Greentech Lead America: SunWize Technologies, a provider
of sustainable energy solutions, has completed 1.75-MW solar installation on
the island of American Samoa in the South Pacific.
Backed by the United States Department of Energy and the
American Samoa Power Authority (ASPA), the new solar electric system took over
five months to install. The system consists of 7308 Sharp solar panels in a
fixed, ground-mount
system. This is the largest solar power plant in the South Pacific.
“Our new SunWize solar installation will help alleviate
that dependency by providing a much-needed ‘green’ energy resource. We hope to
obtain additional grant funding to install more of these clean, renewable
energy sources in the near future,” said Andra Samoa, ASPA CEO.
The new system was installed on a 3.93-acre site near the
island’s airport runway, located a mere 1,100 feet from the ocean.
SunWize has utilized hot-dip galvanized racking system
for the project to withstand the extremely corrosive ocean air. The potential
for 150-mile-per-hour typhoon-force winds required SunWize to secure its
racking system with special footings.
“American Samoa’s location made this particular project uniquely
challenging. Even the most basic components we needed for this project were not
available on the island. However, we created and adhered to a very strict
schedule and developed strategic relationships that helped us meet our goals,”
said Paul Garvison, senior vice president, Projects at SunWize.
The new solar installation is an important step toward
decreasing American Samoa’s dependence
on fossil fuel. The solar energy generated by the project is expected to
reduce American Samoa’s electrical rates in the future. Residents and business
owners currently pay around $0.40 per kilowatt; however, 75 percent of that
amount goes toward a fuel surcharge that the ASPA must pay its diesel
suppliers.