For centuries, Native Americans have been caring for Mother Earth and depending on her natural resources.
SunPower™ has developed new technology that will allow Native American Tribes to harness the energy of the sun and also create a revenue stream.
Renewable energy is a new option for bringing revenue to Indian country. Every tribe may not be able to benefit from gaming, but every tribe can benefit from harnessing renewable energy.
Indian tribes control more than 55 million acres of land across the nation, and those lands are capable of producing an estimated 17 trillion kilowatt hours per year from solar, or more than four times the amount of electricity generated annually in the U.S. according to the U.S. Department of Energy's Tribal Energy Program.
What type of economic development a tribe engages in should be determined by factoring all of its unique advantages and political and economic motivations.
To a large degree tribal business serve a social function related to improving the lives of tribal members. Tribes should implement a reservation wide economic development strategy that minimizes upfront capital investment, maximizes corporate resources, and has an immediate social impact.
