SUMMER 2008     

For residents, by residents
Little Earth of United Tribes looks to the sun

The Little Earth Native American community installed two solar panels at its south Minneapolis housing complex. The panels will heat 14 units.

America’s electricity needs are growing, and local, reliable solar electricity is likely to play an increasing role in a clean energy future. Unlike other energy sources, solar emits no global warming pollution and doesn’t require additional transmission lines. And Minnesota has the potential to reap serious solar rewards. According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Minnesota has more annual solar energy potential than Houston and nearly as much as Miami.

Although solar energy is more economical in the long term than other sources of energy, it can be prohibitively expensive up front. Solar power has received fewer incentives and rebates than wind, nuclear, or fossil fuels. Smart policies and incentives could help make solar a feasible energy option for all Minnesotans.

INVESTING IN THEMSELVES
Some Minnesota residents are creating their own clean energy future. This May, the Little Earth Native American community installed two solar panels at its south Minneapolis housing complex— the only urban American Indian low income housing complex in the United States. The two panels, donated by Rural Renewable Energy Alliance and financed by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, heat 14 of the 212 housing units. According to Bill Ziegler, president of Little Earth of United Tribes, there are plans to heat all of the units and produce some of the complex’s electricity with additional panels.
But Little Earth isn’t the first Native community to realize the cost-saving potential of solar energy. Through the White Earth Land Recovery Project, residents of the White Earth Reservation in northwest Minnesota have installed solar heating panels on several houses. They report increased efficiency and cost savings of up to 20 percent.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Policy solutions will make renewable energy sources like solar more attainable for Minnesota homeowners, business owners, and families. Increased awareness of the potential benefits of using renewable sources of energy—as well as training and education—will help pave the way. To coincide with the Little Earth installation, Fresh Energy, Little Earth of United Tribes, Honor the Earth, Rural Renewable Energy Alliance, White Earth Land Recovery Project, Minnesota Green Communities, and Green For All organized an all-day renewable energy training session.

More than 15 Native American community members took part in the training, which began with an extensive course on renewable energy and conservation. Winona LaDuke, executive director of Honor the Earth, spoke about the complex energy issues facing the Native American community and the policy changes needed to promote renewable energy. Bob Gough of the Intertribal Council on Utility Policy discussed the mechanics and physics of wind as well as the potential of wind power on Native lands. The training also focused on using solar power in a practical setting, affordability, and cost-recovery strategies. Participants observed energy audit testing and learned about important efficiency measures.

Local communities like Little Earth are realizing a better way to produce and consume energy. Minnesotans can fight global warming while using the clean, efficient, and cost-effective power of the sun.