Native Renewables

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 is a community-driven, indigenous-led 501c3 non-profit organization doing the work to bring viable solutions to address this issue

• 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 Indigenous-led solar power knowledge and solutions with Hopi and Diné (Navajo) families and communities. 

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

• 100% Indigenous led, with a staff of 20.

About Hozho Homes Program (HHP)

• HHP provides 2.5 kilowatt PV 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.

• 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.

• 40% of NRI staff come from our workforce program, and 45% live in the communities we support.

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

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

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

2026 Goals

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

• Visit 1100 homes to provide operations and maintenance (O&M) support.

• Increase community outreach and grow regional partnerships in the Southwest.

• 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

Media

• New York Times
• Patagonia