Turtle Island Resort in Yasawas, Fiji, has installed a groundbreaking solar installation, making it one of the first-ever clean energy resorts in the world.
Currently operational, the project commenced in early 2012 and required a total of 938 solar panel installations on the island. The resort now runs on an average of 85 percent solar power-more than any other island resort in Fiji.
“For over 30 years we’ve tried to impact the environment as little as possible,” says Richard Evanson, owner of Turtle Island. “This solar project has long been a goal for us and we’re very proud to finally see it come to fruition for the benefit of our guests and for the environment.”

The solar panels produces 1 mega watt of power a day enough to cover 100 percent of the power needs of the island on a sunny day. On rainy or cloudy days, a backup generator reduces the total solar power to about 85 percent to maintain energy efficiency.
The installation will save an estimated 22,454 gallons of diesel fuel per year-or an estimated 220 tons of carbon emissions-significantly reducing the island’s carbon footprint.

In preserving the island’s natural biodiversity, Evanson has also restored the island with a 90 percent tree canopy-made up of 900,000 trees. Other sustainable projects include a four-acre natural hydroponic garden, as well as extensive composting and recycling.
