Indigenized Energy
Native-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2017 at Standing Rock, providing energy visioning, microgrid planning, solar training, and job creation services to tribal nations through the 14-tribe, 5-state Tribal Renewable Energy Coalition.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersSan Diego, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Indigenized Energy does
Indigenized Energy is a Native-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2017 and conceptualized during the 2016 NoDAPL protests at Standing Rock, headquartered at the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota. The organization delivers energy visioning, microgrid planning, solar installation training, and job creation services to tribal nations across the Northern Plains, and operates the Tribal Renewable Energy Coalition (TREC), a 14-tribe coalition spanning five states that coordinates distributed renewable energy deployment and workforce development across member nations.
Its core program architecture combines three layers: (1) direct technical assistance — microgrid design, energy planning, and energy visioning for tribal governments; (2) workforce development — solar installation training that produces deployable Native installers; and (3) coalition infrastructure — TREC, which aggregates demand, funnels in-kind equipment donations from solar industry partners (JinkoSolar, SolarEdge, Freedom Forever), and channels federal and philanthropic funding to member tribes. Specific deployed programs include the Off-Grid Buffalo Project (July 2025), the Buffalo Sun Project (June 2026), and the Home Energy Makeover Program.
Revenue is sourced from federal grants (notably a $135.58M EPA Solar for All award in April 2024, subsequently impacted by federal funding actions in late summer 2025), philanthropic foundation grants (Honnold Foundation, Empowered by Light), in-kind equipment donations from solar manufacturers and integrators, and individual donations. The organization operates through Mission Edge San Diego as its fiscal sponsor and runs a leadership team of 11-50 staff under founder/CEO Cody Two Bears, with named leaders including CFO Mauricia Chavarria-Quam, Chief of Staff Collins Provost, and directors across operations, capacity building, strategy, marketing, and tribal partnerships.
Indigenized Energy firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Indigenized Energy
- Legal name
- Indigenized Energy
- Website
- https://4indigenized.energy
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Native-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2017 at Standing Rock, providing energy visioning, microgrid planning, solar training, and job creation services to tribal nations through the 14-tribe, 5-state Tribal Renewable Energy Coalition.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Indigenized Energy industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Tribal Renewable Energy Services
- NAICS
- Civic and Social Organizations (81341), Solar Electric Power Generation (221114), American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Governments (921150), American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal Governments (92115)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Renewable Energy & Clean Tech Access (Off-grid, Energy Poverty Solutions) (BPAGALAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Site Preparation & Civil Works (Clearing, Grading, Earthworks, Roads) (EUAMAFAA), Land Use, Indigenous & Community Engagement Policy (EUAMANAL), Stakeholder Engagement, Indigenous/Tribal Consultation & Social Impact (SIA) (EUAHAAAH), Solar Balance-of-Plant EPC (Piles/Foundations, Trenching, Combiner Networks) (EUAEADAJ)
Keywords
Where Indigenized Energy is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Diego
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Indigenized Energy business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Grants and Federal Funding: Indigenized Energy functions as a nonprofit and primarily generates revenue through federal grants (e.g., EPA Solar for All, DOE Office of Indian Energy Programs), philanthropic foundation grants (e.g., Honnold Foundation, Empowered by Light), and in-kind equipment donations from corporate partners. Revenue is used to fund solar projects, workforce training, and organizational operations. The organization is a fiscally sponsored project of Mission Edge San Diego, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: The organization accepts donations from individuals and organizations to support tribal solar projects, training programs, and community initiatives. A donation page is featured on the organization's website.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Indigenized Energy product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Indigenized Energy is a Native-led nonprofit capacity-building organization that develops, funds, and delivers solar energy projects for Tribal Nations. It secures federal and philanthropic grants, coordinates multi-tribe coalitions such as the Tribal Renewable Energy Coalition (TREC), provides hands-on solar workforce training, and manages installation of grid-tied and off-grid solar-plus-storage systems on tribal homes, facilities, and food sovereignty operations.
Product overview
Indigenized Energy is a Native-led nonprofit capacity-building organization that provides a comprehensive suite of programs and services to advance tribal energy sovereignty. The core offerings include Tribal Solar Program Development & Implementation and Tribal Capacity Building, which are supported by specific initiatives such as the Tribal Renewable Energy Coalition (TREC) coordinating 14 tribes across five states. Project-based offerings include the Buffalo Sun Project, Off-Grid Buffalo Facility Solar, White River Community Solar Project, and Solar for All Residential Program. Additional programs include the Indigenized Home Energy Makeover Program, Indigenized Energy Unites Podcast, and the annual People of the Sun event. Supporting services encompass Funding Assistance and Solar Workforce Training. Together, these offerings enable tribes to achieve energy sovereignty through affordable solutions, project funding, local workforce development, and sustainable energy initiatives.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Tribal Solar Program Development & Implementation Comprehensive solar project development services for Tribal Nations including planning, design, funding acquisition, workforce training, and ongoing program management to achieve energy sovereignty.
