Wednesday, November 23, 2016

SolarCity, Tesla Motors Show Off Solar Powered Island

SolarCity and Tesla Motors are showing off the conversion of the island of Ta'u, in the American Samoa, to 100 percent solar energy today, saying it has compeltely converted Ta'u away from diesel power to a bank of solar panels. The island--which is 4,000 miles from the West Coast of the United States--has implemented a combined solar power and battery storage microgrid, providing 1.4 megawatts of solar power, and 6 megawatt hours of battery storage from 60 Tesla Powerpacks. The island previously relied on imported diesel fuel for generators, which also powered the island's water systems and pumps. According to SolarCity and Tesla, the battery bank can power the island for up to three days without sun, and the bank charges to 100 percent in 7 hours of sunlight. Ta'u has nearly 600 residents. SolarCity and Tesla said the project was funded by the American Samoa Economic Development Authority, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Interior. SolarCity and Tesla also posted a YouTube video of the project.