Solar + storage project grants new resilience on California reservation
The Mesa Grande Band of Diegueño Mission Indians completed solar and battery storage systems at three Tribal facilities, enhancing energy resilience and reducing costs on the reservation.
The Mesa Grande Band of Diegueño Mission Indians, in partnership with the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF), has installed solar and battery storage systems at three Tribal facilities on the Mesa Grande Reservation in San Diego County, California. The project is the first public clean energy installation on the reservation and advances the Tribe’s goal of greater energy sovereignty. The systems were installed at the Tekamuk, Hallyeyaaw, and Golden Eagle administration buildings, which serve as civic and community hubs for government, housing services, cultural activities, food distribution, and emergency response.
The solar systems are designed to meet the current energy needs of the three facilities with additional capacity for future growth. Together, the installations are expected to generate approximately 60 MWh of solar electricity annually and will save the Tribe at least $16,780 in electricity costs per year. Battery storage enables the buildings to operate independently from the grid during outages, a common issue in the rural community where power interruptions can last days.
Curtis La Chusa, chairman of the Mesa Grande Tribal Council, highlighted the importance of reliable electricity, noting that outages disrupt essential services. The project builds on over two decades of efforts by Mesa Grande to expand access to clean, affordable energy. Some homes on the reservation remain disconnected from the grid, relying instead on small generators for basic needs. Four Tribal members who received solar installation training were employed on the project.
The installation aligns with Mesa Grande’s long-term plan to develop 1,500 new homes and community infrastructure, including the first new housing built on the reservation since 2005. The project was funded by the William, Jeff and Jennifer Gross Family Foundation and others. SELF’s executive director, Bob Freling, emphasized the role of clean energy in creating opportunities for future growth and resilience.