Train the Trainers at Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center

As a key partner in Remote Energy’s Native American programs, Red Cloud Renewable Energy (RCR) on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota has been working diligently to assist tribal members and communities to move towards energy independence through renewable energy training.  Remote Energy, in cooperation with Solar Energy International (SEI), has been committed to developing the technical capacity of RCR’s Native American PV trainers and assisting with the design, development and construction of a new, hands-on PV training facility on the RCR campus.  The new training center includes a mock-roof where students can practice installing residential, grid-tied PV systems.  It also features a pole-mounted PV array, which will feature a battery-based system, and a 22.5kW ground mounted array, which provides electricity to the training center. 

This summer the first 4 classes were held at the new RCR solar training center to train Native instructors from around the country. Remote Energy’s professional PV trainers instructed and co-taught with RCR’s team of Native American PV instructors.  

The new cohort of Tribal trainers completed 4 intensive weeks of classroom and hands-on activities at the RCR training center. Each trainer also had opportunities to practice teaching and bring their skills and knowledge back to their communities.