Qcells, a leading provider of comprehensive clean energy solutions and the foremost U.S. solar panel manufacturer has joined forces with Navajo Power Home (NPH), an innovative solar service provider focused on off-grid homes across Navajo and Hopi lands. Together, they are set to deliver high-quality, reliable electricity to an estimated 300 homes within the Navajo Nation reservation.
Earlier this year, Qcells donated 1,000 solar panels to Navajo Power Home. This marks the first solar panel donation NPH has received and represents the first large-scale donation from a solar manufacturer aimed at electrifying tribal lands. The donation highlights Qcells' commitment to leveraging advanced solar technology to bridge the energy gap in underserved regions.
Adding to this momentum, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced the award of a $5 million Fixed Energy Improvements in Rural Areas Grant to Navajo Power Home. This funding will further expand NPH’s services, providing permanent, high-quality, clean energy access to more rural Indigenous communities on the Navajo Nation and Hopi Reservation.
This collaboration is poised to meet ambitious goals: powering 1,000 homes by the end of 2025 and expanding NPH’s team, which currently earns an average of 33% more than other jobs available across the Navajo Nation. The impact of this initiative cannot be overstated, as the Navajo Nation spans Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, with approximately 15,000 homes still lacking access to electricity. Many residents rely on diesel generators, which are expensive and noisy and emit harmful pollutants. The partnership between Qcells and NPH is set to replace these generators with clean, reliable solar-powered electricity.
“We are excited to be here today to celebrate the Navajo Nation homes that will now have solar electricity,” said David Turk, U.S. Department of Energy Deputy Secretary. “It’s especially gratifying that these solar panels were made right here in America by Qcells, a company dedicated to building a full solar supply chain in the U.S. We are also thrilled to announce a $5 million grant to Navajo Power Home, which will bring electricity to an additional 350 homes, thanks to President Biden’s historic climate legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act.”
The significance of this partnership extends beyond just providing electricity. According to Danny O’Brien, President of Corporate Affairs for Qcells, “We are proud to be providing people living on the Navajo Nation with access to reliable, affordable power for the first time. From turning on the lights to refrigerating groceries, we are excited to work with Navajo Power Home to make this a reality in more than 300 homes in the Navajo Nation. This donation really speaks to our ongoing commitment to sustainably power communities around the world with our U.S. manufactured solar panels and our full suite of clean energy solutions.”
Chanse Foster, General Manager of Navajo Power Home, emphasized the transformative impact of the collaboration: “Our partnership with Qcells has transformed life for off-grid residents on Navajo and Hopi Tribal lands. Qcells’ generous solar panel donation has expanded electricity access in our communities and showcases the positive impact of sustainable energy.”
The benefits of this initiative are clear. The Qcells donation will allow Navajo Power Home to finance the installation of solar services for 15-20 homes, making NPH's current resources stretch further. So far, NPH has installed 600kWp of solar power to support 250 homes, providing electricity to 900 people who had previously lived without it. The monthly cost to NPH’s customers ranges from $80 to $240, depending on energy needs—significantly lower than the $200 to $400 monthly cost of diesel generators that only run five hours a day, five days a week.
This switch to solar power offers savings of 40% to 60% for families currently relying on diesel, with further subsidies available for qualifying customers such as the elderly, disabled, or single-parent households, reducing their rates to as low as $20-$40 per month.
