SolarCity developed a microgrid with 1.4 megawatts of solar generation capacity — enough to power nearly 100% of the island, according to a SolarCity blog posted on Tuesday. The microgrid is enabled by 60 Tesla Powerpacks, the company's large commercial battery, which can store solar energy at night. The project — which was funded by the American Samoa Economic Development Authority, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Interior — was implemented within one year and commenced operations this week. Tesla was also selected in September to provide 20 MW/80 MWh Powerpack system at the Southern California Edison Mira Loma substation, making it the largest lithium ion battery storage project in the world. The new Tesla will provide traditional solar panel installation in addition to selling solar roof shingles.
