Native Families Lose Free Solar After Trump Cuts Program

Biden-era Solar for All program promised residential solar for tribal communities, but was abruptly ended by the Trump administration.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Solar for All program, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, was set to provide $7 million in residential solar installations for the Chippewa Cree tribe on the Rocky Boy's Reservation in Montana. However, the program was cut by the Trump administration in August, leaving only one home with completed solar panels out of the 200 planned. Tribal leaders like Joseph Eagleman and Cody Two Bears were devastated by the loss of the program, which would have brought energy sovereignty and cost savings to their communities.

Why it matters

The loss of the Solar for All program is a major setback for tribal communities seeking energy independence and relief from high electricity costs. Many Native American families live in poverty and struggle with food insecurity, making affordable energy a critical need. The program's cancellation represents another broken promise by the federal government, further eroding trust between tribes and Washington.

The details

The Solar for All program was set to provide $135 million in funding to a coalition of 14 tribes across the Northern Plains, including $7.6 million for the Chippewa Cree tribe on the Rocky Boy's Reservation. Tribal leaders like Joseph Eagleman and Cody Two Bears had hired staff and prepared to install solar panels on around 200 homes before the program was abruptly ended by the Trump administration in August. Only one home on the reservation was able to complete its solar array before the funding was cut.

  • The Solar for All program was launched in 2024 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act.
  • The program was cut by the Trump administration in August 2026.
  • The one completed solar array on the Rocky Boy's Reservation was built in the fall of 2024.

The players

Joseph Eagleman

CEO of the Chippewa Cree Energy Corporation, which manages energy development for the tribe.

Zane Patacsil

A local resident of the Rocky Boy's Reservation with experience installing solar, who was hired by Eagleman to work on the Solar for All project.

Cody Two Bears

The founder of the nonprofit Indigenized Energy, which was working to bring solar power to tribal communities before the Solar for All program was cut.

Donica Brady

The coordinator for the Solar for All program on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation, who was laid off when the program was canceled.

Thomasine Woodenlegs

A resident of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation who was hoping to receive solar panels through the Solar for All program.

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What they’re saying

“It's terrible. We were getting ready to take off.”

— Joseph Eagleman, CEO, Chippewa Cree Energy Corporation (The Daily Yonder)

“There were even members who were talking about starting their own solar businesses so they could be installing. It was very disheartening to hear that news, because we lost all of that with it.”

— Zane Patacsil, Solar installer, Rocky Boy's Reservation (The Daily Yonder)

“I want my people to be able to be self-sufficient, not have to rely on funding or things like that that can be taken away.”

— Donica Brady, Former Solar for All coordinator, Northern Cheyenne Reservation (The Daily Yonder)

What’s next

Several lawsuits have been filed against the Trump administration for ending the Solar for All program, with one case moving into oral arguments this month. Tribal leaders like Joseph Eagleman and Cody Two Bears are also seeking alternative funding sources to continue solar development on their reservations.

The takeaway

The cancellation of the Solar for All program is a major setback for tribal communities seeking energy independence and relief from high electricity costs. It represents another broken promise by the federal government, further eroding trust between tribes and Washington. However, tribal leaders remain determined to find alternative ways to bring affordable solar power to their reservations.