Graham Beyale, a Navajo farmer near Shiprock, New Mexico, recently gained reliable electricity for the first time thanks to photovoltaic solar panels installed by Native Renewables, a nonprofit focused on connecting Navajo and Hopi homes to solar power. Before the installation, Beyale relied on propane, wood, and small portable panels to meet basic needs, but the new system—with battery storage—now powers his fridge, fan, computer, and even a swamp cooler. This shift has brought comfort and stability to his off-grid lifestyle, enabling him to run his online business and stay in his home through scorching summer heat.
Native Renewables, founded by two Indigenous women, has provided solar systems to over 100 remote households—many of which have never had electricity. The nonprofit trains Indigenous technicians and operates on grants and donations, offering full solar setups valued at $27,000–$30,000. Despite logistical challenges, the impact is profound: families can refrigerate food, host gatherings, and enjoy basic comforts many take for granted. For Beyale, who once lived in a tent and built a cabin from scratch, sustainable living is both a personal mission and a growing reality for his community.