- Tribal Capacity Building Building organizational and technical capacity within Tribal communities through training programs, workforce development, and skills transfer to enable tribes to maintain and expand renewable energy assets independently.
- Tribal Renewable Energy Coalition (TREC) A consortium of 14 tribes across five states (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Wyoming) working together for a clean energy future, formed in response to the EPA Solar for All program with a $135.58M award.
- Buffalo Sun Project A collaborative initiative with Wóžu that installs approximately 30 kW of solar generation and 40 kWh of battery storage at buffalo operations facilities to provide reliable backup power for refrigeration, lighting, and critical buffalo care operations.
- Off-Grid Buffalo Facility Solar Project 36-kilowatt off-grid solar system with 58 kWh battery storage powering a hydraulic buffalo chute, operations building, and ranch infrastructure at the Northern Cheyenne Buffalo Ranch in Montana.
- White River Community Solar Project A $4 million DOE-funded project deploying solar energy across Northern Cheyenne tribal facilities including a school, Head Start facility, water pump, and residential solar in over 50 homes.
- Solar for All Residential Program Federal initiative expanding clean energy access for low-income households and tribal communities through grid-tied ground-mounted solar and battery storage systems, including 7.7 kW solar arrays with 19.2 kWh battery backup.
- Indigenized Home Energy Makeover Program A new initiative supporting Tribal Nations in lowering household energy costs through rooftop solar, battery storage, weatherization, and essential electrical upgrades with Rosebud Sioux Tribe as inaugural recipient.
- Funding Assistance Services Partnership services to help secure funding for tribal solar projects including grant writing, matching fund requirements, and navigating federal funding programs like EPA Solar for All.
- Solar Workforce Training Training programs providing hands-on experience in solar installation for tribal members, with job placement assistance through partnerships with companies like Freedom Forever.
Quantifiable outcome
- 5,000 tribal homes estimated to receive solar installations through TREC Solar for All program
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Indigenized Energy
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Indigenized Energy technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Indigenized Energy partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- People of the Sun (Event)minorFirst annual three-day gathering at Standing Rock Reservation (September 16-18, 2026) marking the 10-year anniversary of the NoDAPL protests. Presented by Indigenized Energy, the event brings together Indigenous leaders, artists, advocates, and allies for conversations on Indigenous-led clean energy solutions, food sovereignty, and community resilience. The Buffalo Sun Project serves as the event's official legacy giveback initiative.
- Freedom ForevercoreNational residential solar company serving as the primary installation contractor on multiple tribal solar projects including the Northern Cheyenne White River Community Solar Project and Solar for All installations at Oglala Sioux and Chippewa Cree Nations. Also created a training and employment pathway for tribal members, hiring Northern Cheyenne crew members and establishing a Montana office to continue community service.
- JinkoSolar (U.S.) Inc.coreOne of the world's largest solar panel manufacturers donated over 2,000 solar modules totaling just over 800 kW to the DOE White River Community Solar Project on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. Has supported multiple tribal solar projects including a solar farm on the Standing Rock reservation. Provided equipment, training, and technical expertise across tribal installations.
- ProtoGen, Inc.coreEnergy consulting firm with 27+ years of experience providing technical and financial modeling for tribal energy projects. Helps tribes develop microgrid plans and renewable energy strategies. Essential intermediary between technical firms and tribal leaders, shaping projects responsive to tribal values and situations. Co-led panel at UTTC Tribal Leaders Summit on the formation and future of TREC.
- WóžucoreNative-led nonprofit founded in 2021 based in Cannon Ball, ND, focused on cultural and land regeneration through food sovereignty, outdoor stewardship, buffalo restoration, and cultural programming. Collaboration partner on the Buffalo Sun Project bringing 30 kW solar and 40 kWh battery storage to the buffalo operations facility. Wóžu's work reflects sovereignty, stewardship, and self-determination values shared with Indigenized Energy.
- Tribal Energy Alternatives (TEA)coreThe first Tribal-led affiliate of GRID Alternatives. Partners with Tribal Nations to build energy sovereignty through grantmaking, workforce training, construction, and policy work. Provided critical funding for the Buffalo Sun Project through the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund Facility – Residential Grant Program.
- SolarEdgecoreGlobal smart energy leader and intelligent inverter manufacturer. Donated inverter technology, battery systems, and specialty components for the Buffalo Sun Project at Wóžu. Seeks to contribute energy infrastructure that quietly enables broader community work for generations.
