For the fourth and final installation of GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Solarthon, we joined last week with Rosebud Sioux members, students from local Sinte Gleska University and other community members to put solar panels on the roof of Spotted Tail’s home. This 2.2-kilowatt solar installation is only the third one on the Rosebud Sioux reservation, but it marks a new effort by the community to improve its energy–and economic–outlook. Ken Haukaas, a consultant for the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Utility Commission, told us that members can pay up to one-third of their annual income on utilities. In recent years, the Tribe has relied heavily on federal funds to help pay families’ electricity bills in the winter months. It received $900,000 in federal funds through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and still had a $200,000 shortfall. The tribe is hoping that launching its own utility will help it address some of the affordability issues–and bring in more renewables. While getting Rosebud Energy Services Co (RESCo) off the ground will be an uphill battle, the master plan includes a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) to spur more solar installations on the reservation.