SMA Solar Technology AG and its subsidiary SMA Sunbelt Energy GmbH have installed French Polynesia’s s first integrated PV-plus-storage project.
The project features an output of more than 1MW on the island of Tetiaroa, with 60% of the island’s electricity demand covered following the completion of the installation. In addition, up to 500,000 liters of fuel can be saved on the island annually.
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This project will help generate renewable energy for The Brando resort, located on the island.
Wiebke Krüger, project manager at SMA Sunbelt Energy GmbH, said: “The Brando resort already had a PV system along the landing strip, the output of which has doubled to 1.4MW with the update and expansion.
“Thanks to the integration of the battery-storage system with a capacity of 2.6 MWh, 60% of the electricity supply now comes from solar energy. The island’s grid quality was also improved once again. The Sunny Central Storage battery inverter from SMA with grid-forming properties and the new black start function, combined with the SMA Hybrid Controller, ensures that after a power failure a stable network can be formed again within seconds and can be reliably hold.”
Richard Bailey, CEO of Pacific Beachcomber, the operator of the resort, added: “We have benefited from SMA and SMA Sunbelt Energy GmbH’s wealth of experience with island electrification projects. I am delighted that we have been able to further enhance sustainability on Tetiaroa with the PV system and integrated battery-storage system.
“We are very happy with the update and expansion of the PV system as well as the installation of the battery-storage system. The protection and conservation of the unique natural environment are personally very important to me. For some of our guests, The Brando serves as inspiration and a model for the implementation of their own sustainable projects.”