San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, Bishop Paiute Win Grant for Solar Energy Project
San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, Bishop Paiute Win Grant for Solar Energy Project
By Samuel White Swan-Perkins
Last week, 24 different Native American nations were granted certificates as part of a program to promote solar energy in Indian Country. Here in California, the San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians and Bishop Paiute of Southern California received exciting news; they had each been awarded a grant from the US Government that will allow the for the free installation of solar panels on the roofs of their homes.
“The Energy Department is committed to maximizing the development and deployment of energy solutions for the benefit of American Indians and Alaska Natives,” said Christopher Deschene, Director of DOE’s Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs. “By providing tribal communities and Alaska Native villages with knowledge, skills, and resources, we hope to help tribal communities harness their local indigenous renewable energy resources, reduce their energy costs, create jobs, and help implement successful strategic energy solutions.”
The Bishop Paiute Tribe will install 20 kilowatts of solar on 34 private homes, saving the residents about $1.29 million over the life of the systems. The grant will also make it possible for the Nation to realize their goal of placing solar panels on every building on the rancheria, when possible. The San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians in Valley Center, Pauma Valley, and Santa Ysabel, California will certainly be pleased with the new project they are undertaking; 40 homes and two community buildings will be outfitted and these panels will offset over 170 kilowatts by the installation of around 40 panels.
GRID Alternatives, based in Emeryville, CA will be facilitating the installation of the solar panels. According to their website, “the vision (of the founders)…was simple: free, clean electricity from the sun should be available to everyone. Through GRID Alternatives, they developed a model to make solar PV technology practical and accessible for low-income communities that need the savings and jobs the most, yet have the least access. By taking a broader approach to solar as not just an environmental good but also a real-world solution to a real-world economic problem in these communities, GRID Alternatives is helping to set the stage for large-scale solar adoption nationwide.” GRID Alternatives currently has locations in California, Colorado, the Mid Atlantic and the New York-Tri State areas.
GRID Alternatives also have a highly successful Tribal Program for recognized tribes. According to their website, they offer:
- 10 regional offices across the U.S.
- Dedicated Tribal program staff
- A successful, replicable model
- Extensive experience working with CA tribes and developing flexible procedures for their unique structures
- Established partnerships with job training organizations, community groups, energy efficiency providers, and solar subcontractors to create a comprehensive low-income solar program.
- Established relationships with foundations, corporate philanthropists, and government agencies that provide funding for solar projects.
If you are a low-income homeowner on a rancheria or reservation and are interested in learning about the qualifications for the program, please contact sash@gridalternatives.org or call (866) 921-4696 for more information.
Samuel White Swan-Perkins is a freelance journalist and the owner of White Swan-Perkins Cultural Consulting. He is based in Butte County, CA. When he is not busy attending to the needs of a growing business, he can be found roaming the hills and backcountry around Chico, CA with his girlfriend, Iraya, and his two dogs, Gert and Buster.
