As part of its cultural commitment to living sustainably with the environment, The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California is boosting its clean-energy capacity with the construction of seven new solar arrays built by Reno, Nev., nonprofit Black Rock Solar. In addition to the 113 kW of power BRS built for them in 2011, BRS is currently building seven new Carson City, Nev., area arrays for the tribe.
The Washoe Tribe’s Cultural Monitor Otis Bryan watches over construction of a 35 kW solar array at the Stewart Family Wellness Center in May.
Through a $470,000 grant from the Department of Energy as well as NVEnergy rebates, the tribe will be using the sun to save more than $25,000 annually for their Head Start program, Senior Center, Wellness Center and more.
“The solar project will provide installation of seven photovoltaic arrays for Tribal buildings,” said Tribe Chairman Neil Mortimer. “This will provide a means to reduce the energy costs for the Tribe and reduce our carbon footprint. The Washoe Tribe is grateful for the continued partnership and great track record we’ve had with Black Rock Solar.”
The seven ground-mounted arrays will total 158 kW and will be equivalent to taking about 50 homes off the grid.
“As a nonprofit with a mission to help schools, tribes and other nonprofits save money through building clean energy, Black Rock Solar is delighted to be working with The Washoe Tribe again,” said Black Rock Solar Executive Director Paddy McCully. “We’re pleased to see The Tribe use clean energy technology to maintain its heritage of caring for the environment.”
The solar array sites include:
Stewart Family Wellness Center
Dresslerville Community Center
Dresslerville Senior Center
Dresslerville Healing Center
Dresslerville Head Start
Carson One Stop
Carson Gym
The Washoe Tribe’s new 35 kW solar array at the Stewart Family Wellness Center in May. Six more arrays are being built for the Tribe currently.
The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California is a federally recognized tribe of Washoe Indians, living in California and Nevada. They are several communities south and east of Lake Tahoe united under a tribal council. The tribe owns over 64,300 acres in different parcels. The tribe is headquartered in Gardnerville, Nev.
Black Rock Solar is a Reno-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization focused on speeding the adoption of clean energy through installation, education, and energy efficiency. By installing solar at low or no cost for schools, tribes, rural communities, and other non-profits, Black Rock Solar puts much needed funds directly into the hands of those who need it most.
