Rehabilitación de un sistema de energía solar en territorio indígena mediante empoderamiento comunitario

This study presents the rehabilitation of an off-grid photovoltaic system in an Indigenous educational center in Costa Rica, integrating technical recovery with a Community Power approach. The objective was to restore system functionality while strengthening local capacity for operation and management. The methodology combined system diagnosis, selective replacement of critical components (including batteries and charge controller), partial reconstruction of the internal electrical network, and a structured community training process. Results show that the system was successfully restored with a total investment of USD 12,200, achieving stable operation under real conditions over a three-month monitoring period. System performance was optimized through load management strategies, such as non-simultaneous use, allowing adaptation to reduced storage capacity (12 batteries instead of the original 16). Operational data confirmed stable voltage and demand patterns within defined limits. Additionally, community members actively participated in monitoring and operation, reducing reliance on external technical support. The main contribution of this study is empirical evidence that rehabilitating off-grid solar systems-combined with community-based management-constitutes a technically viable, cost-effective, and socially sustainable alternative to full system replacement in rural and Indigenous contexts. The findings highlight community empowerment as a critical factor for long-term system sustainability.