Build Better. Give More. These words are at the heart of everything we do at Clēnera. As we continue building projects across the country, we stay focused on enriching the communities where we live and work, including Navajo Nation, where a group of Clēnera employees brought solar power systems to families living off the grid. This work was in support of Heart of America’s Skip the Grid initiative.  

This work also had a personal connection for Andy Aston, GIS Manager at Clēnera.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join Heart of America and SOLV Energy on our service trip to the Navajo Nation and Hopi Reservation. We installed off-grid solar systems that bring not only physical light, but also the lasting light of education, empowerment, and hope to these communities. This trip also fulfilled a personal desire to reconnect with a culture and landscape I grew to deeply love as a service missionary in my early adulthood.”

With $39,000 raised by Clēnera and matching partners, we got to work. The renewable systems installed included photovoltaic panels, lighting, refrigeration, and battery storage so power could be used after the sun goes down. Each system is fully self-contained and not connected to the grid, making reliable electricity possible in remote areas.

“It’s not often that you get to experience the immediate impact of a donation,” said Tammi Sevy, Director of Culture. “When we arrived, we walked into unlit homes. Within a few hours, we left those same homes filled with light and the hope it brings. I was inspired by the joy and gratitude of the families we served and the generosity of our Clēnera team.”

Access to power has opened real opportunities for families, from keeping fresh food to supporting education and spending time together at night. Giving back to the communities we work in is part of who we are, and it is something we are committed to continuing into the future.