FSST Solar Energy Department

SOLAR FOR ALL

PROJECT

FSST Solar Energy Department

W H AT I S T H E S O L A R

FOR ALL PROGRAM?

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The Solar for All Program, launched by the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under

the Inflation Reduction Act (2022), aims to

provide affordable solar energy access to lowand moderate-income households by overcoming

financial barriers. Indigenized Energy has joined

forces with 14 Great Plains tribes, including the

Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe (FSST), to advance

sustainable energy initiatives. This collaboration

has secured a significant $135 million grant from

the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to

support these efforts. The Mandan, Hidatsa, and

Arikara (MHA) Nation is serving as the grant

facilitator, ensuring the effective distribution and

implementation of these funds across the

participating tribes.

COALITION AND

A D M I N I ST R AT I O N

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The coalition, known as the Northern

Plains Tribal Coalition, includes tribes

from regions such as Wyoming and

Montana. The nonprofit organization

Indigenized Energy will administer the

grant, collaborating closely with the tribes

to implement the solar projects

effectively.

INDIGENIZED ENERGY

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Indigenized Energy is a Native-led nonprofit

organization founded in 2018 by Cody Two

Bears, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux

Tribe. The organization focuses on

collaborating with Native American tribes to

develop long-term energy visions and

transformation plans, aiming to achieve energy

sovereignty and economic development

through renewable energy projects.

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Website: https://www.4indigenized.energy/

INDIGENIZED ENERGY

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Indigenized energy plays a crucial role in the

Solar for All project by ensuring that Indigenous

communities have equitable access to solar

energy solutions while integrating traditional

knowledge, local governance, and communitydriven approaches. Indigenized energy ensures

that solar solutions are not just imposed but cocreated with Indigenous leadership, respecting

sovereignty, culture, and economic growth. By

prioritizing Indigenous participation, the project

enhances energy justice, resilience, and longterm success for all communities involved.

M H A N AT I O N ( T H R E E

A F F I L I AT E D T R I B E S )

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The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) Nation

leads the Northern Plains Tribal Solar for All (NPTSFA) program, securing $135 million to expand

solar energy across 14 tribal communities in North

Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin, and

Wyoming. The initiative focuses on installing

residential solar systems, reducing energy costs,

and improving power reliability for disadvantaged

tribal members. Additionally, it promotes

workforce development through apprenticeships

and education programs, fostering energy

sovereignty and job creation. By advancing

environmental justice, lowering greenhouse gas

emissions, and ensuring equitable access to clean

energy, the MHA Nation is driving long-term

economic and environmental sustainability for

tribal communities.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

This initiative is anticipated to:

•Provide sustainable energy solutions to disadvantaged tribal communities who don’t

have affordable access to solar energy.

•Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants by creating clean energy.

•Create jobs within the community.

•Foster long-term energy independence and resilience for the tribes involved.

S FA E L I G I B I L I T Y

Q UA L I F I CAT I O N S

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Must be a FSST tribal Member to receive

a system

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Must reside in Moody County

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Must be a homeowner or rent

home/apartment from the Tribe.

4 K W ( K I LOWAT T ) SYST E M

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Suitable for homeowner’s grid connected in town

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Member Fee: $75 annually for maintenance and

monitoring

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Suitable for 2-3 BR homes

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Can produce 10-16 kWh (kilowatt Hour) of energy daily

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Estimated annual savings of $600 on electric bill

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Going solar means that your monthly energy expenses

will be less

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Typically consists of 12-16 panels

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There is the option for homeowners to upgrade to an

8kW system if available (w/ an upcharge fee.)

8 K W ( K I LOWAT T ) SYST E M

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Would be more suitable for the Rural homeowners

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Rural homes often have higher energy demands and

often experience grid connectivity issues

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Member Fee: $200 annually for maintenance and

monitoring

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Suitable for larger properties with energy storage

(batteries)

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Estimated annual savings of $1200 on electric bill

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Produces more energy than the 4 kW system

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Consists of 20-24 panels

Components of a Solar Power System

for an 8kW System with storage

COMPONENTS OF A

SOLAR POWER

SYSTEM

Components of a 4kW Solar system

MOUNTING TYPES

WHAT WILL THE

MAINTENANCE FEE CONSIST

OF?

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Inspection and Testing - Checking for physical damage

(e.g., cracks, scratches, or wear on panels). Verifying

connections, cables, and wiring to ensure they're secure

and not corroded. Inspecting the mounting structure for

stability and rust.

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Performance Monitoring - Analyzing energy output to

identify underperformance or inefficiencies. Diagnosing and

addressing any software or inverter issues.

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Inverter Maintenance

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Battery Maintenance (if applicable)- inspecting solar

battery systems for capacity, efficiency, and wear, etc..

W H AT T H I S P ROJ E CT

MEANS FOR FSST

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This EPA Grant provides funding for the Tribe to

develop, own, and expand solar projects,

reducing energy costs and promoting energy

sovereignty. The program supports rooftop solar,

community solar, and microgrids, improving

energy resilience in Tribal lands while fostering

job creation and economic development

through workforce training. By investing in clean

energy, the initiative strengthens Tribal

sovereignty, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and

encourages a sustainable future.