Sun Tribe

Here’s an important perspective from our own backyard: It’s NOT too late for Virginians to capture the promise of “brownfields-to-brightfields” revitalization with strategically-sited solar development. Repurposing potentially hazardous, abandoned, or underutilized sites, including previously coal-mined lands, can unlock real benefits for communities. These projects support job growth, strengthen local tax bases, and revitalize communities while helping preserve rural character and farmlands. As Sun Tribe Development’s Betsy Arlen shared in a new editorial piece along with Virginia House Delegate Michael Webert: “Now is the time for Virginia’s elected leaders to recognize the urgency of emphasizing projects that preserve Virginia’s farm and forestry lands, respect local land use, and drive grid reliability.” Read more in The Cardinal News: https://lnkd.in/d8793Mnx

We’re proud to be expanding our work with The Nature Conservancy to continue developing solar and storage projects on formerly mined lands across Appalachia. The 17 new projects announced by The Nature Conservancy today will provide enough clean, reliable power for well over 6,000 average Appalachian homes annually. “Locating solar and battery storage on former mine lands makes perfect sense to us,” said Danny Van Clief, CEO of Sun Tribe Development. “These sites and the communities they rest within have powered our country for more than a century — all we have to do is reimagine them for today’s energy technology.” Read more about The Cumberland Forest energy projects:? https://lnkd.in/gZq-uMYx

Did you know that solar energy has been the largest source of new electricity generation capacity in the US for twelve consecutive months? August marked one year straight of solar as the largest source of new generation capacity, and in that month, solar made up nearly 100% of new additions according to data released by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Why so much new solar? The renewable energy source is low impact, high reward for American electricity. It generates a consistent supply of non-polluting energy, cheaply, and can operate on microgrids or at large scales to meet the needs of the communities that host it. For these reasons and more, the FERC data suggests that solar could soon become the second-highest source of electricity generation for the United States, a boon for American energy independence. Read more from Solar Builder Magazine. https://lnkd.in/grJkHGfP

Happy Veterans Day from Sun Tribe! We thank all members of the US military for your service today, and everyday, as your sacrifices have allowed us to live freely 365 days of every year. At Sun Tribe, we are especially grateful for the distinguished members of our team who have served in the US military. Sun Tribe vets have a combined 70+ years of service in the US Navy, United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps, and US Army. There is no doubt that those experiences have made a mark on who you are today, and we are lucky to have you in the Tribe.

Did you catch the latest U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) jobs report? Published in September, the report revealed that more than half of the 250,000 energy jobs added in 2023 were in renewable energy industries. “Renewable energy jobs now comprise more than 40 percent of the country’s 8.35 million people employed in the energy industry, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) annual U.S. Energy and Employment Report (USEER) published in September.” At Sun Tribe, we’re proud to work in #solar, bringing a new energy legacy to the American economy, building exceptional energy independence, and developing clean and affordable sources of electricity for Virginians and communities across the Mid-Atlantic. https://lnkd.in/gkd3msnw

Happy Halloween from Sun Tribe!??? How many of these costumes can you name?

Solar energy generation lowers costs for everyone, and a new study quantified just how much it can lower your utility bill. “Lead author Nick Laws told Inside Climate News investing in these types of demand-reducing systems would bring a savings of approximately $3 million (40%, including incentives) on our utility bills.” Community solar, rooftop solar, and battery energy storage systems are all named for their superpower ability to lower costs for ratepayers. https://lnkd.in/gb7B4MWu

This weekend, October 27th, is US Navy Day — traditionally celebrated two weeks after the October 13th anniversary of the founding of the US Navy (which turned 249 this year earlier this month!). We are deeply grateful for service members across all branches of the US military. Here at Sun Tribe, veterans comprise more than 11% of our team, nearly double the percentage of veterans in the US civilian population overall. Sun Tribe veterans have served a combined 70+ years of service spanning the United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps, US Army, and US Navy. On the eve of US Navy Day, we especially celebrate and thank Tony Deyerle, PMP, LEED Green Associate. Tony spent 5 years in the Navy and served two tours in the Persian Gulf. Today he’s a senior project developer at Sun Tribe advancing American energy independence.

We're honored to work alongside local government, economic development, and community partners in Wise County, VA, to help the county realize its vision.