The small island of Ta’u in American Samoa is benefiting from Elon Musk’s push for a renewable energy future thanks to Tesla and SolarCity.
Located over 4,000 miles from the west coast of the United States, the island used to receive its electricity from large generators powered by diesel. But now, almost 100 per cent of Ta’u’s energy needs are provided by a micro-grid of 5,328 solar panels and 60 Tesla Powerpacks situated near the coast.
The solar panel facility offers 6 Megawatt hours of storage and is able to power the island for three full days even without direct sunshine. It also provides energy independence for all of Ta’u’s near 600 residents.
According to local shop owner Keith Ahsoon, “This is part of making history. This project will help lessen the carbon footprint of the world. Living on an island, you experience global warming firsthand. Beach erosions and other noticeable changes are a part of life here. It’s a serious problem, and this project will hopefully set a good example for everyone else to follow.”
In Leonardo DiCaprio’s recent National Geographic documentary ‘Before the Flood’, Elon Musk told the Hollywood actor that it would take approximately 100 battery giga-factories to provide for all the world’s electricity needs.