The first in a series of green energy projects in Manu’a that would make the eastern group of islands 100% dependent on natural resources for power was commissioned on Tau island today.
After 11 this morning in the hills of Faleasao a few miles away from Saua mentioned in proverbs as where the suns rises in the east, the Ta’u Renewable Energy Photovaltaic project was commissioned. 
From this day on, homes, government offices and businesses will be mostly powered by the sun’s energy.
The project commissioned today is the first of several projects that would make Manu’a island totally dependant on renewable energy sources like the sun for electricity.
This will result in a cleaner environment, eliminate the need to transport fuel from Tutuila in 55-gallon drums And reduce the cost of providing power to Manu’a , a cost now shared by all ASPA customers.
It also means that residents who live near the ASPA power plant in Faleasao no longer hear the loud noise from diesel generators running 24/7. 
The system commissioned today combines solar energy, battery storage that collects and stores solar power to be used when the sun is not out and diesel generators.
This is one of the projects funded with proceeds from the ASEDA bond sale and the Interior Department and was built by Solar City, a company based in San Francisco.
The sun was not out today during the commissioning which was witnessed by Governor Lolo Moliga, members of the Fono and those who have made the project possible, including ASPA, the American Samoa Renewable Energy Commission, the American Samoa Economic Development Authority and contractor Solar City.
Rev. Elder Iosefo Autele who blessed the project talked about the marvelous works of God which includes the sun and said thanks should go to Him, the creator of the powerful and free sources of energy.
It was also a proud day for Executive Director of ASPA, Utu Abe Malae and Governor Lolo Moliga, a son of Manu’a, who said never in his dreams did he envision that he would witness a day like today.
Lolo also said the commissioning of the solar project will be good for all power customers in the territory as it will mean power rates will go down.
More on the commissioning of the Ta’u solar project in later news bulletins.
