Case study
Powering Fiji's remote island schools with off-grid solar
Pacific Sun Solar is a Fiji-based solar company that partners with the Its Time Foundation to deliver sustainable, off-grid solar microgrids to isolated school communities across Fiji — reliable 24-hour clean energy that redirects money once burned on diesel toward computers, smart TVs and internet access.
In partnership with
32
renewable energy systems commissioned across Fiji
40
additional installations targeted by the end of 2026
200+
island schools as the ultimate goal
The problem
The off-grid power challenge for island schools
Remote island schools in Fiji have long depended on diesel generators: costly to fuel, hard to maintain, and typically running only a few hours a day. Every litre of diesel is money that can't reach the classroom. ITF's mission is to end that dependence by establishing autonomous, round-the-clock power at remote island schools — and Pacific Sun Solar is the Fiji-based delivery partner helping put those installations on the ground.
Our contribution
Pacific Sun Solar's role
As ITF's solar delivery partner, we contribute across the full project lifecycle.
Design & engineering
Sizing microgrids to each school's load profile — from classroom lighting and devices through to teacher-residence power.
Installation & commissioning
Landing hardware, mounting arrays and bringing systems online in some of Fiji's most logistically difficult, off-grid locations.
Operations & maintenance
Keeping systems healthy over their full service life so schools stay powered year after year.
Local workforce development
Supporting the training of local crews in solar design, installation and safety, so capability stays in-country.
On the ground
School solar microgrids: progress & milestones
A recent standout is Waya Island, where an 18 kW solar microgrid was installed by the Pacific's first all-female solar crew — a direct reflection of the workforce development model that trains local women in solar design, installation and safety.
Built to last
Long-term sustainability & maintenance
The financial model
Replacing expensive, intermittent diesel with free solar saves each school thousands of dollars a year in fuel — reinvested into maintenance, repairs and digital technology. A recurring cost becomes a self-funding engine for education.
The Solar Fund
ITF operates The Solar Fund (Fiji) — a dedicated, ring-fenced fund that oversees ongoing maintenance and site surveys to protect the longevity of these off-grid systems.
Remote monitoring
Systems include remote monitoring — with Starlink integration — so support teams can track energy output and system health from anywhere, catching issues before they interrupt a school day.
Have a community project in mind?
We deliver off-grid and grid-tied solar across Fiji and the Pacific — from remote schools to commercial rooftops.