Can a small island generate solar power?

Larger islands have the potential to generate hydro power—Fiji, PNG, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Samoa, and Vanuatu. The viability of solar power is limited on smaller islands due to land scarcity. However, an uptake of rooftop solar and/or offshore wind could be feasible.

Can solar power help Puerto Rico achieve energy independence and resilience?

The Puerto Rican islands of Vieques and Culebra will study the feasibility of achieving energy independence and resilience using rooftop and community solar power. DOE partners with these islands to provide renewable energy.

How will modernization impact the Pacific Islands' energy sector?

In addition to increased access to electricity and more resilient infrastructure, some locales are targeting as much as 100% renewables for their energy mix. The modernization of the Pacific Islands’ energy sector promises to strengthen local economies and enhance the quality of life for residents.

How do solar panels work in Kauai?

Solar panels dot the landscape and sprout from rooftops, bolstered by loans that help finance installations. Renewables account for one-third of the state’s energy mix, though that figure is higher in places like Kauaʻi, where nearly 60 percent of the power is green.

What is Block Island's energy plan?

Block Island, Rhode Island is looking to identify renewable energy sources that can be used to generate electricity on the island and reduce reliance on imported electricity and fuels. The community will engage in energy planning to shore up its resilience, particularly in the face of sea-level rise.

Which islands have a potential for wind power?

The potential for wind power is limited on some islands by seasonality and land capacity. Larger islands have the potential to generate hydro power—Fiji, PNG, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Samoa, and Vanuatu. The viability of solar power is limited on smaller islands due to land scarcity.