GRID Alternatives Bay Area North Coast is grateful to share that we have been working in partnership with the Yurok Tribe, developing the Weitchpec Tulley Creek Sustainable Facilities Project.
We are delighted to introduce you to Jose Velarde, a remarkable Mendocino College student who has been an invaluable asset to our North Coast team as a community engagement trainee.
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.