2014 Issue

11 Mark Snyder of Mark Snyder Electric, the project has already brought sustainable electricity and water to 40 underserved Navajo elders. And theGeorge family’s new home—the first energy efficient one inNa- vajo Nation — is the next major milestone for Plateau Solar and Wind. TheGeorge’s newhouse also features Silent Air Hybrid air conditioning, solar and wind water heating systems, and thermal wall heating, which emits heat for three hours after the woodstove stops burning. In addi- tion, high-efficiency solar modules coupled with a sun tracker deliver 2 kilowatts of power —enough for lighting, refrigeration, and small electronics. To achieve the advantages of hybrid power — wind energy at night and solar energy during the day — a ruggedized 1kW Na- vajo Niyol Wind Generator, the first Navajo wind product licensed by Native American- ownedCherokeeWindPower was installed. Energy is stored in 8 batteries from Crown Battery’s CRP Monobloc series. Chip John- son, Western Sales Manager for Crown Battery, says, “The harsh environment, poor equipment selection, and improper mainte- nance doomed other groups’ attempts at off-grid electrification to fail decades earlier than they should have. Each solar system is designed to last 25 years with proper maintenance and to with- stand severe weather. And it’s part of IINA Solution’s vision and a larger movement to empower rural Navajo people. To help address the high unemployment rate in Navajo Nation, Plateau Solar and Wind trains local workers to plumb, wire, rewire and retrofit houses, as well as install andmaintain solar systems built to national codes and standards. The George family’s home is an example of how a green team can economically turn a standard tribal housing product into a super energy ef- ficient home. Elsa says, “It’s an amazing feeling when you can light up people’s homes, faces, and lives. We stay in touch with the elders we’ve helped — in fact, we just helped the Georges get a new refrigerator and stove for their new home. And by working in harmony with the land — and teaming up with a fantastic group of partners — we’ve designed one of the world’s most cost- effective alternative power and clean water solutions, and a super-efficient home. “We are so grateful to the Navajo Nation Housing Improvement Services for allow- ing us to integrate our energy efficiency application to the George house, and all our other partners,” says Snyder. “This is another major step in our plan to bring life- saving electricity, water, sanitation, green jobs, and energy efficiency — to the rural Navajo people.” This is but one example of local Utah peo- plewith the desire and skills to go andmake a difference. I hope we all will look back on our careers with accomplishment and reward knowing our contributions brought a better quality of life to society as a whole, as well as to those we crossed paths with. Does Your Business Need a LIFT? ReachNewHeights withBank of Utah. Call 801-924-3666 or 1-800-516-5559 Dave Deseelhorst Solitude Mountain Resort Kelly Crane-Hale Dave’s Banker