Like so many others that have been stunned by the effects of the recent earthquake, aftershocks, and tsunami that have hammered Japan, many in the solar industry have felt a need to contribute to the relief efforts.
Japanese refugees rest inside a school gymnasium where hundreds took shelter in Sendai, northeastern Japan, on Monday, March 14, 2011 following Friday’s massive earthquake and the ensuing tsunami. (Associated Press Photo/David Guttenfelder)
DynGlobal said that it will support “the victims of the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan by providing solar powered generators.” The self-contained mobile solar generators will be able to operate 24 hours-a-day.
DynGlobal said its waterproof 12-volt solar generators will be able to power most life-sustaining electrical equipment, including the company’s water purification systems, small medical devices, and mini-refrigerators, as well as rechargeable telephones, radios, cameras, televisions, and computers. The company will work closely with the U.S. military, non-profits, and foreign agencies.
On the financing side, MAGE SOLAR has just established a disaster relief fund that has raised $35,000 so far. Sylvia Minton, senior vice president of corporate affairs, is managing fund raising and relief efforts.
Ms. Minton said as part of the MAGE’s efforts, it been contacting its friends and business partners - some of which are located in affected areas - to find out where the company “can best be of help.”
Mitsubishi Electric Corp. is donating ¥500 million ($6.1 million) to aid victims affected by the disasters. The company is also establishing a gift matching program, where it will match contributions made by its employees worldwide.
Similarly, the Kyocera Group is donating ¥100 million ($1.2 million) for relief and reconstruction efforts. The group and its parent company are also setting up a fundraising collection from their employees to gather additional aid.
“In many areas in Japan there is no running water, no power, and four-to-five-hour waits for gasoline. People are suppressing hunger with instant noodles and rice balls, while dealing with the losses of loved ones and homes,” according to the Associated Press.
The Japanese government has confirmed about 3,000 people dead, with authorities predicting the number to reach over 10,000.
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