For the barona solar power project (the "project"), the barona group of capitan grande band of mission indians of the barona reservation ("band" or "tribe") will install an estimated 2.8 megawatts…

The Barona Group of the Capitan Grande Band of Mission Indians of the Barona Reservation received a $12.3 million project grant from the Department of Energy's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs under the Renewable Energy Research and Development program (CFDA 81.087) awarded on September 1, 2025. The award funds the Barona Solar Power Project, which involves the installation of approximately 2.8 megawatts (MW) of carport-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at tribal facilities in Lakeside, California. The completed installation is expected to generate 5,686 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity annually, reducing the Band's grid-supplied energy dependence and lowering electric bills by approximately $912,169 in the first year and more than $31.2 million over the 25-year project lifespan.

This project supports the Renewable Energy Research and Development program's goal of advancing clean energy technology deployment to enhance energy resilience and economic vitality. The award period extends from September 1, 2025, through August 30, 2028, with the solar infrastructure serving as both a cost reduction mechanism for essential tribal services and a demonstration of renewable energy deployment for tribal communities. The project aligns with the program's focus on supporting Indian Tribes in developing sustainable energy solutions that strengthen tribal infrastructure and self-sufficiency.

For the barona solar power project (the "project"), the barona group of capitan grande band of mission indians of the barona reservation ("band" or "tribe") will install an estimated 2.8 megawatts (MW) of carport-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to serve vital tribal facilities and services that are essential to the economic vitality of the band. The project's new PV capacity is expected to generate 5,686 MWH of electricity in year 1 to reduce the band's dependence on grid-supplied energy, reducing the tribe's electric bills by $912,169 in the first year and more than $31.2 million over the project's 25