A remote tropical island has catapulted itself headlong into the future by ditching diesel and powering all homes and businesses with the scorching South Pacific sun. Using more than 5,000 solar panels and 60 Tesla power packs the tiny island of Ta’u in American Samoa is now entirely self-sufficient for its electricity supply – though the process of converting has been tough and pitted with delays. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Ta’u island, part of American Samoa, is off the grid and sustainable with solar power Photograph: American Samoa Power AuthorityFive of those fifteen locals – previously low skilled, odd-job men on the island – have now transitioned to full-time jobs as solar power technicians managing the grid. Associate Professor Ashton Patridge from the faculty of engineering at Auckland University said “off-the-grid, small communities” like Ta’u were “ideally suited” to harnessing solar power. Facebook Twitter Pinterest A sailing ship stands in the harbor at Pago Pago, capital of American Samoa.

Source: The Guardian November 28, 2016 05:03 UTC