Get To Know About Us

Welcome to Tribal Solar Kids, an exciting and culturally enriched educational program designed exclusively for Native American children in grades K-5. Tribal Solar Kids is generously sponsored by Red Power Energy, a Native-owned solar energy company committed to uplifting Indigenous communities through education and sustainability. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to spark curiosity, foster environmental stewardship, and build a foundational understanding of solar energy for the next generation of Native leaders.

Who We Are

Tribal Solar Kids was born from Red Power Energy’s vision to make solar education accessible, engaging, and culturally relevant for Native American children. Recognizing the unique values and perspectives of Indigenous communities, we’ve created a curriculum that is more than just a science program. It’s an educational journey that celebrates Native heritage while introducing young students to the concepts of renewable energy, community sustainability, and environmental respect.

Through interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and relatable stories, Tribal Solar Kids aims to connect Native children with the potential of solar energy as a tool for positive change. We hope to inspire pride in their culture, foster a love for science, and equip them with knowledge that will benefit them and their communities for years to come.

Our Vision

We envision a world where Native American children grow up with a deep understanding of renewable energy and a commitment to sustainability. Tribal Solar Kids is just the beginning of this journey. We’re creating a platform that not only teaches science but also celebrates culture, tradition, and respect for the Earth. By fostering this connection between heritage and renewable technology, we aim to nurture a generation of informed, empowered youth who can lead their communities toward a cleaner, more resilient future.

Our Mission

At Tribal Solar Kids, we believe that education is the cornerstone of sustainable change. Our mission is to empower young Native Americans by introducing them to the principles of solar energy and sustainable practices. We strive to inspire a deep respect for the environment, connecting traditional Indigenous values with the modern science of renewable energy. By planting these seeds of knowledge early on, we aim to prepare children for a future where they can lead, innovate, and make informed choices for their communities and the planet.

Our Approach

Tribal Solar Kids is specifically designed for children in grades K-5, with content tailored to the learning stages of each age group. Our curriculum includes:

Interactive Lessons: Age-appropriate lessons introduce children to solar energy basics, from understanding how sunlight generates energy to the role of solar power in promoting environmental health.
Hands-On Activities: Engaging activities, such as building simple solar models and performing small experiments, help children experience the wonders of solar energy in practical, memorable ways.
Culturally Relevant Content: Our lessons are enriched with Indigenous teachings on environmental respect and sustainability, helping children see how their culture aligns with modern renewable practices. We believe this connection between traditional values and solar science fosters a deeper understanding and commitment to sustainable living.
Community Connections: Through Tribal Solar Kids, children learn about real-world solar projects happening within their communities. This tangible link between their learning and community impact helps them understand the importance of renewable energy on a local level.

“Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence”

Why Solar Education Matters for Native Youth

Solar energy offers tremendous potential for Native American communities, providing opportunities for economic growth, energy independence, and environmental preservation. By starting this journey at an early age, we hope to inspire young Native Americans to pursue futures in renewable energy fields, from engineering and science to policy and environmental advocacy.

Through Tribal Solar Kids, we are building a foundation of knowledge and curiosity that could one day lead to careers in sustainable energy, environmental sciences, and community leadership. Native youth deserve the opportunity to be part of the solutions that shape the future of their lands and communities, and Tribal Solar Kids is dedicated to giving them the tools and inspiration to do so.

Eli Hopaii

Founder @ Tribal Solar Kids

Founder @ Red Power Energy

Founder @Tribal Microgrids

The Best Part Of Tribal Solar Kids

Tribal Solar Kids is a unique educational initiative, designed especially for Native American children in grades K-5, to spark a love for renewable energy and environmental stewardship. Sponsored by Red Power Energy, this program brings culturally relevant and interactive learning to young students, helping them understand the value of solar energy and how it can benefit their communities. From hands-on experiments to engaging stories, Tribal Solar Kids provides a meaningful introduction to solar power and sustainability.

Culturally Relevant Curriculum

Children learn solar energy concepts within the context of Native American values and traditions, fostering a deep connection between their cultural heritage and modern sustainability practices. This culturally rooted approach encourages pride and respect for their community and the environment.

Interactive, Hands-On Learning Activities

Engaging experiments and projects—like building simple solar-powered devices—allow children to experience solar energy in action. This hands-on approach makes learning fun and memorable, helping students retain key concepts and encouraging curiosity about renewable energy.

Age-Appropriate Lessons for Grades K-5

With content tailored to different developmental stages, each grade level receives lessons that are accessible and easy to understand. This targeted approach ensures that young learners can progressively build a strong foundation in solar energy knowledge, which will grow with them over time.

Focus on Environmental Stewardship

Tribal Solar Kids teaches the importance of environmental care and sustainability, reinforcing Indigenous values of land respect and conservation. This foundation empowers children to be mindful of their impact on the Earth and to develop lifelong habits of environmental responsibility.

Community-Centric Solar Education

By introducing real-world examples of solar initiatives in Native communities, children see the direct impact of renewable energy on their lives. This connection between classroom learning and community impact helps children understand how solar energy can benefit their families and neighbors, fostering a sense of purpose and contribution.

Inspiration for Future Careers in Renewable Energy

Through engaging solar education, Tribal Solar Kids plants the seeds for future interest in science, technology, engineering, and environmental fields. By seeing themselves in potential roles as future energy leaders, children are inspired to explore paths in renewable energy that could positively impact their communities and beyond.

Still Have Questions?

We invite you to join us on this journey. Explore our resources, empower young learners, and help us build a future where Native youth lead the way in sustainability. Visit tribalsolarkids.com to learn more about our program and how you can get involved. Together, we can make a difference—one lesson, one child, and one community at a time.

Module 1: Meeting the Sun

Traditional Story: “The Sun’s Gift” (animated)
Interactive Map: Sun paths across tribal lands
Simple Science: Day/night cycle
Activity: Create your own sun diary
Game: Match the solar terms
Project: Build a simple sundial

Module 2: Energy Basics

What is Energy? (animated explainer)
Forms of Energy interactive game
The Sun’s Energy journey to Earth
Activity: Energy scavenger hunt
Project: Solar paper art
Quiz: Energy basics challenge

Module 3: Solar Power Intro

How Solar Panels Work (kid-friendly animation)
Solar Panel Parts identification game
Simple circuit building exercise
Activity: Solar toy demonstration
Project: Solar oven s’mores
Achievement: Solar Scout Badge

Module 1: Electricity Basics

Circuit basics with native symbolism
Interactive circuit builder
Energy flow visualization
Activity: Safe electricity experiments
Project: LED light circuits
Quiz: Electricity safety

Module 2: Solar Technology

Types of solar panels
Solar installation basics
Energy storage simple concepts
Activity: Mini solar car race
Project: Solar phone charger
Achievement: Tech Explorer Badge

Module 3: Conservation

Traditional preservation methods
Modern conservation techniques
Energy-saving tips
Activity: Home energy audit
Project: Energy saving poster
Quiz: Conservation challenge

Module 1: Environmental Impact

Climate change basics
Solar solution stories
Carbon footprint calculator
Activity: Environmental impact study
Project: Community clean energy plan
Achievement: Earth Guardian Badge