Native Renewables brings Navajo homes electricity powered by the sun

by Steve Crane
  • Slug: Audio-Native Renewables
  • Run time: 0:58
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By Thalia Lopez
Cronkite News

Script:

HOST INTRO: 

SOME INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES IN THE U.S. FACE INSUFFICIENT ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE ENERGY. THE NAVAJO NATION AND THE HOPI (hope-ee) TRIBE ARE RECEIVING HELP FROM A LOCAL PROGRAM OFFERING CHANGE AND A CHANCE FOR ELECTRICITY POWERED BY THE SUN. CRONKITE NEWS’ THALIA LOPEZ EXPLAINS.

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TL: NATIVE RENEWABLES IS A INDIGENOUS LED TEAM WORKING TO PROVIDE NAVAJO AND HOPI HOUSEHOLDS WITH ACCESS TO AN OFF-GRID PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM. ABOUT 18,000 NAVAJO HOMES DO NOT HAVE ELECTRICITY OR REFRIGERATION. THAT MEANS FAMILIES CAN  SPEND 50% OF THEIR INCOME ON ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES. THAT’S ACCORDING TO SUZANNE SINGER. SHE’S THE FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NATIVE RENEWABLES..

“ WHAT WE WOULD LIKE IS FOR THE POWER WE PROVIDE TO ADD TO THAT HARMONY AND BALANCE IN THE HOME FOR DIFFERENT FAMILIES.”

SINGER SPOKE DURING AN ONLINE EVENT HELD BY THE ATLANTIC COUNCIL GLOBAL ENERGY CENTER ON MONDAY.

FLAGSTAFF BASED NATIVE RENEWABLES PROVIDES AFFORDABLE ACCESS TO CLEAN ENERGY.

IT’S DESIGNED TO POWER HOMES FOR 3 TO 4 DAYS WHEN USED EFFICIENTLY WITHOUT ACCESS TO SUNLIGHT. LAST YEAR THE TEAM INSTALLED 18 2-POINT-FOUR KILOWATT RESIDENTIAL OFF-GRID SOLAR UNITS AND DONATED 215 SOLAR KITS FOR COVID RELIEF.

THALIA LOPEZ, CRONKITE NEWS.

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