First Nations & Community Solar
Community solar &
training programs.
Empowering First Nations communities with clean energy independence. Turn-key installations, crew training, and ownership models designed to build local capacity and lasting savings.
Full-Service Installation
Turn-Key Community Installations
Prairie Sun Solar handles every aspect of your community solar project. From initial assessment and system design through procurement, installation, and commissioning. Your community gets a complete, operating solar system without the complexity of managing the build.
Community buildings we serve
- Band offices
- Health centres and clinics
- Schools and education centres
- Community halls and recreation facilities
- Housing developments
- Water treatment plants
- Arena and sports complexes
Federal Tax Incentive
Clean Electricity ITC for Indigenous Communities
The CE ITC is a 15% refundable tax credit specifically designed for Indigenous-owned corporations, Crown corporations, and municipalities that cannot claim the larger 30% CT ITC. This means real money back for your community.
How It Works
- 15% refundable tax credit with labour compliance (5% without)
- Specifically for Indigenous-owned corporations, Crown corps, municipalities
- Active from April 16, 2024 through 2034
- Retroactive: any qualifying installation since April 2024 can claim
- CCA 100% write-off also available for taxable corporations
- Refundable means you get the credit even without tax owing
Example: 100 kW Community Installation
Numbers are illustrative. Actual costs and savings vary by location, system design, and utility rates. We provide detailed projections for every project.
Flexible Structures
Ownership Models
Three paths to community solar. We work with your leadership to find the structure that best fits your community's goals and resources.
Community Ownership
Your First Nations corporation owns the solar system outright. Claim the full 15% CE ITC refundable tax credit, plus CCA 100% write-off if the entity has taxable income. Full ownership means full savings for decades.
- Claim 15% CE ITC refundable credit
- CCA 100% write-off available
- Own the energy savings long-term
- Build community energy assets
Best for
Communities with an Indigenous-owned corporation and access to capital or financing
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
PSS owns and operates the solar system on your community buildings. You purchase the power at a locked-in rate lower than utility prices. No capital required, immediate savings from day one.
- $0 upfront investment required
- Immediate electricity cost savings
- No maintenance responsibility
- Locked-in lower power rates
Best for
Communities wanting immediate savings without capital outlay or system ownership
Partnership / Joint Venture
A joint venture structure between PSS and the community to maximize incentive capture from both sides. We bring the installation expertise and capital, you bring the eligible entity status for CE ITC.
- Maximize combined incentives
- Shared risk and reward
- Community retains partial ownership
- Structured for long-term benefit
Best for
Communities wanting ownership participation with reduced risk and shared expertise
Building Local Capacity
Crew Training Programs
We don't just install solar and leave. PSS trains community members to install and maintain solar systems, creating local jobs and building long-term self-sufficiency. Your community gains real skills from a team that has installed thousands of systems across Saskatchewan.
What Trainees Learn
- Solar panel and racking installation
- Electrical safety and wiring fundamentals
- Inverter setup and system commissioning
- System monitoring and performance tracking
- Routine maintenance and troubleshooting
- Snow management and seasonal care
Assessment and Planning
We meet with community leadership to understand energy needs, identify candidate buildings, and develop a project plan that aligns with community priorities.
Crew Selection and Classroom Training
Community members are selected for the training program. Classroom sessions cover solar fundamentals, electrical safety, and system design principles.
Hands-On Installation
Trainees work alongside PSS installers on the actual community installation. Learning by doing on real systems builds confidence and competence.
Maintenance Certification
Trained crew members learn monitoring, troubleshooting, cleaning, and routine maintenance. They become the community's first line of system support.
Long-Term Independence
Community Self-Maintenance
After training, your community crew takes the lead on day-to-day system care. PSS stays in the background with ongoing technical support whenever you need it.
Routine Monitoring
Community crew monitors system performance through online dashboards and alerts, catching issues early.
Seasonal Maintenance
Panel cleaning, snow management, vegetation control, and visual inspections handled by trained local crew.
Minor Repairs
Trained community members handle connector replacements, fuse changes, and basic electrical troubleshooting.
PSS Technical Backup
Our team is available by phone and video for complex diagnostics, warranty claims, and specialized service.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Started
Discuss a Community Project
Every community is different. Let's talk about your energy goals, available funding, and the best path forward for your First Nations community.