Grupo Luminica: Driving Nicaragua’s Renewable Future with SunSmart Inverters

Here we showcase Grupo Luminica S.A., a Nicaraguan startup driving sustainable energy with PowMr SunSmart inverters. They deliver reliable, off-grid power solutions for homes and small businesses, advancing energy independence and supporting Nicaragua’s renewable future.

Meet Grupo Luminica: Pioneers of Renewable Energy in Nicaragua

Grupo Luminica S.A. is a Nicaraguan startup that began as an award-winning university project in 2016, recognized for its innovation in renewable energy.

In 2018, Andrés Rivera revived the initiative with a new team, shifting its focus toward energy services. By 2019, Luminica had gained momentum, participating in two major entrepreneurship programs in the country. Among 300 participants, Luminica ranked in the top 30, benefitting from coworking spaces, mentorship, workshops, and funding rounds that helped elevate their business.

Today, the company is a multidisciplinary team committed to the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, working to drive sustainable energy solutions across Nicaragua.

Reliable energy solution for remote location

For rural homeowners—especially those in off-grid locations—frequent power outages can disrupt daily life. Luminica’s latest project in Nicaragua tackles this challenge by delivering uninterrupted, stable electricity through a robust hybrid solar system.

The system integrates two POW-SunSmart 10KP inverters operating in parallel, achieving a combined 20kW output to meet the client’s demand (with room to expand up to six units if needed). On the roof, an 18kW solar array splits into four 4.5kW strings to comply with the inverters’ 5.5kW maximum PV input limit per MPPT tracker.

The system also includes a 20kWh lithium battery bank that stores enough solar energy during the day to power the home through nights and cloudy days. Whether it's lighting, appliances, or other electrical needs, this setup delivers reliable performance around the clock.

Energy saving solutions for small supermarket

In line with its mission to deliver sustainable energy solutions in Nicaragua, Grupo Luminica has successfully implemented two energy-saving projects for small supermarkets, showcasing the effectiveness of hybrid solar technology in reducing electricity costs and increasing energy independence.

The first project features two 10kW hybrid inverters (POW-SunSmart 10K). This system includes 20 solar panels rated at 575W each, totaling 11.5 kWp of solar generation capacity. The panels are arranged in two strings of 10 modules connected in series, with each string connected to an inverter separately.

To ensure power availability during outages or periods of peak demand, the system is supported by a 20 kWh lithium battery bank, composed of 100Ah 48V batteries, providing reliable storage and stable energy management.

The second project was designed to cover 50% of the total energy consumption of a mini supermarket, significantly lowering operational costs. Also built with a 10kW hybrid inverter (POW-SunSmart 10KP), this system uses 9 kWp of solar panel power, distributed across two strings. It is backed by a 15 kWh lithium battery bank, ensuring consistent energy support and enhanced self-consumption.