Renewable energy volunteer opportunities are plentiful, because there are various energy sources present on every continent. Many renewable energy volunteer programs are located in developing countries, where electricity, water, and arable farmland are in short supply. Your volunteer work will assist locals in taking advantage of what they have and turning it into what they need.

While renewable energy projects exist nearly everywhere, several countries have a particularly high density. In Central America, both Nicaragua and Costa Rica are popular locations for renewable energy volunteers, especially for those looking to learn about sustainable farming techniques. Many renewable energy volunteer programs offer Spanish lessons or homestay accommodations to participants, as a way for volunteers to intimately learn more about the local culture. During breaks, volunteers can spend time learning to surf, spotting monkeys in the rainforest, or learning to cook traditional gallo pinto.

Further south, Peru offers renewable energy volunteer opportunities for those wishing to visit South America. Renewable energy projects in this region are often located in mountainous regions, offering a closer look at rural life. Like its Central American counterparts, many of renewable energy projects in South America require that volunteers speak at least some Spanish, or offer language lessons in exchange for volunteer hours. As a reward for your hard work, don’t forget a trip to Machu Picchu before leaving the country!

In India, renewable energy volunteer work is located in rural areas more frequently, working on farming and irrigation projects alongside other volunteers and local villagers. Depending on where you’re placed, weekend trips could involve exploring the Himalayas, participating in a yoga retreat, or hunting down the best Indian chaat (fried dough snacks).

If spicy food and curries aren’t your thing, check out renewable energy volunteer opportunities in Tanzania. This east African country offers volunteers a variety of solar volunteer projects as well as the opportunity to visit world-renowned nature preserves.

Some volunteers may want to factor actual need into their destination decision-making. While renewable energy volunteer programs are available in many places, specific countries or regions will benefit more greatly from international support than others, such as those that are financially and technologically advanced. Therefore, you may want to consider volunteering in a developing country or a very rural area, rather than a country with lots of manpower and resources. For example, even a simple water filtration project can have a huge impact on a community without potable water, and knowing that you had a hand in improving lives can be immensely gratifying. While working on a major solar panel installation project in a big city located in a developed country may be gratifying in a very different way.