The island eliminated generators thanks to solar power.

The Pacific island of Ta'u can provide enough electricity for its residents thanks to a solar power project.

The solar power plant on Ta'u Island has a capacity of 1.4 MW. Photo: SolarCity.

The island of Ta'u, part of the American Samoa archipelago, can meet nearly 100% of its residents' energy needs thanks to the use of giant solar panels, a microgrid system, and battery storage installed by SolarCity and Tesla, UPI reported on November 22.

The electricity grid on Ta'u Island is managed and operated by the Samoan Electricity Authority (ASPA). Approximately 6 megawatt-hours (MWh) of surplus solar energy can be stored in 60 Tesla Powerpacks, large-scale battery packs used for energy storage at night.

"It's always sunny on the island. Harnessing solar energy provides enough electricity to help us sleep more comfortably and serve customers better at night," said Keith Ahsoon, owner of a grocery store on Ta'u Island.

According to Tesla, the solar power project will replace the use of more than 415,000 liters of diesel fuel to power generators annually, plus the cost of transporting that fuel to Ta'u Island, a distance of approximately 6,400 km from the west coast of the United States.

"This project will reduce the world's carbon emissions. When living on an island, we feel the effects of global warming firsthand. Coastal erosion and other noticeable changes are part of life here. It's a serious problem, and hopefully, this project will be a good example for other places to follow," Ahsoon said.

According to VNE