Tribal Clean Energy in Action: The Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s Coeur Center Solar Project

Beginning in 2022, BEF teamed up with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, the US Department of Energy Office of Indian Energy, Grid Alternative’s Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund, Nimiipuu Energy, and the Marimn Health and Wellness Center to develop the Coeur Center Solar Project. Serving the Coeur Center Facilities, a critical piece of community infrastructure, the 35.2 kW solar installation was designed to generate long-term electricity cost savings, reduce the Tribe’s carbon footprint, and promote workforce development for Tribal members.

BEF supported project development and implementation through grant writing support, assistance with Request for Proposals development, and $50,000 in project funding. The project became fully operational in 2024.

Project Benefits: 

The 35.2 kW solar system was expected to generate approximately $2,600 in annual electricity savings for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, reduce the Tribe’s energy usage by ~41,750 kWh per year, and support the Tribe’s goal of reducing their carbon emissions by nearly 1.2 million pounds. Since its commissioning in June 2024, the system has produced 55,150 kWH (as of March 2026), and its first year saw an overall reduction in electricity costs of $10,795, far exceeding expectations.

The Tribe contracted with Nimiipuu Energy to complete the project, which enabled them to advance Tribal workforce development goals. Ten Coeur d’Alene Tribal community members completed 40 hours of hands-on solar installation training and online certification coursework with Nimiipuu Energy, with seven trainees working directly on the Coeur Center installation.

Laura Laumatia, Environmental Programs Manager for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, spoke to the importance of strong partnerships for project success: “The biggest takeaway has been understanding the value of great partners. Even this relatively small solar project requires a lot of planning and coordination, and without partners, it would have been impossible.”