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.

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.

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 does American Samoa generate electricity?

Some of its islands generate electricity from solar energy. 5, 6 Pago Pago, one of the deepest natural harbors in the South Pacific, is among the territory's most important assets. It receives the imported petroleum products that American Samoa depends on to meet almost all of its energy needs. 7, 8

Will a Tesla refuel a Samoan island?

It was funded by American Samoan and US authorities (including the Department of Interior), and Tesla says it will offset the island’s use of more than 109,500 gallons of diesel per year, as well as the expense of shipping that fuel in.