Wedoany.com Report on Feb 28th, In southeastern Montana, the Northern Cheyenne Tribe's buffalo ranch holds core significance for its cultural heritage and land management. The ranch manages over 300 buffalo across 15,000 acres, providing meat for tribal families and supporting ecosystem restoration. Due to its remote location, which lacks grid access, the ranch previously relied on diesel generators, which were costly and environmentally unfriendly. 
This situation has been improved through the Off-Grid Buffalo Project led by Indigenized Energy. This organization is a Native-led nonprofit focused on promoting renewable energy in tribal communities. The project installed a 36-kilowatt ground-mounted solar array, paired with a 58-kilowatt battery energy storage system. Since late July 2025, this hybrid system has powered the hydraulic buffalo chute and ranch infrastructure, including an operations building used for storing equipment and providing lodging for tribal members.
The project was executed by residential solar installer Freedom Forever as the contractor, with equipment and training provided by Chinese solar manufacturer Jinko Solar. Serena Romero, Director of Marketing and Communications at Indigenized Energy, told pv magazine: "Jinko Solar's partnership was crucial. They provided solar panels through donation or favorable terms and offered on-site training for operators." The Northern Cheyenne Tribe's system uses 92 Jinko modules and three hybrid inverter batteries.
Romero added that the project was funded entirely by private donations, supported by philanthropic organizations like the Honnold Foundation and Empowered by Light, taking about two years to raise $250,000. She noted: "We were able to complete this project without relying on the federal government, demonstrating the viability of off-grid solar." This is particularly significant in the context of the U.S. government ending the "Solar for All" program.
The installation process faced logistical challenges, including building roads in remote areas and dealing with harsh weather. The team consisted of solar professionals and tribal members, with two Northern Cheyenne members becoming full-time employees at Freedom Forever, reflecting the goal of skill development. The system has performed stably for several months, withstanding tests like blizzards, and supports the ranch's sustainable operations, such as seasonal migration and meat processing.
Looking ahead, Indigenized Energy plans to advance similar projects in 2026, with other tribes also expressing interest. Romero concluded: "Off-grid solar systems help tribes autonomously manage their energy and resources, strengthening sovereign control." This highlights the potential of renewable energy applications in remote communities.
