Executive Summary

Native Renewables Inc. (NRI) is addressing a systemic energy inequity that exists for tens of thousands of Hopi and Navajo tribal members living without access to reliable electricity. NRI was founded by two Navajo (Dine) women who wanted to implement solar energy solutions to solve energy access issues. The Hozho Homes program was created to provide homes with off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to help homes be self-reliant, energy independent, and resilient. The PV systems take advantage of the abundant solar resource to implement a clean energy alternative to fossil fuels. NRI installs solar units and battery storage that produce enough power for refrigeration, lighting, Wi-Fi devices, cell phone chargers, and computers. The systems are donated to the families which gives them the opportunity to own their power. When families receive electricity for the first time in their lives, they can also participate in classes remotely, operate businesses, store medicine, and have improved safety conditions.

NRI’s passion for our work is a result of our lived experience in Navajo and Hopi communities and in environments where living without electricity was a norm. We have tribal staff members that are from the communities we support. Growing local Indigenous expertise is critical to keep knowledge in communities. Our team provides valuable knowledge to families and workforce training to ensure the sustainability of the solar units and our program. We also invest in our 100% Indigenous staff’s career development so they can better support our communities.

Organizations may provide budget and employee data based on this proposal or the organization as a whole. For more information on this proposal or organization, please email us.