SolarCity has selected Tesla Energy to supply the batteries for a first-of-its-kind solar array and energy storage system to be built for Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative.
The 52MWh Tesla Powerpack lithium-ion battery storage system will feed up to 13MW of electricity onto the grid to “shave” the amount of conventional power generation needed to meet peak demand between 5pm to 10pm.
The proposed project is believed to be the first utility-scale system in the USA to provide dispatchable solar energy – the utility can count on electricity being available when it’s needed, even hours after the sun goes down.
The array and battery storage facility will be built on 50 acres of land owned by Grove Farm Company and adjacent to Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative’s Kapaia power station.
The project has already its required state and county approvals and is now awaiting approval by the Hawai’i Public Utilities Commission.
KIUC and SolarCity have requested an accelerated timetable for review of the project so that construction can start in April with a goal of being in commercial operation by the end of 2016.
Image: the project aims to be operating by the end of the year (sxc)
