07/10/2026
☀️Yurok Tribe Selects Contractors to Install Solar Systems on Elders’ Homes - Program Supports Yurok Elders by Reducing Costs and Increasing Energy Reliability☀️
This week, the Yurok Tribal Council selected two contractors to implement a new program to install solar panels on tribal elders’ homes.
This summer, SUNSOURCE Inc., and Wild Rivers Electric, under the direction of the Yurok Planning and Community Development Department, will install solar panels on 30 to 40 homes in Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity Counties.
“This project is especially meaningful to me. We launched this program to help reduce the financial strain on our cherished elders,” said Joseph L. James, who spearheaded the program’s development. “By investing in solar energy for our elders, we’re strengthening and empowering our Tribal community for a more resilient future.”
“Delivering dependable, clean energy to our elders is a major stride toward true energy sovereignty,” added Vice Chair Rose Sylvia.
Supported by TERO fees, the program supplies solar panels, batteries, and other essential equipment. Participants in the solar program were selected from four groups, with priority given to the eldest individuals. The groups include: ages 90 and above, 80 and above, 70 and above and 60 and above. To qualify, elders must own their homes. The Tribe conducted outreach to tribal elders in person and via a special mailout to let them know about this new program.
“The Planning Department is working hard to ensure the installation goes as smoothly as possible,” said Yurok Planning and Community Development Department Director Raymond McQuillen.
In Yurok culture, elders are honored for safeguarding the Tribe’s traditions, language, and ceremonies. They play a vital role in passing down oral histories and spiritual teachings to younger generations. Their knowledge and life experiences are fundamental to the Tribe’s strength and well-being.
The Tribal Council established the Elder Solar Program to ease the financial burden on elders, many of whom are on a fixed income. The solar systems will also ensure elders have electricity during the many power outages that occur in this region as a result of fires and floods. The sun-powered infrastructure will also increase the value of elders’ homes.
The Tribe plans to continue this program next summer and for the foreseeable future. Those who were not selected to receive solar panels this year were added to a waitlist. To sign up to get on the waitlist, elders or their caregivers are asked to fill out the application below or contact Planning Director Raymond McQuillen by phone 855-559-8765 ext. 6062 or by email at [email protected]
Here is a link to the application - https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/f6a33198d82d4e91a3fccfd954427c1d
The Tribe is building its capacity to install solar systems. The Yurok Planning and Community Development Department recently led an initiative to install solar panels on 21 family homes between Weitchpec and Wautec.