Indigenized Energy technicians work to erect a ground-mounted residential solar project at Pine Ridge Reservation in October 2024. Around 30 trainees from the tribe participated, with six of those later hired by a contractor taking part in the project. Photo provided. Photo provided
A technician trainee with nonprofit Indigenized Energy inspects wiring for a ground-mounted residential solar project installed at the Pine Ridge Reservation, home of the Oglala Sioux tribe, in October 2024. Residents using the solar system will be able save around $1,200 per year in utility costs, according to estimates from the nonprofit. Photo provided.
Slower growth comes during time of increased energy demand, prices
When federal solar funding was withdrawn earlier this year, Cody Two Bears had to inform dozens of tribal members that their jobs were no longer available.
“At full capacity, we were going to hire up to 60 people within our organization alone to disperse this project within five years,” said Two Bears, founder of Indigenized Energy o…