Atlanta-based furniture and electronics rental company, Aaron’s Inc., and one its franchisees are donating two solar-powered electric systems for doctors who are treating earthquake victims in Haiti.
The systems, valued at $100,000, will provide power for two medical centers and 34 medical tents. The lack of fuel for generators is a growing problem in Haiti and has particularly affected medical treatment, according to news reports.
“The doctors have to stop operating at night,” Kerry Kalarney, owner of Colorado-based Sundance Solar Designs, which is building the systems in Haiti, told GlobalAtlanta in a telephone interview.
In addition to light, the solar panels will also provide electricity for portable refrigerators where plasma and drugs are stored, said Mr. Kalarney. He drove 40 hours from Colorado to Palm Beach, Fla., where he will take a plane to Haiti.
Installation of the systems should take six to eight days, said Mr. Kalarney.
Spencer Smith, who owns 21 Aaron’s franchises, and his employees, donated half of the money for the solar systems, with the parent company donating $50,000.