Native Renewables Inc.

In the Southwest, where sun is abundant,  solar energy is a viable solution to address energy disparities that exist on Navajo and Hopi lands. Approximately 15,000 homes do not have access to reliable electricity and Native Renewables Inc. (NRI) are changing that by providing off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to address the urgent energy needs for remote households though their Hozho Homes program.  

About NRI

• Native Renewables Inc. is a community-driven, indigenous-led 501c3 non-profit organization doing the work to bring viable solutions to address energy disparity issues.

• Established in 2015 and incorporated in 2020, NRI promote the use of off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to address the energy needs for families living in off-grid.

• NRI has a mission to grow solar power knowledge and introduce creative solutions to Hopi and Diné (Navajo) families and communities. 

About Hozho Homes Program

• The Hozho Homes program provides 2.5 kilowatt systems to off-grid homes that have never had electricity.

• The PV systems support refrigeration for food preservation, medicine storage, lighting, and power for much-needed technology (such as WiFi devices, phones, computers) that makes it possible for people to study, work from home, and run businesses from remote locations.

• The program utilizes a 1 system, 1 home model (not a micro-grid system)

• Cost: approximately $25,000 per system

Impact

• NRI have powered 137 homes with off-grid solar PV systems and battery storage, and have re-powered 12 homes with new batteries and upgrades for our triage program.

• NRI has provided over 600 hours of workforce training including OSHA safety and virtual/hands-on installation training.

• 40% of NRI staff come from our in-house workforce program and 45% live in the communities NRI supports.

• During the pandemic, NRI donated over 4000 solar lights and cellphone chargers for COVID-19 relief. 

• NRI continuously supports community partners working in the food-energy-water nexus.

2026 Goals

• To install 39 off-grid solar systems. To date, 12 have been completed. 

• To visit 124 homes to provide operations and maintenance (O&M) support.

• To increase community outreach and grow regional partnerships in the Southwest.

• To provide professional development learnings and strategies to encourage & support staff leadership.

Need

• 2026 organizational budget: $4.5 million

• Current need: $2 million to support staff, operations, and programs

Learn more about our important work:

• New York Times
• Patagonia