- FloWaterminorColorado-based water innovation company providing advanced water purification systems. Partnered with Standing Rock and Indigenized Energy to install FloWater Refill Stations valued at approximately $250,000 in community centers across the reservation, providing long-term access to purified drinking water as part of the 10-year NoDAPL anniversary commemoration.
- Lightspring SolarminorNative-owned solar installation and energy consulting firm co-founded by Wesley Davis (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians). Has collaborated with Indigenized Energy on projects including the Tesla solar wall install at a veteran's home in Twin Buttes. Provides residential, commercial, and grant writing services to tribal and non-tribal communities.
- Native Brothers Services, LLCminorNative-run contracting business founded by Esly Thornton (MHA Nation) and Daylon Fox (MHA Nation descendant), with Wesley Davis. Led the installation of North Dakota's first Tesla Powerwall. Organized by Indigenized Energy and supported by Lightspring Solar team for veteran-focused solar builds.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Indigenized Energy competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- GRID Alternatives: Largest U.S. nonprofit solar installer focused on low-income and tribal communities; operates a national Tribal Solar Accelerator and runs the Tribal Energy Alternatives affiliate — the closest direct peer in mission, customer base, and delivery model.
- Red Cloud Renewable: Native-led solar training and installation nonprofit operating on Pine Ridge Reservation; directly comparable workforce-development-plus-installation model and is referenced in company data as a training pipeline partner.
- Tribal Energy Alternatives: First tribal-led affiliate of GRID Alternatives providing solar construction and workforce training across tribal nations; explicit partner with Indigenized Energy on the Buffalo Sun Project via the Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund.
- Lakota Solar Enterprises: Native-owned solar manufacturing and installation enterprise based on Pine Ridge Reservation; comparable Native-led commercial solar model with workforce development embedded in operations.
- Lightspring Solar: Native-owned solar installation and energy consulting firm co-founded by Wesley Davis (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians); an explicit collaboration partner on multiple projects including the first ND Tesla Powerwall install.
- Empowered by Light: Clean-energy nonprofit funding solar in underserved communities; a documented funding partner on the Northern Cheyenne Off-Grid Buffalo Project with overlapping donor base and mission.
Emerging players
- Solar Energy International: Nonprofit solar training organization offering PV-design and installation courses that complement Indigenous workforce programs; partially overlapping training curriculum and student demographics.
Others
- Native CDFI Network: Coordinator of Native community development financial institutions holding $400M via the Clean Communities Investment Accelerator; an active program partner that channels financing infrastructure alongside Indigenized Energy's deployment work.
- Honnold Foundation: Philanthropic foundation funding equitable solar access and a core financial partner for Indigenized Energy's Northern Cheyenne and Rosebud projects; comparable donor-side clean-energy-justice mandate.
Broad incumbents
- RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute): Established clean-energy think tank that influences Tribal energy policy and federal program design; partial mission overlap as a broader-influence incumbent operating across all clean-energy categories.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Indigenized Energy social profiles
Digital presenceIndigenized Energy financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Indigenized Energy leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Indigenized Energy funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Indigenized Energy M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Indigenized Energy
What does Indigenized Energy do?
Indigenized Energy is a Native-led nonprofit capacity-building organization that develops, funds, and delivers solar energy projects for Tribal Nations. It secures federal and philanthropic grants, coordinates multi-tribe coalitions such as the Tribal Renewable Energy Coalition (TREC), provides hands-on solar workforce training, and manages installation of grid-tied and off-grid solar-plus-storage systems on tribal homes, facilities, and food sovereignty operations.
Is Indigenized Energy a public or private company?
Indigenized Energy is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Indigenized Energy founded?
Indigenized Energy was founded in 2017. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Indigenized Energy based?
Indigenized Energy is headquartered in San Diego, United States, in the North America region.
How does Indigenized Energy make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Grants and Federal Funding is the primary driver. The others are donations and Charitable Contributions.
Who are Indigenized Energy's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are GRID Alternatives, Red Cloud Renewable, Tribal Energy Alternatives, Lakota Solar Enterprises, Lightspring Solar and Empowered by Light. Solar Energy International is listed as an emerging player. Others are Native CDFI Network and Honnold Foundation. RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute) is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Indigenized Energy have an API?
No public API is recorded for Indigenized Energy.
What industry is Indigenized Energy in?
Indigenized Energy's product category is Tribal Renewable Energy Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGALAE, Renewable Energy & Clean Tech Access (Off-grid, Energy Poverty Solutions), with a secondary code of EUAMAFAA, Site Preparation & Civil Works (Clearing, Grading, Earthworks, Roads). Its NAICS code is 81341 and its SIC code is 8600.