Light Up the World Uses Gurobi Optimization to Bring Clean Energy and Connectivity to Remote Communities
Gurobi Optimization, LLC — a global leader in decision intelligence and mathematical optimization technology — recently showcased the transformative work of Light Up the World (LUTW), a Canadian nonprofit organization that is redefining access to clean energy and technology in underserved regions. Through the integration of Gurobi’s advanced optimization solver, LUTW has been able to design and deploy solar power systems more efficiently, bringing sustainable electricity and Internet connectivity to isolated communities in Peru.
From Manual Design to Data-Driven Optimization
For years, LUTW engineers relied on spreadsheets and manual calculations to plan solar energy systems for rural areas. This approach, while practical, required one to two full days of work for each design and often led to suboptimal outcomes — either systems that were overbuilt and costly or undersized and inefficient.
Seeking a smarter, faster, and more scalable method, LUTW joined Gurobi Gives Back, a corporate initiative that provides free Gurobi software licenses to nonprofit organizations. By integrating the solver into their design process, LUTW revolutionized how they approach off-grid energy projects. What once took days now takes only minutes.
“With Gurobi, now that we have satellite Internet, I can input real usage data from the community and generate a fully optimized design that’s both technically sound and cost-effective,” said Aaron Cohen, Executive Director at Light Up the World. “It gives us confidence that the systems we install are the best possible fit.”
This shift to data-driven optimization has allowed LUTW to use real-world energy consumption data from households, schools, and small businesses to create solar configurations that precisely match each community’s needs. The results have been transformative — faster installations, better system reliability, and measurable cost savings that can be redirected toward local development.
Tangible Community Benefits
The benefits of optimization extend well beyond energy generation. With the time and money saved, LUTW has been able to reinvest in local education and digital access. One of the standout projects is a new computer lab in the village of Huarcaya, which now provides students with laptops, digital literacy classes, and Internet connectivity.
This initiative has opened doors to online education, global communication, and skill development that were previously unimaginable for many of these children. “The savings from better solar designs have gone straight back into the community,” Cohen explained. “It’s not just about light anymore — it’s about opportunity, education, and empowerment.”
In addition, LUTW’s newfound efficiency has allowed it to support other nonprofit partners and local governments. By offering rapid, accurate solar energy system designs, LUTW helps these organizations implement off-grid energy solutions without needing deep technical expertise. This multiplier effect is expanding clean energy access across Peru and other regions, amplifying the organization’s social impact.
Optimization as a Force for Good
Gurobi’s optimization technology is often used by global corporations for complex supply chain, logistics, and finance problems. Yet LUTW’s success story demonstrates how the same mathematical tools can address some of the world’s most urgent humanitarian and sustainability challenges.
By applying optimization models to solar system design, LUTW balances multiple variables — including energy demand, equipment costs, battery capacity, solar irradiance, and transportation logistics — to create the most efficient configuration possible. This precision ensures that every dollar donated or invested goes further, delivering maximum benefit to people and the planet.
“Light Up the World is a powerful example of how optimization can drive real social impact,” said Duke Perrucci, CEO of Gurobi Optimization. “By applying advanced modeling to complex energy and logistics challenges, LUTW is delivering more value to communities and enabling broader, positive change.”
Scaling Sustainable Access
The partnership between Gurobi and LUTW illustrates a scalable model for clean energy development. As more remote regions gain access to renewable power, digital connectivity, and education tools, the ripple effects grow — improving healthcare access, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and creating new economic opportunities.
For many of these communities, reliable electricity is not just a convenience; it’s the foundation for growth. Solar-powered schools can extend class hours, health clinics can refrigerate vaccines, and families can power small businesses. LUTW’s data-optimized approach ensures that every installation supports long-term sustainability rather than short-term fixes.
