Advancing Equity Through Solar Energy in Tribal Communities

Many Native American reservations have limited access to modern amenities like electricity—a lack of infrastructure limits energy systems in underserved, remote Indigenous communities.

Community Challenge

According to a 2023 Department of Energy report, more than 54,000 people in approximately 17,000 Tribal homes lack electricity. In the Navajo region, 30 percent of families are forced to live off-grid without power in their homes. Families must haul firewood and coal to heat their homes and cook meals. Electronic devices like cell phones must be charged in vehicles. The obstacles to broadening energy access include the prohibitive cost of extending electrical infrastructure to remote areas, regulatory hurdles, and technical expertise.

Homes with access to electricity are not much better off, with energy bills far exceeding those off reservations, exacerbating economic hardships. Further, the existing infrastructure is often unreliable, creating additional adversity.

The lack of reliable modern energy sources creates far-reaching consequences — obesity and diabetes are among the severe health issues afflicting Tribal members as a result of limited access to fresh food that requires refrigeration.

Solar Power Expands Energy Accessibility

In April 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency announced the $7 billion Solar for All program. The grants issued under this program will enable low-income and traditionally underserved communities to benefit from new and expanded solar energy.

Six of the 60 awards granted through this program are to Tribal applicants, including the Northern Plains Tribal Coalition, a collective of 14 Tribes. The coalition spans five states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin, and Wyoming) and received $135.6 million in funds for solar energy projects. The multi-million dollar award will assist these tribes in transitioning to renewable energy systems, expanding accessibility to energy, and lowering energy costs for households.

The coalition partnered with Indigenized Energy, a Native-led nonprofit. Indigenized Energy will oversee the funding and implementation of renewable energy throughout the region, amounting to solar energy systems in approximately 8,500 homes.

The effort will also aid in the jobs and skills development for hundreds of Tribal members, fostering a renewable energy workforce within these communities. These career opportunities will ensure that the benefits of these projects remain local.

Outcomes of Solar in Tribal Communities

The installation of solar panels has already yielded substantial benefits. Families now have access to reliable electricity, reducing energy costs and improving their quality of life.

In the Navajo Nation, solar installations have enabled families to refrigerate food and maintain comfortable living conditions without relying on wood and coal. This reduction in the use of fossil fuels also fulfills a primary goal of Solar for All, which is to lower the impact of greenhouse emissions.

The jobs created due to these projects have furthered economic independence and financial security for community members, with skills that will lead to careers in the renewable energy industry.

Solar has become a resource for multiple Tribal regions in the United States. The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe is investing $1 billion in building one of the largest solar farms in the country. The Sun Bear project will cover 4,400 acres of the Ute Mountain Ute reservation in the southwest U.S. The estimated 2.2 million solar panels will provide energy for as many as 214,000 homes. Sun Bear will also employ up to 50 full-time employees to maintain the farm once it is up and running.

Considerations for Your Community

The Northern Plains Tribal Coalition is a strong example of communities working together towards a common goal. Urban planners can advance equity through similar initiatives by engaging with communities and ensuring their input translates to action. Planners can assist communities by leveraging government programs, grants, and other funding sources such as donations and in-kind contributions. Collaborating with nonprofits with strong, established community relationships will further bolster engagement.

Solar power is not only a sustainable renewable energy source; it benefits families struggling financially and leads to better health outcomes. In rural areas with underserved populations, solar is a means to achieve equity in energy accessibility, affordability, and job creation.

Solar power offers a solution to solving logistical challenges faced by communities needing more funds and infrastructure. These systems can be more cost-effective than extending traditional grid infrastructure to remote areas. And it further reduces reliance on conventional fuels that impact communities and the environment.

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