Solar Ice Company 1 Rural Milk Preservation with the ISAAC Solar Icemaker

Rural communities of developing nations need refrigeration to preserve perishable foods like fish or milk, for cold drinks, and for other needs. Because of the increasing cost and scarcity of traditional energy sources, and because a large percentage of the rural population does not have electrical service, they cannot depend upon electricity for refrigeration. It is preferable to utilize alternative energy sources if possible. This article describes the “ISAAC ” a solar powered ice maker and its application to milk preservation in two rural small-scale farmer villages in the coast of Kenya. Three solar icemakers were installed in each of two separate rural communities and two profitable dairy co-operatives were established. Over one hundred farmers have increased their income by selling more milk. The project was funded by the World Bank’s Development Marketplace program. The project partners are Solar Ice Company and Heifer Project International. The project generates rural income, rural jobs, alleviates poverty, and contributes to food and energy security. The project has enormous potential for replication. The ISAAC Solar Icemake