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HOME > ABOUT US > GLOBALPROJECTS > NAVAJO Wind-Solar Hybrid Systems Electrify Remote Navajo Households (2003)Today a large percentage of people living on tribal lands live without modern electricity. Wind-solar hybrid systems offer a viable opportunity to electrify remote homes. On the Navajo Nation, more than 18,000 homes operate by kerosene, candles or perhaps a small car battery. The Navajo Nation spans 26,000 square miles across three states, and the cost to extend the grid averages $27,000 per mile. The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) is responsible for the installation and maintenance of the electrical grid for the Navajo Nation. Recently, the agency has decided that in some regions, solar/wind systems are more practical and less expensive than extending the grid. NTUA’s renewable energy expert, Larry Ahasteen, contacted Sunwize Technologies, Southwest Windpower, Shell Solar and Morning Star controllers to develop small solar/wind renewable energy systems that would practically power many of the Nation’s remote homes at a reasonable cost the user. Each power station includes 880 watts of solar photovotaics, an Air X wind generator, controller, batteries and inverter. The system will provide a minimum of 2kWh/per day of AC power. All components were selected for their ability to withstand the region’s extreme weather conditions which include hail, ice storms and wind gusts exceeding 90 mph. The custom system’s semi-annual maintenance can be done in just a few minutes. A maintenance system is installed inside the home so the user can easily monitor battery status, energy production and energy usage. Today’s modern renewable energy power stations offer any convenience that the consumer needs with little or no maintenance. To date, 63 of these systems have been installed. “It is a win-win for everyone” says Mr. Ahasteen. “The customer wins because they now have electricity, we win because we now have an option for everyone”.
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