Ducha de Sol focuses on addressing two critical needs for many vulnerable communities in Argentina: access to hot water and home heating. In remote, low-income areas where families often lack basic services, Ana and Angel’s project provides an affordable, eco-friendly solution. They designed solar-powered water heaters and home air heating systems that use recycled plastic materials, reducing reliance on traditional fuels. By converting waste into a resource, Ducha de Sol not only meets a pressing social need but also contributes to environmental sustainability. And their design is so simple anybody can assemble it by following a set of instructions.
The project started with a personal mission. After Ana attended an environmental conference in France, she returned home inspired to implement what she had learned in her own community. With her father’s help, the two began developing a solar water heater that could be made from recyclable materials. This innovation proved to be a game-changer, and their project quickly gained momentum. Since then, Ducha de Sol has grown to include more than 100 volunteers, with professionals such as engineering and law students, architects, and social workers working together to expand the initiative’s reach. Ana and Angel’s leadership has been central to the organization’s success, fostering collaboration and mobilizing local resources to benefit the most underserved communities.
Ducha de Sol’s technology is simple yet impactful. The solar water heater and air heater systems are made using low-cost, repurposed materials such as plastic bottles, paint cans, and hoses. This design keeps production costs low while ensuring that the solutions are accessible to the families who need them most. Additionally, the systems significantly reduce household greenhouse gas emissions, cutting them by over 70%, which helps combat climate change. Under Ana and Angel’s guidance, the project has had a dual impact—improving the lives of individuals while also reducing environmental harm.
One of the hallmarks of Ana and Angel’s approach is their emphasis on community involvement. Rather than relying on external experts, they teach residents how to build and install solar technologies themselves. By offering open-source workshops, the duo ensures that the knowledge is accessible, enabling individuals to replicate the systems using locally available materials. This participatory approach fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment within the community. Local schools, universities, and colleges also support the initiative by contributing to the costs of the workshops, making it possible for Ducha de Sol to provide its services free of charge to residents.
Since its inception, Ducha de Sol has improved the living conditions of more than 20,000 people across Argentina. The organization’s reach, however, extends beyond national borders, as the project has been replicated in countries such as Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Bolivia, France, Spain, Madagascar, and India. Ana and Angel’s vision for Ducha de Sol has always been one of scalability, ensuring that communities worldwide can benefit from their innovative solutions to energy poverty.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges, but Ana and Angel swiftly adapted by moving their workshops online. This shift not only allowed them to continue their work but also helped reduce running costs. Their flexibility and problem-solving skills enabled Ducha de Sol to thrive despite global disruptions, further demonstrating the strength of their leadership.
Looking ahead, Ana and Angel are focused on developing La Casa Solar, a prototype for a fully solar-powered house that will integrate all of Ducha de Sol’s technologies into one system. This project is currently in the prototype phase and will serve as a demonstration for students, neighbors, and government officials. The municipality of Godoy Cruz in Mendoza has expressed interest in using Ducha de Sol’s solar heating systems for newly built low-income housing, showcasing the potential for large-scale implementation.
At the heart of Ducha de Sol’s mission is the belief that everyone deserves access to clean, renewable energy and a dignified life. For Ana and Angel, the project is about much more than just providing technology—it’s about creating lasting change through empowerment, sustainability, and community-driven solutions. Together, they have turned a small, family-led initiative into a global example of how socio-environmental projects can transform lives, showing that with the right combination of innovation and collaboration, even the most vulnerable communities can thrive.