Island eliminates generators thanks to solar power
The Pacific island of Ta'u could become self-sufficient in electricity thanks to a solar power project.
 |
| The 1.4 MW solar power plant on Ta'u Island. Photo: SolarCity. |
The island of Ta'u in American Samoa can meet nearly 100% of its energy needs thanks to giant solar panels, a microgrid system and battery storage installed by SolarCity and Tesla, UPI reported on November 22.
The Ta'u electricity grid is managed and operated by the Samoa Electricity Authority (ASPA). About 6 megawatt hours (MWh) of excess solar energy can be stored in 60 Tesla Powerpacks, large batteries that store energy for use at night.
"It's always sunny on the island. Solar power 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 project will replace the use of more than 415,000 liters of diesel to run generators each year, plus the cost of transporting that fuel to the island of Ta'u, a distance of about 6,400 km from the west coast of the United States.
"This project will reduce the world's carbon footprint. Living on an island, we directly feel global warming. Coastal erosion and other visible 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
