GILBERT, Ariz. - May 4, 2021 - Mobilizing a local workforce and massive resources, AZ solar company Industrial Solar Consulting (ISC) worked tirelessly to bring previously unavailable electricity to the most underserved residents on the Navajo Nation across 3 western states.
Organized through the NTUA and funded through the CARES Act
150 off-grid solar installations across Arizona, Utah and New Mexico
Provided power for refrigeration, lighting, water pumping and restroom services
Prioritized installations to in-need, elderly and veteran citizens of the Navajo Nation
As one of the leading companies specializing in off-grid solar, ISC was selected by the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) to rapidly deploy a total of 150 off-grid hybrid solar plus storage installations for families on the Navajo Nation. Funded through the CARES Act, this project was completed in a matter of 3 months, bringing electricity and basic power needs to homes that previously had no power. ISC mobilized 7 crews working every day during the pandemic, hiring local workers to keep the CARES Act money within the community while expanding their ability to learn and work within solar. The ISC team set up their very own warehouse in Gallup, NM to handle the materials and equipment necessary.
"We were honored to be selected for this project and to continue our working relationship with the NTUA. We knew the timeline was tight and reaching so many customers would be extremely challenging. A big part of our success came from hiring over half of our staff from local labor from the Gallup and Window Rock area. We wanted to staff people who were hardworking and knew the area while ensuring that funding stayed within the Nation and help create skilled employment opportunities. We were proud to be able to provide a much-needed resource to so many, especially due to the impact Covid had in the area."
- Fernando Vigil, Owner, ISC
In addition to providing electricity to this remote community, NTUA worked with approved contractors to outfit selected homes with wiring, LED lighting, refrigerators, water pumps and bathroom upgrades. Many resident applications were screened by NTUA and the Navajo Nation to prioritize the most in-need residents with the elderly and veterans taking high priority. Most of these upgrades are providing families with a reliable source of electricity for the very first time.
"This project was well aligned with our company charter of reducing fossil fuel emissions through renewable energy. We have been supporting critical infrastructure and rural electrification in remote locations for over 12 years. This project had greater significance to us than many we have done because we recognized the immediate positive impact it would have on the recipients. Having grown up near the pueblos of Northern New Mexico and as a resident of Arizona for 15 years, it was significant to know that we could provide a service to the communities we were familiar with."
- Fernando Vigil, Owner, ISC
Contact
Marco Vigil, Industrial Solar Consulting
