SOLAR ENERGY

The sun has warmed the earth for millions of years and makes all life possible. Energy from sunlight is used to heat water, warm buildings, grow and process agricultural products, and now even generate electricity. Electricity can be produced directly from solar energy using photovoltaic devices (solar cells) or indirectly from steam generators using solar thermal collectors to produce steam. However, solar energy is less developed and a more costly renewable energy system for producing electricity. But solar energy is abundant on the Reservation and produces no greenhouse gases.

A crew of six workers would be required to construct the solar collectors, along the Western Tribal border. Such large collectors also require maintenance, cleaning, and repair to ensure proper operation of the collectors. To begin the development of a solar collector system at the Reservation, a careful survey of the land and measurements with monitoring equipment is necessary to insure best location. Dust, snow and rain can reduce the efficiency and reliability of the collectors.

Initial development would require about a year to collect information on the seasonal behavior at the selected location. Then a single collector would be sited and evaluated for electric power output and seasonal operation. The electrical output from this collector could be used to supply electricity for several residents on the Reservation. If this first collector location is successful, additional collectors would be added and the extra electrical power could be sold over existing supply lines to the utilities such as Rocky Mountain Power.

Tentative Timeline for Solar Energy Development

Site Assessment
Solar insolation monitoring (3 months)

Permitting
Applications to BIA and other federal and state agencies

Preparation of the studies (1 year)

Construction
Foundation placement and equipment installation (1 years)

Testing and safety qualifications (2months)

Operation 
Testing and Certification for operation