Tribal Energy Alternatives and Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Celebrate Solar Installation Led by All-Native Women team
WINNEBAGO, NEBRASKA October 27, 2026 — Tribal Energy Alternatives (TEA) and the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska will celebrate the completion of a new solar energy installation serving the Winnebago Fire and EMS facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 12 PM. The event will recognize the tribal contributions to clean energy, long-term cost savings, and workforce development, with a special focus on the We Build Native Women installation team whose work represents an important step forward for Indigenous women in the renewable energy industry.
TEA partnered with Google to deliver the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Fire and EMS facility solar project to support long-term energy cost savings and advancing Tribal energy goals. This support demonstrates the impact that partnerships between Tribal Nations, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector funders can have in expanding access to renewable energy, strengthening Tribal communities, and creating a more sustainable future for generations to come.
“Access to reliable clean energy is essential to building strong and sustainable communities,” said Chris Matos, Energy Market Development Lead, Google. “Google is proud to support Tribal Energy Alternatives and the Winnebago Tribe in making this solar installation a reality, delivering long-term utility savings to local emergency services while expanding vital clean energy workforce training and career pathways for the We Build Native all-women installation team.”
The solar installation represents more than an investment in renewable energy. It reflects the value of Tribal partnerships, community-driven solutions, and creating opportunities for Tribal Nations to build careers in a growing industry. At the center of this project is the We Build program, part of the National Women in Solar program at GRID Alternatives and TEA which is led by two female Co-Executive Directors, Tanksi Clairmont (Lakota/Dakota) and Talia Martin (Shoshone-Bannock). This We Build project focuses on hands-on work, incorporating the skills, dedication, and leadership Native women bring to solar construction.
“Projects like this are about more than installing solar panels. They are about creating opportunities, building skills, and showing what is possible when Tribal communities invest in their own people,” said Marie Kills Warrior (Oglala Lakota) – Technical Trainer, Tribal Energy Alternatives. “The We Build all-Native women team is an important part of that story. Our women are putting their skills to work, helping advance clean energy in Indian Country, and inspiring other Native women to see themselves in this industry, as skilled professionals, leaders, and the next generation of renewable energy experts.”
A lasting investment in the Winnebago community
The new solar system at the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Fire and EMS facility is designed to provide long-term energy and environmental benefits. The installation includes 54 solar panels with a total capacity of 32.13 kilowatts DC, supported by two SMA Sunny Tripower X 13-US inverters.
Project impact estimates include:
- 32.13 kW DC of installed solar capacity
- 54 solar panels installed
- 45 MWh of estimated annual energy production
- $4,900 in estimated annual savings
- $167,800 in projected savings over the system’s 25-year lifespan
- 745,800 kilograms of carbon dioxide offset over the system’s lifetime
These projected savings can help reduce the facility’s long-term energy costs while supporting the Tribe’s investment in essential community services. The installation also demonstrates how renewable energy can support Tribal priorities while contributing to a cleaner energy future.
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 12 PM
Location: Winnebago Fire/EMS building – 215 Hwy 77 Winnebago NE 68071
Media Contacts
Tribal Energy Alternatives
John Teller
Communications Manager
jteller@tribalalternatives.org 510-731-1186
Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
Garan Coons
Communications Officer
garan.coons@winnebagotribe.com | 402-922-2721
About Tribal Energy Alternatives
Tribal Energy Alternatives is the first Tribal-led affiliate of GRID Alternatives. We partner with Tribal Nations to build energy sovereignty through grantmaking, workforce training, construction, and policy work. Rooted in Indigenous values and led by Native professionals, we are creating opportunities for communities to lead the clean energy revolution on their terms.
About Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, as a sovereign Nation, is committed, pursuant to its Constitution, to maintain, improving, and protecting the Tribe; To preserving its resources and cultural heritage; To creating opportunities for its members to thrive and become economically and socially self-sufficient as individuals, families and as a tribal government; and, thereby, promote the harmony of traditional values, beliefs which will ensure a positive court of action for future generations.