Solar Technologies
Red Feather is currently researching two types of solar technologies that we hope to incorporate into our homes:

Solar Hot Water
Solar hot water systems work by means of a solar collector that uses the sun's light to heat water that flows through tubing in the collector. This heated water is then used to heat the water in the home's hot water tank for use in sinks, showers, washing machines, and potentially the home's heating system.

Solar Electricity
Using photovoltaic (PV) cells, such as those pictured above, solar electric systems harness the sun's power where it is stored in battery banks for use by the home's occupants. In some areas, individuals are able to sell the energy produced by their PV system to the local utility compant. 

One lesson that we have learned from our work - especially from the numerous families in Hotevilla, Arizona on the Hopi Reservation - is the importance of solar technologies in Indian Country. While we have always appreciated the environmental advantages of directly harnessing the sun's power and the long-term economic benefits of certain alternative technologies for quite some time, we are furthering our understanding of the independence that these systems offer families.

Both of the communities that we serve are under direct pressure for coal development. The Hopi recently pressured Peabody Coal to shut down their Black Mesa operations. This stopped the coal slurry to Laughlin, Nevada that required the extraction of sacred water from the aquifer serving the Hopi and Navajo Nations. While the Hopi now have more control over how their water is used, they face economic pressure due to the loss of income from Peabody's operations. At Northern Cheyenne, tribal members recently voted to open their reservation to coal mining while simultaneously voting down a measure to restrict coal bed methane development. Due to the poor economic conditions in each of these locales, the pressure to utilize coal reserves is high. Each community is looking to alternative energy production as a possible solution.

When considering the majority of energy provided to the homes we built is produced by non-renewable coal sources and distributed by utility companies that have historically underserved the communities we serve, it only makes sense that we make the effort to incorporate alternatives into our construction projects. We have begun discussions with NativeSUN, a Hopi owned and managed solar installation company, about collaborations on our future projects.

In 2007, we intend to raise enough money to bring solar technology to the homes we build. Our success in this endeavor is dependent on individuals like yourself. With your support, we can help families afford the initial costs associated with the installation of solar hot water or solar electric (photovoltaic) systems. These systems will help families reduce their ongoing energy costs and reduce the dependence on energy production that is environmentally and culturally costly.

To donate to our Solar Fund, click here. Donations can also be sent to:

Red Feather Development Group
Solar Energy Initiative
P. O. Box 907
Bozeman, MT 59771-0907

For a limited time, donors who contribute $1000 or more will receive their choice of a giclée from our merchandise page.