Solar Powering Kauai – Tesla Powerpack (Kauai island - United States of America)
Solar Powering Kauai – Tesla Powerpack (Kauai island - United States of America)
The Hawaiian island of Kauai received a huge solar power project by Tesla in the beginning of 2017. The problem that originated this project was that Kauai already had solar panels, but they could only be used when the sun was shining, forcing the inhabitants of the island to use fossil fuels (mostly diesel barrels) at night.
This issue is solved with Tesla Powerpacks, massive batteries that store solar energy and make it available for use whenever it is needed. The project consists of a 13MW solar farm with 54,978 panels and 252 Powerpacks comprising a 52MWh battery installation, which helps saving 1.6 million gallons of fossil fuels per year.
Kauai Island Utility Cooperative has signed a 20-year contract with Tesla to purchase electricity produced by this solar-plus-storage system, instead of buying the system itself.
Sources:
http://smartcityhub.com/collaborative-city/store-solar-power-discharge-later/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkQBVoS9lAo
https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/8/14854858/tesla-solar-hawaii-kauai-kiuc-powerpack-battery-generator
Improved Energy management.
Description of the objectives:
- Reduce dependence on fossil fuels;
- Reduce carbon emissions and promote the use of renewable energies.
Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (power company that ordered the project); Tesla (manufacturer).