Tribal Energy Alternatives Awards $3.2 Million to Advance Tribal Solar Projects Across Indian Country 

Denver, CO — Tribal Energy Alternatives (TEA), a Tribal-led affiliate of GRID Alternatives, today announced the award of $3.2 million in Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund (TSAF) Facility–Residential grant funding to 14 Tribal nations, and tribal serving organizations, and community-serving entities. These investments will support the expansion of solar energy access, workforce development, and long-term energy resilience across Indian Country. 

Since the first TSAF grant award in 2019, the TSAF Facility–Residential grant program is designed to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy solutions in Tribal communities by supporting solar installations that serve both community facilities and residential homes. The program prioritizes projects that reduce energy costs, increase energy independence, and create pathways to clean energy careers. 

“Each of these awards represents more than solar infrastructure; it represents sovereignty, self-determination, and opportunity,” said Tanksi Clairmont, TEA Co-Executive Director. “Through TSAF, we are investing directly in Tribal-led solutions that strengthen communities and build a more equitable energy future.” 

The 2026 TSAF Facility–Residential grant recipients include: 

• Bishop Paiute Tribe (CA) 

• Blackfeet Community College (MT) 

• Cheyenne & Arapaho Housing Authority (OK) 

• Coeur d’Alene Tribe (ID) 

• Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (WA) 

• Hopi Utilities Corporation (AZ) 

• Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel (CA) 

• Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin (WI)  

• Ohe-Laku Among the Corn Stalks (WI) 

• Pueblo of Picuris (NM) 

• Santa Ana Pueblo / Tamaya Wellness Center (NM) 

• Tule River Indian Housing Authority (CA) 

• Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises (OR) 

• Wozu Inc. (ND) 

Funded projects will span a diverse range of applications, including solar installations on community centers, health and wellness facilities, Tribal housing developments, and critical infrastructure. In addition to expanding renewable energy capacity, many projects will incorporate hands-on workforce training, providing Tribal members with skills and certifications needed to participate in the growing clean energy economy. 

The TSAF program continues to play a vital role in advancing Tribal energy sovereignty by addressing systemic barriers to clean energy access and ensuring that Tribal communities are at the forefront of the renewable transition.