Solar Energy Unlocks Tribe's Cultural, Economic and Physical Health

Empowered by Light teamed up again with Indigenzied Energy--this time to install another solar and energy storage system for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe in southeastern Montana.

This system powers the electric fencing and operations of their Bison management program and will help the Tribe grow their herd with the hopes of strengthening their food sovereignty and improving the health of the Tribe.

The tribe harvested approximately 21,000 pounds of meat, which was distributed directly to community members, prioritizing tribal elders. Some of the meat was also donated to a community center in Billings, Montana.

The solar+storage system replaced diesel generators, eliminating daily fueling, maintenance, and breakdown risk, and saves the staff up to five hours each week in supply trips. The batteries provide back-up power for freezers, tools, heating, and equipment required during cold and windy conditions.

Said Brandon Riverside, tribal member and manager of the Bison Program, “We have the power and the capacity now to expand our operations and potentially bring on some animals from Yellowstone.”

In addition to reducing the number of supply trips staff make, Brandon said the solar energy system also powers up immediately instead of requiring warm-up time like diesel generators, and the reduced noise levels allows staff to work longer, more comfortably and safer in cold weather plus it's less stressful on the animals during roundup and processing.

The solar energy system clearly demonstrates the feasibility of off-grid clean energy in harsh northern climates. “One of the first things that surprised me the most was how fast everything charged…Even on an overcast day, we’re still charging,” noted Brandon.

Along with inspiring complementary food systems investments, including greenhouses and orchards, Brandon believes the effort has reinforced buffalo as a foundation for broader regenerative food strategies and demonstrated how energy infrastructure can unlock cultural, economic, and food systems change.