American Samoa hybrid solar generator

Will Tesla Solar power Ta'u in American Samoa?

Tesla has announced their solar panels are nearly entirely powering the island of Ta'u in American Samoa. The island used to depend entirely on imported diesel fuel for its electricity, but a new initiative has seen the islanders build a 1.4-megawatt microgrid that absorbs and stores solar power for all their energy needs.

Does American Samoa have a solar microgrid?

The island of Ta'u in American Samoa now boasts a solar microgrid from Tesla's SolarCity. Join us in The People v. Climate Change and share an environmental portrait of someone taking positive steps to protect the Earth on YourShot or social media. Use #MyClimateAction to share a first-person perspective on how we as humans face climate change.

How much solar power does American Samoa have?

In 2021, solar power accounted for about 11% of American Samoa’s electricity generating capacity. American Samoa is less than 1,000 miles south of the equator and has abundant solar energy resources.

What kind of energy does American Samoa use?

American Samoa uses imported fossil fuels for almost all of the territory's energy needs, including transportation, drinking and waste water treatment, and most (about 97% in 2020) of its electric power generation. Electricity prices in American Samoa vary with world petroleum prices.

How much does electricity cost in American Samoa?

Electricity prices in American Samoa vary with world petroleum prices. In 2021, the territory's average electricity price was more than 31 cents per kilowatthour, about 3 times higher than the U.S. average.

Does Ta'u have a solar-powered microgrid?

In November, Ta'u saw the completion of a new solar-powered microgrid, which shifted the entire island’s energy generation from 100 percent diesel fuel to 100 percent solar. (The island's population varies with the season but usually falls between 200 and 600 people.)