Jeff Tobe (pictured above) and Johnny Weiss were the head solar installers but the heads of the main organizations are Richard Fox of TWP and Henry Red Cloud of the Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center (pictured rear)
Fronius USA recently donated a Fronius Primo solar string inverter to complete a sustainable home in the Pine Ridge Reservation near Rapid City, South Dakota. The partnerships developed in the reservation have led to accessbile renewable energy living and learning opportunities to the Lakota Oglala tribes people.
In partnership with Trees, Water & People (TWP), Lakota Solar Enterprises founded and now operates the Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center (RCREC), where Native Americans from around the country come to receive hands-on training in renewable energy applications from fellow Native American trainers. RCREC’s facilities also include demonstration solar air furnaces, a solar electric system, straw bale home demonstration sites, a wind turbine, green houses and garden, buffalo from the Red Cloud herd, and wind break and shade trees. In addition to educating about the benefits of renewable energy, RCREC’s workshops provide opportunity for residents of pine ridge, and visiting tribal trainees to gain technical skills essential to advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in their communities.
As tribal leaders learn how to incorporate sustainable technology into housing plans, employment training, and energy strategies, the impact will increase exponentially.
The two key PV personnel present supporting the install were Jeff Tobe and Johnny Weiss, both dedicated volunteers of the group. In addition, Fronius staff member Jock Patterson reviewed the inverter installation for best practices and commissioning steps.
The home was built for a Lakota family on the reservation, and built from local compressed earth block to offer a sustainable solution to the South Dakota climate. The solar system is made up of 16 x 260 Watt Kyocera modules (donated by Namaste Solar) for a total 4.16kW.
The RCREC‘s facility and grounds have several small ground mount systems. The Open House celebration held in June featured drumming and singing by several tribal members and a blessing by the tribal shaman.
News item from Fronius