Oglala Lakota Housing Authority - 2022 Project

NOTE: Project pages are being updated regularly to reflect changes, if any; however, some of the information may be dated.

Summary

The Oglala Omaste Nunpa (Oglala Sunshine Two) Solar Project will install approximately 150 kilowatts (kW) of solar photovoltaics (PV) to power 28 low-income homes and buildings on the Pine Ridge Reservation. These homes and buildings include 13 units to be built for veterans, 12 units that are being renovated, the Cohen Home for elderly and disabled tenants that has 22 low-rent units, and 2 Oglala Lakota Housing Authority (OLHA) maintenance buildings. The project will produce approximately 208,319 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy annually, save the Tribe and residents about $19,790 per year on energy costs and approximately $445,268 over the life of those systems. At least three Tribal members will be identified to participate in a paid training program and receive hands-on experience in the solar industry. 

Project Description

Background

The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is located in South Dakota and has a Native American population of over 19,000, spread across 9 districts, while the Oglala Sioux Tribe has a membership roll of 40,572 (Oglala Sioux Tribe Enrollment Office 2018). The reservation is over 3,468 square miles and is listed as the third poorest area in the United States of America by a 2016 U.S. Census report.

OLHA is a Tribally Designated Housing Entity chartered by the Oglala Sioux Tribe. OLHA offers a variety of services to provide safe, sanitary, and affordable housing to Oglala Sioux Tribal members on the Pine Ridge Reservation. OLHA has over 1,200 low-rent units located throughout the reservation and has built over 500 home ownership units. The Oglala Omaste Nunpa Solar Project builds on previous initiatives to increase renewable energy generation on the reservation and create significant cost savings for low-income community members.

In 2018, OLHA successfully coordinated a solar project to install solar systems on five low-income residences on the reservation. In 2020, OLHA was awarded DOE funding to install solar systems on five more low-income homes as well as the Johnson HolyRock Administration Building (Oglala Sioux [Lakota] Housing—2020 Project | U.S. Department of Energy). For both projects, OLHA initiated the installations and conducted a paid training program for local Tribal members. These solar projects have successfully incorporated solar into local energy production, led to significant cost savings for residents, created job training opportunities for community members, and paved the way for this Oglala Omaste Nunpa (Oglala Sunshine Two) Solar Project. 

Project Objectives

OLHA plans to increase access to solar on the reservation and increase local solar knowledge. In addition, OLHA intends to increase capacity for planning, initiating, installing, and maintaining similar projects. In consideration of the reservation’s energy climate, this project has the following objectives:

• Sustainable: Support Tribal environmental and net-zero energy goals by reducing reliance on non-renewable energy resources, increasing local renewable generating capacity, and reducing the Tribe’s environmental footprint.
• Affordable: Minimize life cycle costs of energy services compared to historic costs.
• Commercial technology: Rely on commercially available technologies with standard service warranties.
• Strategically integrated: Support the strategic goals, plans, and mission of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, including preserving and sharing cultural traditions; improving the general welfare of the Tribal community; and compassionately providing for the people and future generations.
• Economic development: Economic development is of high priority for the Tribe, given the high poverty and unemployment rates on the reservation. The Tribe expects to drive projects that can generate employment for the members, as well as provide training and expertise for high-demand jobs.
• Cost-effective: For the project to be viable, it is necessary to evaluate options based on their cost-effectiveness over a 30-year horizon.

Project Scope

The Oglala Omaste Nunpa Solar Project will be developed and led by OLHA in partnership with a contractor. The project will target 28 buildings on the Pine Ridge Reservation to receive new solar systems totaling about 150 kW, including 13 new Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing homes, 12 newly updated homes, a senior living facility with 22 units, and 2 OLHA maintenance buildings. This project will address the disproportionate energy burdens of Pine Ridge residents and allow money to go back into the community. It is estimated that residents and OLHA will save $19,790 annually on energy bills and $445,268.30 throughout the systems’ 25-year lifetimes. 

OLHA and its contractor will train at least three local community members on solar installation and provide them with wages, job placement support, and career development. The 8-week program will have an emphasis on operations and maintenance training to have local community members involved in the maintenance of the solar PV systems once the project is complete.

The OLHA project team will coordinate with the contractor to oversee all aspects of project management, including design and engineering, procurement of equipment, construction and installation, training, operation and maintenance, and reporting. OLHA will work with the contractor to develop an installation contract with an agreed-upon scope of work, timelines, milestones, and invoicing. 

OLHA and the contractor will work collaboratively on all phases of the project to maintain clear and consistent communication. OLHA and the contractor will identify any barriers or impediments specific to the region that may cause delays or changes. Project team members will work to provide solutions to minimize any delays and/or barriers to ensure the project is completed in a safe, high-quality, and impactful way. Solutions will be developed collaboratively with project team members addressing technical merits and cultural considerations specific to the Oglala Lakota Nation.

Project Location

The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is located in the southwest portion of South Dakota. The reservation hosts Oglala Sioux Tribe members and community buildings and resources, and is over 3,468 square miles.