Tesla has recently acquired SolarCity, a solar panel producer and solar energy company. Though much of the talk surrounding that acquisition has been around Tesla's plan to create functional and regularly used solar roofs, the two companies have quietly undertaken a massive public works project as a show of their efficacy. They have built an infrastructure system to power an entire island.
Ta'u is a small island in the archipelago of American Samoa. The island previously derived all of its power from diesel generators. With the new Tesla and SolarCity system, the island has transferred virtually all of its energy to that green and renewable alternative.
Ta'u's new microgrid consists of 5,328 solar panels and 60 Tesla Powerpacks. The system takes just seven hours to charge fully and can power the islands for three full days without any sun.
Solar-Powered Islands
Tesla is Converting the Entire Island of Ta'u in American Samoa to Solar
Trend Themes
1. Renewable Energy Infrastructure - The creation of a solar-powered microgrid on Ta'u island showcases the potential for building and implementing renewable energy infrastructure on a larger scale.
2. Energy Independence - The successful transition of Ta'u island to solar power demonstrates the opportunity for achieving energy independence through renewable energy solutions.
3. Sustainable Microgrids - The development of sustainable microgrids using solar panels and energy storage systems presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for remote communities and islands.
Industry Implications
1. Renewable Energy - The renewable energy industry can benefit from the example of Ta'u island to showcase the viability and potential of solar energy in powering entire communities.
2. Energy Storage - The energy storage industry can capitalize on the success of the solar-powered microgrid on Ta'u island by developing more efficient and cost-effective energy storage solutions for remote areas.
3. Infrastructure Development - From planning to implementation, the infrastructure development industry can explore opportunities in creating sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure systems for islands and remote locations.