Energizing Indigenous Communities from Within

At Tribal Energy Alternatives (TEA), we believe all communities have a right to accessible and affordable renewable energy. Since 2010, our Construction Program has worked side-by-side with Federally Recognized Tribes across the U.S. to handle everything from developing, funding, to installaing projects. By keeping our approach community-centered, we ensure every project reduces local energy costs, offers practical hands-on training, and opens up new energy career paths for tribal members.

TEA has worked with over 30 Tribal Nations across 20 states

TEA works with tribes to install solar electric systems for tribal members and community facilities. These projects can range from single rooftop solar installations to large-scale commercial projects that meet the energy needs of the whole community. In addition to providing a source of clean, local, renewable energy, these projects typically reduce energy bills for households by 75-90%, savings that can be re-invested in their local tribal economy.

Projects Installed

336

Total Megawatts Installed

3.6 MW

Expected Annual Savings

$500k+

Lifetime Savings

$11M+

Tribal Trainees

463

Tribal Families Served

832

What We Do

Projects bring Tribes closer to Energy Sovereignty.

Tribes have a long history of energy exploitation, particularly with extractive industries. Locally sited and controlled renewable energy offers Tribes the opportunity to take control of their energy resources, reinvest savings into the community, and reap the long-term environmental and economic benefits of their investment.

 

TEA is the largest residential solar installer in Indian Country

We combine training with project development and strategic technical support to help tribal partners achieve their energy 
sovereignty goals.

Partnerships result in local Renewable Energy Benefits

FULL INSTALLATION DETAILS

DETAILS

  • 342 kW-DC ballasted solar photovoltaic (PV) mounting system
  • 684 solar panels completing the entire roof

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

  • 5 Santa Ana Tribal Trainees
  • OSHA 10 + First Aid/CPR Certification Training
  • Paid on-the-roof installation experience

TOTAL SAVINGS

  • At least $90k in electrical bill savings /year
  • 595 MWh of electricity generated / year
  • 378 Tons of Carbon Dioxide avoided

OUR WORK IN THIS COMMUNITY

  • 2023: 5 residential solar installs through Santa Ana Environmental Dept.
  • 2024: Began Phase One installation on Tamaya Wellness Center (138 kW)
  • 2026: Started Phase Two Completing the entire roof – 684 panels

FULL INSTALLATION DETAILS

DETAILS

  • 153 kW total production
  • 405 total solar panels (395W Canadian Solar)
  • 1 ground mount and 10 residential homes
  • 4 local trainees
  • OSHA 10 and First Aid/CPR certification training

TRAINEES

  • Cohen Homes – 88.8 kW system, 225 solar panels
  • 10 Residences – 64 kW total systems, 180 solar panels

OTHER INFO

  • Year 1 savings: $20,000
  • 25 Years of Savings: $687,000
  • Over 25 Years the Environmental Impact:
    • 5 Million lbs. of CO2 avoided
    • 340,000 gallons Gas saved
    • 50,000 trees planted

FULL INSTALLATION DETAILS

DETAILS

  • 13 homes installed
  • 284 modules installed

TRAINEES

  • 4 Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribal Trainees

OTHER INFO

  • 113.4 total kW DC
  • 184, 591 kWh – Yearly Production
  • $20,400 estimated cost savings per year