Turtle Island Resort in Fiji has recently completed a major solar installation, making it one of the first clean energy resorts in the world.

The new installation renders the island resort nearly 100 per cent self-sufficient on the sun's clean energy.

The project, which began in early 2012 and is now fully operational, has seen almost 970 solar panels installed on the island.

It produces one mega watt of power a day, which is enough to cover 100 per cent of the power needs of the island on a sunny day. On rainy or cloudy days, the backup generator reduces the total solar power to 85 per cent.

Environmentally, the new solar project will save an estimated 85,000 litres of diesel fuel per year, or 220 tons of carbon emissions, significantly reducing the island's carbon footprint, and the resort owners hope it will set a new standard for luxury resorts worldwide.

Sustainability has always been a key factor on Turtle Island. Owner Richard Evanson purchased the island in 1972 and carried out an intensive reforestation program over the last three decades, planting almost 900,000 trees on the island, 100,000 of which are mahogany. Other projects promoting sustainability include a four-acre natural hydroponic garden, as well as extensive composting and recycling.

Evanson said: "For over 30 years we've tried to impact the environment as little as possible. 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."

Turtle Island Resort is nestled in the Yasawa chain of islands in the South Pacific and features 14 private, beachfront Fijian-style "bures" or villas, with gourmet dining, fine wines and champagnes, as well as outdoor activities such as horseback riding, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, reef fishing, kayaking and windsurfing.