Community Engagement

For us, it is not enough to just install solar systems. We seek out every opportunity to engage in renewable energy equity, justice, and education, in our own little valley and beyond.

Habitat for Humanity

With the goal of providing sustainable, affordable housing for those in need, we have done multiple solar installations for Habitat for Humanity of the Gunnison Valley. Solar electric systems help these homeowners keep their electric bills down, and send more sustainable power onto the local power grid.

Equitable Solar Solutions & Western Solar Society

Equitable Solar Solutions (ESS), part of Coldharbour Institute, works to bring affordable renewable energy to low-income residents of our valley through a donation-based system of re-using orphaned solar panels. This promotes justice by removing the barriers that prevent our low-income neighbors from accessing clean, affordable energy. Further, it mitigates the amount of solar panels in that prematurely end up in landfills, those which still hold tremendous value despite having already lived a good (albeit short), power-producing life. Often, the newly formed Western Solar Society (WSS), a Western Colorado University student group, provides labor for these projects, giving students meaningful experiences installing solar arrays. The experiences are highly educational and help young students actualize career pathways in solar while working towards shaping a better, more resilient community. We proudly provide expert guidance, equipment, and partnership to these projects.

Perpetuity Fund

Nunatak Energy takes a portion of our net sales to help offset the cost of solar projects for people who would benefit the most, both near and far.

Trades Culture Camps

Every June in Gunnison, electrical trades students from Northern New Mexico College work and learn alongside students from Western Colorado University in the form of an innovative, interdisciplinary weekling educational intensive. Themes of renewable energy, building science, sustainability, local hertitage, and more are explored within and across cultural boundaries as a way to enrich students’ academic journeys. The capstone is the installation of a solar array, for which we take primary ownership. We at Nunatak are involved throughout the program, from early-stage curriculum design and teaching to solar PV implementation and follow up.

Both of our solar designers, Donny and Andrew, are integral pieces to Trades Culture’s founding and execution. As such, we feel very connected to and proud of the program. Just as Trades Culture promotes in it’s students, we encourage our employees to stay curious about their trade, look for growth opportunities, and take part in local initiatives; well-rounded, engaged citizens make strong communities, as well as happy & healthy solar companies!