Page 9 - North American Clean Energy January February 2014

EMPUS Bump-outs feature numerous solar-powered devices, and even store solar heat
Each EMPUS unit stores electricity in eight lead-acid batteries

In 2012, forty 4x8 EMPUS Bump-outs were installed—compact, low-cost, modular To keep their EMPUS module running continuously, each family pays a $35 monthly fee
versions of the full units (without complete bathrooms).
that covers maintenance, servicing, and replacement of key components. In addition, each
elder and another family member will receive training to help with non-technical tasks.
A solar device building
“We want to create our own trained workforce for a sustainable future,” explained

EMPUS Bump-outs feature numerous solar-powered devices, but what’s most unique is Johnson. “Ultimately, this project creates jobs for 25 years, while bringing vital electricity,
that the buildings themselves store solar heat.
water, and sanitation to the Navajo people using clean energy.”
Solar thermal hot-air panels use advanced solar absorbers in the hot-air panels to heat Today, the program is expanding to include energy eiciency, retroitting, and home

the super-insulated structure. he unit itself absorbs heat in the daytime, and then releases weatherization. Even wind turbines from Native American-owned Cherokee Wind are
that heat as it cools down at night. Two insulated ducts send excess warm air from the being included.
EMPUS into the home during the day, reducing the need for non-sustainable wood and “By collaborating with nature,” Johnson said, “we have designed and engineered an
coal-burning stoves, which degrade interior air quality. he EMPUS also features solar- innovative, durable, and economical approach that’s evolved from a single project into

powered cooling and ventilation.
a much more long-term venture. Now, we’ve even renamed the project ‘Plateau Solar
Solar power comes from high-eiciency solar modules, with a two-kilowatt (kW) and Wind,’ and we’re looking for new partners to expand our work to all indigenous
equivalent solar panel system. he array includes passive solar tracking to increase communities here and worldwide.”
eiciency and reduce costs. A charge controller was also designed with a Navajo language Mark Snyder is excited about the future. “I’m so grateful to IINA Solutions, the ive

voiceover for monitoring activity and alerting maintenance people of any abnormal Navajo chapters, and all our other partners,” he says. “After over 37 years in the renewable
conditions.
energy industry, there’s still nothing more rewarding than improving living conditions,
Inside the unit, a regulated, climate-controlled temperature maximizes battery life. creating green jobs, training skilled workers, and bringing power to the people.”
Batteries are especially vulnerable because if they’re left out in the rain, dust, or snow, they

can die early. Dozens of batteries were ield-tested for lifespan, durability, and performance John Connell is the VP of SLI products at Crown Battery Manufacturing Company.
before choosing advanced technology batteries. Each EMPUS unit currently houses eight to
16, 400aH, six-volt renewable power batteries.
Funding agencies for Plateau Solar Project are USDA Rural Development, Renewable Energy
Finally, a 500-gallon water tank and solar-powered pump provides clean, running water Investment Fund (REIF), administered by the Grand Canyon Trust. Contributions of time and

to a sink and/or bathroom in the elder’s house. Water is hauled only from certiied clean donations by Engineers Without Borders also made the project possible. To learn more, visit
water sources. his is important in the area, as uranium tailings from earlier decades of www.iinasolutions.com or www.marksnyderelectric.com.
mining have contaminated many wells, making the local water unsafe to drink.
Crown Battery Manufacturing Company

Building the future
www.crownbattery.com
“Navajo on the reservation face 50% unemployment—one of the highest rates in the
nation,” said Johnson. “his project creates green jobs by cross-training local workers to
plumb, wire, and rewire homes, and install solar systems to meet or exceed industry codes

and standards.”

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