Access to reliable electricity is something many take for granted. However, for residents of the Shonto Navajo Reservation in Arizona, consistent power remains a daily challenge. Due to the community’s remote location and limited access to the electrical grid, many households live without dependable electricity. This lack of power affects more than convenience—it directly impacts health, safety, and overall quality of life. Without refrigeration, residents cannot properly store fresh food or essential medications, and many rely on fuel-based generators or coal for basic needs.
To address this issue, the EPICS Shonto Solar team was formed with a clear mission: to design, build, and install affordable residential solar energy systems tailored to the needs of the community. The team aims to create a cost-effective alternative to conventional pre-built systems while ensuring safety, reliability, and accessibility for end users.
Prior to this semester, the team successfully developed a working solar system capable of powering multiple electronic devices. After extensive testing, the system components were integrated into a final enclosure, preparing the unit for delivery. This semester, the team is focused on evaluating the system’s capacity and optimizing its performance to meet these needs, ensuring that the delivered solution is both practical and impactful.
The project is guided by a strong partnership with the Shonto community, led by Marsha Greyeyes, Chapter House President. Her goal is to bring reliable power to homes in her community and improve the living conditions of her neighbors. Working closely with Marsha the team ensures that the system is designed with real-world needs at the forefront.
The Solar Solution
The proposed solution is a custom-built solar energy system designed specifically for residential use in remote conditions. Solar panels collect energy from the sun and transfer it into a system of eight interconnected 12V batteries, where energy is stored for later use. The system provides power through accessible outlets, allowing the user to operate essential household devices.
Safety is a top priority in the design. The system includes multiple protective features, such as two circuit breakers to prevent excessive current and a battery disconnect switch that allows the system to be safely shut down in case of malfunction. These features ensure both reliability and user safety.
Potential Impact
The successful implementation of this solar system has the potential to create meaningful change on multiple levels.
For the community partner, it represents a step toward energy independence and a scalable solution that could be extended to other homes. For Jennie Dayzie, it offers a transformative improvement in quality of life—enabling reliable access to electricity, reducing dependence on coal, and supporting better health outcomes.
Beyond the individual household, the broader Shonto community stands to benefit as well. Increased access to electricity can improve connectivity, open doors to education and digital resources, and strengthen the community’s ability to engage with the wider world.
Looking Ahead
While challenges remain in optimizing the system to meet evolving energy demands, the EPICS Shonto Solar team continues to refine and adapt their design. Their work represents more than an engineering project—it is a commitment to equity, sustainability, and community-driven impact.
By harnessing the power of the sun, this project is not only delivering electricity, but also empowering a community with new possibilities for the future.
