Recently, GRID installed 20 off-grid solar-powered refrigerators for families in the Kumeyaay communities of Juntas de Neji and San Antonio Necua with support from Sempra Foundation. Refrigeration allows families to keep food, beverages, and medicine cold without having to drive 20-40 minutes to a nearby town to buy ice. The solar systems immediately save families time, money and improve health.
“I believe climate change represents both one of the greatest threats to our way of life, but also one of the greatest opportunities for economic development and job creation, and I do believe tribes can and should lead the way to a clean energy transition.” Waleah Johns, Director of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs
GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Program had the opportunity to partner with the Ojo Encino Chapter of the Navajo Nation to install around 100 kW-DC of solar energy on homes and Chapter buildings.
Jaiden Comes At Night is a member of the Blackfeet nation in Montana. In spring 2021, he participated in a paid workforce training sponsored by a SETO grant in partnership with Blue Lake Rancheria, and GRID's Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund in partnership with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. Now he's working full-time as a solar installer. When he's not on site, he lives with his parents back home in Montana.
For the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe in Death Valley—the installation of five no cost solar photovoltaic systems, on five homes, has made a measurable difference in the daily lives of the residents.
In the spring of 2021, GRID Alternatives completed three solar installations totaling 14.4 kW-DC with the support of All Points North Foundation and working with the Ojo Encino Chapter of the Navajo Nation.These installations benefited two families and the preschool in Ojo Encino, New Mexico and are estimated to save the families and Ojo Encino Chapter more than $55,000 in energy cost savings over the PV systems’ lifetime.
