After completing the micro-hydroelectric project at the finca, XelaTeco went through a good deal of strategic planning regarding their future and the choices they want to make as a company. Here is a synopsis of the 4 days of meetings that occurred in early January 2007.

XelaTeco Mission

XelaTeco’s mission is to provide clean and green technologies to rural communities, individuals, and institutions that not only serve their basic needs but also help reduce the human impact on the environment. They strive to create products that are affordable, easily repairable and environmentally sound. They wish to have a significant impact of sustainable development within their community.

Products and Services

XelaTeco will continue to offer a range of products and services, from complex systems such as micro-hydroelectric installations to simpler products such as hydraulic ram pumps. A major goal for 2007 is to continue improving XelaTeco products to make them cheaper and better for the rural poor. Improvements of appearance, performance and documentation are slated for this year.

Products most ready for large roll-out:

Biodigesters
Water pumps
Water filters

Products still in development stages

Solar water heaters

Community Relations

Because of the history of Guatemala, some communities are initially cautious when they learn that XelaTeco is a private business rather than a non-profit. They feel that XT must have some ulterior motive for wanting to help them. This underscores the importance of community outreach as part of XelaTeco’s business model. Building trust within communities is essential to the overall success of the business.

Possibilities for the future

XelaTeco is currently exploring the possibility of offering classes in how to make some of their technologies. They are also looking into the distribution of other companies’ products (such as cheap photovoltaic panels ).