NewsThe Tohono O'odham Nation is bolstering its sustainability efforts through a solar project that's cleaner and more efficient
May 26, 2023
The San Xavier District of the Tohono O’odham Nation in Arizona has installed a grid-tied carport solar installation to reduce energy costs and carbon footprint.
Photo by Unsplash
- The project has cost $870,000 and is co-funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy.
- The system generates 440,000 kWh per year, enough to power 41 average homes for one year, and is estimated to save the Tribe $2,570,000 over 25 years.
- It serves two buildings: district administration building and education center; using Trina Solar frameless bifacial 360 W modules and Canadian Solar inverters.
- Two more solar installations were installed in 2013 (60 kW) and 2019 (100 kW) with success; motivating the recent project.
- U.S. Department of Energy announced $34 million funding to enhance tribal energy sovereignty for 18 American Indian & Alaska Native communities.
