An aerial-view of the new solar PV micro-grid for the Ofu Solar Power project, powering the islands of Ofu and Olosega in Manu’a is seen in this photo. The multi-million project is to be commissioned today and a delegation from Tutuila including Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga is heading early this morning to Ofu on charter flights.

The solar PV micro-grid consists of a 350 kW solar PV array, 1.2 Megawatt battery with 1,000 kWh storage, and three new fuel efficient diesel generators, which should lower the consumption of fuel used to power the two islands by over 80%, according to ASPA Executive Director Utu Abe Malae, who is also attending the commissioning event.

The Governor is to deliver special remarks during the event, and First Lady Cynthia Malala Moliga will cut the ribbon. Once the Ofu project is commissioned, the entire Manu’a island group will be on solar energy. More details in tomorrow’s edition.