Lakota Solar Enterprises1001 Solar Warrior Rd , Pine Ridge, South Dakota, United States

The presence of solar heating systems on reservations not only provides substantial economic and environmental advantages, but important cultural benefits as well. In recent times, a movement has emerged which strives to reestablish the connection of Native Americans to their natural environment. The harmony between nature and man is an important belief, but one that is slipping away due in part to harmful modern technologies that produce pollution and degrade the natural landscape. The use of safe, sustainable solar heating systems provides a new energy approach for Native Americans on reservations, allowing them to live with more dignity while maintaining their traditional balance with Mother Nature. 

The Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center

In 2008, Henry opened the Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center (RCREC), a significant expansion of LSE’s solar energy training and manufacturing efforts on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The RCREC is a one-of-a-kind educational facility where tribes from all over the nation can receive hands-on training on renewable energy applications from fellow Native American trainers. To date, hundreds of tribal members have received training from LSE and out partners. With their new knowledge and skills, tribal members can return to their communities to start beneficial renewable energy programs and green businesses.  â€‹  Since July 2009, RCREC has been powered by solar electricity—produced by a 2kW photovoltaic array donated by Namaste Solar out of Boulder, Colorado. RCREC’s facilities also include demonstration solar heaters, straw bale and compressed earth block (CEB) home demo sites, wind turbine, green houses and garden, buffalo from the Red Cloud herd, and wind-break and shade trees.