Photo: Indigenous-led solar project bringing light and jobs to remote communities
This Isn’t a Handout. It’s a Power Shift.
When the world watched the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe take a bold stand against the Dakota Access Pipeline, something powerful ignited. For many Indigenous communities, it was a wake-up call — a moment to reclaim sovereignty not just over land, but over energy.
Cody Two Bears, a Standing Rock Sioux leader, didn't stop at protest. He turned resistance into action, leading his tribe on a mission to harness the sun — and it’s working.
Why Tribal Solar Isn’t Just Smart — It’s Strategic
America’s clean energy future may very well depend on the people who’ve stewarded the land for millennia. Here’s why:
Solar Potential Is Off the Charts
Tribal lands are rich with solar energy — in fact, they receive more sunlight than almost any other region in the U.S. That makes them a natural powerhouse for renewables.
Slashing Energy Costs
In many tribal communities, sky-high energy bills are a harsh reality. Tribal-led solar projects have cut household energy costs by up to 45%, creating direct economic relief where it's needed most.
Creating Jobs & Skills for the Next Generation
The U.S. solar industry added over 15,000 new jobs in 2023 alone. With targeted workforce development programs, tribes are training local workers to lead and maintain these projects — keeping the benefits in the community.
Energy Sovereignty
For the first time, many tribal nations are generating their own electricity — and selling it. That means greater autonomy, new revenue streams, and less dependence on extractive industries that harm their land and health.
Real Progress — But a Major Hurdle Remains
In a groundbreaking move, 14 tribal nations were recently awarded funding through the Solar for All initiative, unlocking new possibilities for large-scale tribal solar infrastructure. But there’s a catch.
$20 Billion in Clean Energy Loans Are Frozen
Right now, billions in federal funding for community solar projects are stuck in limbo. These funds were designed to flow through Green Banks and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to ensure tribes and underserved areas get their fair share.
Without access to those resources, dozens of tribal projects could stall — and once again, communities on the frontlines risk being left behind.
The Future is Tribal, and It’s Bright
Indigenous nations aren’t waiting around for permission. They’re innovating, building, and leading — often with limited support. What they’re asking for isn’t charity. It’s a seat at the table, and access to the tools they need to thrive.
Tribal solar isn’t just about clean energy. It’s about justice, resilience, and rewriting America’s energy story — from the grassroots up.
