How does the Tonga solar plant work?

Once operational, the solar plant will sell its electricity to Tonga’s power utility, Tonga Power Limited (TLP), through a subsidized tariff, which is assessed by the ADB for each project. The island's citizens purchase the electricity through prepaid metering.

What is solar power in Tonga?

The solar PV system is part of a 1.25 MW portfolio, where power will be sold to the island’s villagers through pre-paid net metering. The Asian Development Bank, with the help of other institutions, is supporting the deployment of solar on the Pacific Ocean’s small island nations. Tonga has a goal of 50% renewable energy by 2020 and 70% by 2030.

What is a solar farm & how can it help Tonga?

Producing energy since August this year, and providing power for up to 10,336 households, the Solar Farm is helping The Government of Tonga pursue its National Energy Roadmap plans to see up to 70% of Tongatapu’s electricity generation sourced from renewables by the end of 2025.

How many solar PV plants will be built in Tonga?

The overall project comprises nine individual solar PV plants that will have a cumulative capacity of 1.25 MW to be built on Tonga’s remote islands. Some will feature additional storage systems, to power households, public facilities, and medical facilities.

Who are Sunergise New Zealand & Tonga Power Limited?

This solar project was completed under the partnership between Sunergise New Zealand Limited and Tonga Power Limited with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Sunergise led the construction and meanwhile united local Tongan civil, mechanical and electrical sub-contractors to the team.

What does Sunergise's 6MW solar system mean for Tonga?

As Hu'akavameiliku, Prime Minister of Tonga said at the ceremony: "The successful completion of the Sunergise's 6MW Independent Power Producer solar generation system today, demonstrates the major role renewable energy independent power producers play towards achieving our 70% target by [the] end of [the] year 2025."