As climate change intensifies and power outages become more frequent, ensuring the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable populations is crucial. Among these are the elder homes in Menominee Nation, where reliable power is not just a convenience but a lifeline. Our solar and battery backup project will provide a sustainable and resilient solution to the frequent power outages, ensuring that elder homes retain the necessary electricity for medical equipment and other essential needs.

The Need for Reliable Power

Elder homes often house residents who depend on medical devices such as oxygen concentrators, dialysis machines, and refrigerated medications. During power outages, the loss of electricity can be life-threatening. For the Menominee Nation, located in a rural area with an aging infrastructure, the risks are even higher. Power outages can last longer, and access to emergency services can be delayed.

Solar Power

By installing solar on elder homes, reliance on power generation now shifts from the grid to our sun. This switch provides a sustainable energy solution that aligns with the Menominee Nation's commitment to environmental stewardship while also reducing the cost of energy all together. Historically, Menominee Nation has been the last to be serviced by their utility provider in the event of a power outage, no matter the cause.

Battery Backup: Ensuring Continuity

Solar panels alone are not enough for what we collectively tried to accomplish; a battery backup system is essential to store the excess energy generated during the day for use during the night or cloudy periods. Advanced battery systems can store enough power to keep critical systems running for hours or even days, if need be, ensuring that medical equipment remains operational even during extended outages.

Community Benefits

Implementing a solar and battery backup system in the Menominee Nation’s elder homes offers a variety of benefits:

Enhanced Safety and Health: Continuous power supply for medical equipment ensures the health and safety of residents.
Cost Savings: Reducing dependency on the grid lowers energy costs, freeing up resources for other community needs.
Environmental Impact: Solar power reduces carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.
Resilience: A decentralized power system enhances community resilience against natural disasters and grid failures.

Again, we thank Mavid Construction and the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin for combining hands and contributing to the new and innovative trajectory of renewable energy in the state of Wisconsin.