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Partner Description:


ERES Energía Renovable is a hybrid social enterprise that provides clean energy via solar-powered home systems in off-grid communities in Mexico. While Kiva partners directly with financial arm ERES, their operations are led by a sister company called Ilumexico, which is the name they use to market themselves and is how they are known in Mexico. This is why their logo says Ilumexico.

Kiva loans enable low-income households to purchase these systems, saving them 10 to 15% of their total monthly income by displacing costlier sources of energy like diesel, kerosene and candles.

By lending to three-member borrower groups, ERES Energía Renovable is able to reach far more borrowers who do not have the collateral or credit history to get a loan from a formal financial institution. The organization allows them to cross-guarantee each other to avoid delinquent payments and defaults.

ERES Energía Renovable complements its solar products with development programs and more. Its home systems range from 10W with 2 LED lights and USB cell phone charging to 60W for television, radio and other appliances. This larger system can also be used to power computer centers and satellite internet for schools, solar water pumping, refrigeration for rural clinics and public lighting.


The Prometheus home system with 10 W solar panel, 12 V battery, 2 LED bulbs and 4A charge controller. It comes with installation and a warranty.

While Mexico has a 97% elecrification rate, there are more than 3 million people -- 600,000 households -- living off the grid in communities too small to be connected. They are usually indigenous people living in rural areas who rely on polluting, hazardous and dim sources of energy. They are also ERES Energía Renovable´s high-priority prospective customers.

With a monthly income between US$100 and $350, most of these households are located in communities with fewer than 500 people. By switching to solar, they can save a huge amount of money on energy costs, which can then be used to make monthly payments on loans for solar systems. There are many other benefits, including improved health and lower fire risk. Solar lights also extend productivity hours, including time children can study for school.

The Mexican government does not have a strategy for rural electrification in communities with fewer than 100 inhabitants due to their geographical and economic conditions. ERES Energía Renovable has rallied support from state and municipal governments and has leveraged federal subsidies to make  solar home systems an efficient source of energy for these rural families.

Since its founding in 2009, ERES Energía Renovable´s has worked in 11 Mexican states, installed 1,700 home solar systems, and has lit 10 schools, 4 community centers and homes in over 100 communities.

ERES Energía Renovable joined Kiva through our Experimental Partnership Program, and has therefore received a lighter level of due diligence. Accordingly, loans associated with this partner carry a higher level of risk than typical Kiva loans.
Images courtesy of ERES Energía Renovable​.