Solar For Hotels
One of the industries with the biggest energy demands is the hospitality sector. To keep their guests comfortable, hotels and resorts require a lot of energy to run their facilities and systems. Large-scale solar PV systems can help balance the high electricity bills caused by this high power usage.
Can a Hotel Be Powered by Solar Panels?
Even though the majority of hotels use natural gas and electricity, solar energy can be quite advantageous for any hotel. Solar power systems offer dependable, efficient, and clean electricity for a variety of energy-demanding tasks, including as
- Catering
- Charging stations
- Elevators
- Entertainment
- Hot water heaters
- HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
- Laundry
- Lighting
- Office equipment
- Refrigeration
Mobile charging stations are an innovative way for hotels to use solar energy.
Hotels use different amounts of energy depending on their size and the facilities they provide. To meet their energy needs, large hotels may require thousands of solar panels placed in multiple locations.
The quantity of solar panels required to supply electricity to a hotel is determined by its
- Amenities
- Energy requirements
- Financing capacity
- Location
- Size and available installation space
How Much Can Solar Energy Save a Hotel?
Solar energy can save a hotel between 30 and 50 percent of its energy costs on average. Depending on variables like the solar power system’s size, the season, and changing energy usage, this could be higher or lower.
Large-scale solar power installation reduces operational expenses over time, despite the significant upfront cost. Since 2011, American hotels have improved their energy efficiency, saving around $290 million on water and energy costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Hotels that switch to solar energy save money in the following ways:
Utility bills are reduced or eliminated because solar energy is renewable. A hotel quickly begins to save money on natural gas and electricity as it goes online. A hotel that uses only solar energy can have no utility costs after the system has paid for itself.
Tax breaks: Hoteliers who switch to solar energy can take advantage of the federal government’s Investment Tax Credit (ITC), just like other business owners. Additionally, some jurisdictions provide extra tax breaks, incentives, and refunds to entice lodging facilities and commercial establishments to convert to solar power.
Affordable financing options: Many hoteliers are unable to cover the initial fees of solar installation due to its high cost. However, a number of solar enterprises and financial institutions provide businesses looking for solar solutions with a variety of financing choices, including grants and solar loans.
Enhanced cash flow and prospective revenue: Lower electricity costs give hotels more money to spend on other projects, such as increasing amenities and the visitor experience. Additionally, they can sell extra energy back to the grid by using net metering. If the solar electricity created surpasses their energy requirements, they can even distribute it to nearby residences and businesses.
What Happens If There Is Not Enough Roof Space for Solar at a Hotel?
Pool area: Having canopies in the pool areas protects visitors from the intense heat. These locations are also good for solar panel installation.
Parking lot: Hotel visitors like having a shaded carport. Installing solar panels on the parking lot canopies is a win-win situation for hotel owners.
Outdoor sitting places: By using solar canopies above, hoteliers can create areas with shade. Guests may relax and rejuvenate with solar-powered benches and charging tables.
Unused or underutilized grounds: Ground-mounted solar panels work best in hotels with extensive land tracks. Hotels can employ SolarSkin overlays to personalise the panels, which is also a great branding opportunity. Visitors can view any design when they gaze down at the ground solar array from their rooms.
What Is The Price Of Hotel Solar Panels?
Commercial solar panel installation costs $2-$4 per watt, however this amount varies depending on various factors.
The Solar Company
Solar providers charge different pricing for solar panels and installation services. Depending on the features included in a certain package, some have different quotes. The cost of installing solar panels is typically higher for large (or national) enterprises than for smaller suppliers.
Nonetheless, national businesses are typically known for their strong warranties and dependable, superior service.
The Solar Panel Type
The size, composition, longevity, and efficiency of solar panels vary. Because of these differences, the type of solar panel will determine how much it costs to install. For example, because of its superior longevity and energy efficiency, monocrystalline solar panels are more expensive than polycrystalline ones. Because they are less efficient than monocrystalline solar panels, thin-film solar panels are less expensive; but, in order to produce the same amount of power, a hotel will require a far bigger installation space.
The quantity of solar panels needed
The size of a hotel’s solar power system depends on its energy requirements. Of course, the initial expenses rise with the number of solar panels.
Installation Simplicity
It is simple to install solar panels on angled, flat, or standard rooftops. Costs may increase due to complicated roofs or unusual installation sites.
Place or Area
Compared to colder areas, hotels in hotter or arid regions can produce more solar power with fewer solar panels. Additionally, hotels in hotter areas benefit from reduced installation costs for solar panels and more governmental subsidies.
Additionally, hotels located in areas with high electricity rates will ultimately save more money by installing solar power, particularly if they break even in less than ten years.
Benefits of Using Solar For hotels
In addition to lower operational expenses, hotels benefit from solar energy through enhanced customer experiences and green marketing.
The following are the benefits of hotels and visitors converting to solar power:
Sustainability: Solar energy is beneficial to the environment because it is renewable. It is also dependable and efficient. Hence, by producing clean, sustainable energy, hotels help to reduce harmful emissions.
Better customer experience: By using solar energy, hotel operators can provide their visitors first-rate services. For instance, solar-powered carports, outside lighting, and electric vehicle charging stations are all appealing features that increase hotel occupancy rates.
Retention of employees: Using solar energy also makes the workplace more environmentally friendly for workers. Because their employees are happier and believe their company shares their vision, hotel owners who use solar may be more likely to retain talent.
Green marketing: Going green is the best method for hotels to gain a positive reputation and high LEED scores in a time when consumers are concerned about the environment. Travellers who want to reduce their carbon impact will hunt for and choose hotels with solar electricity.