Harnessing the Power of Saku: The Caddo Nation's Solar Energy Journey
- Leslie Halfmoon
- Jun 18
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 20
In Caddo tradition, Nish (the moon) led the people from within the earth into the light of Saku (the sun), bringing them into a world of abundance and possibility. Today, the Caddo Nation is embarking on a new journey into the light—this time through a powerful partnership that harnesses the energy of that same sun to create a sustainable future.
In the heart of Oklahoma, this meaningful partnership has taken root between the Caddo Nation and 820, a commercial solar company based in Oklahoma City. Together, they've created Saku—the Caddo word for "sun"—a joint venture designed to bring sustainable solar energy solutions to communities across the region.
A Partnership Born from Opportunity
The story of Saku began when Adam Luck, Chief Sales Officer at 820, approached the Caddo Nation earlier this year about implementing a solar project. What started as a conversation about a single installation quickly blossomed into something much larger.
"Through our initial exploration, we realized there was a really exciting opportunity to start a joint venture," explains Adam. "At 820, we believe good business is based on relationships and trust. We knew we wanted to have a partner that already had existing relationships and could help establish trust within tribal communities."
For Zackeree Kelin, a Caddo tribal member and Vice Chairman of the Caddo Nation Economic Development Authority, the partnership represented a perfect alignment with the tribe's vision for sustainable development.
"The joint venture plays into all aspects of tribal planning and tribal programs," Zackeree notes. "It's very consistent with our own histories of how we've been connected to resources and to the land, and limiting the environmental impact we may have on our own lands."
Bringing Solar Solutions to All
Saku offers comprehensive solar energy solutions to a diverse clientele. While the joint venture grew from a partnership with the Caddo Nation and brings valuable expertise to tribal communities, its services are available to all individuals and businesses, both tribal and non-tribal. The company provides a range of solutions, from rooftop installations to carports and other innovative solar applications.
What sets Saku apart is its turnkey approach. "What is so unique about it is that we have the architects, the engineers, the technical expertise—all of it is within the package of Saku," Zackeree explains. "We can bring real solutions to both tribal communities and the broader market."
Adam elaborates on 820's expertise that now powers Saku: "We've got all in-house solutions. All of our employees are W2 employees, which is unique in the solar space. A lot of times you see companies that are contracting out and not necessarily employing the people doing the work. This allows us to have a lot of control over the products and consistency of the experience we offer customers."
This in-house approach translates to highly customized solutions. For example, with the Caddo Nation's child care center—a project currently under construction—the team was able to analyze the building plans, assess energy usage, examine the roof construction, and design a solar installation that maximizes energy offset.
Beyond Energy: Building Sustainable Communities
For the Caddo Nation, Saku represents much more than just solar panels on rooftops. It's a step toward economic sovereignty and community resilience.
"We don't want to just do economic development for the sake of economic development," Zackeree emphasizes. "It's about building capacity and opportunities within our tribe so that we have a meaningful impact on people's everyday lives in our tribal communities and in the larger community too."
The Caddo Nation's approach to economic development is deliberately diverse. Unlike many tribes that have focused primarily on gaming enterprises, the Caddo Nation is charting a different path.
"Being diversified from the very beginning allows us to solve legacy problems that our tribe has dealt with," says Zackeree. "Indian country has suffered a diaspora and a spreading out of their people, and economic development is a way of bringing people home as well."
Adam sees the partnership as mutually beneficial: "We're really excited about the partnership with the Caddo Nation and the opportunity that we see both in the short term and in the long term to do the kind of work that we're doing with 820 in Oklahoma City and the states we operate in."
Solar Power: A Bright Future
The benefits of solar energy are numerous for tribal communities. Beyond the obvious environmental advantages, solar installations can:
Reduce energy costs for tribal facilities and businesses
Create jobs and workforce development opportunities
Provide energy independence and security
Generate sustainable revenue streams
Advance tribal sovereignty through infrastructure control
Contribute to climate resilience efforts
The first Saku projects are already underway, including the Caddo Nation child care center. As Zackeree proudly announces, "Saku is launched. It is live, and their first projects are underway."
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Partnership
For both the Caddo Nation and 820, Saku represents just the beginning of a long-term vision for sustainable development in communities throughout the region.
"We're really focused on long-term development," Zackeree explains. "This approach to economic development is sustainable and allows us to reconnect with our lands while cleaning up some of the environmental legacy issues on our own lands."
Adam echoes this commitment to lasting partnerships: "We're really grateful for the partnership with the Caddo Nation and the opportunity to launch and talk about Saku."
Just as the Caddo people once emerged into the light of Saku to find a world of abundance, this new venture named Saku aims to bring communities into a new era of energy abundance and sustainability. The partnership honors the deep connection between people and land that has defined the Caddo Nation for generations while creating new opportunities for all who seek to harness the power of the sun.
Saku—harnessing the power of the sun to build a brighter future for all communities.
It's a fascinating partnership that bridges traditional values with innovative solutions for sustainable energy.
The partnership between the Caddo Nation and 820 represents such a positive step toward sustainable energy solutions while honoring traditional values. The symbolism of Saku - bringing communities into the light and abundance of the sun - creates such a powerful foundation for this venture.
