overhead light, several portable lanterns, and a vaccine refrigerator.

The antenna needed to be raised about thirty feet - to get the best line of sight, and to give the clearest signal. The whole community went out and found the tallest, straightest tree they could find, and worked well into the evening to erect the first ever antenna in Malvas. Their work paid off - before nightfall, the nurse at the clinic was communicating with the doctor at the hospital, arranging visits, consulting about cases, and going over pharmacy inventories.

After that, everyone danced.

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