5 Reasons Why Hotels Should opt for Solar Energy

The hospitality industry in India is ever-growing. Many of these businesses are going solar to meet their energy needs.

In 2019, Oberoi and Trident group announced that 2 of their hotels in Gurgaon are fully operating on solar energy. In 2020, Indian Hotels Company Ltd, South Asia’s largest hospitality company announced a similar solar transition. Three Taj hotels in Mumbai began sourcing 60% of their electricity from solar power plants.

And that’s just the major ones. Countless others are turning to clean energy resources to reduce their carbon footprint along with their energy costs.

If you are a hotel owner or planning to explore that industry, let’s understand how solar can benefit your business and what are the ways you can go about this transition.

1. Cost Saving
Studies have found that hotels use 50% more energy than a similar-sized residential building, even without having full occupancy. While environmentally conscious behaviour such as switching off the appliances when not in use can be encouraged, there is no way to enforce these rules.

In this scenario, solar energy can be immensely cost-effective. Generating your electricity will help you save money on your monthly energy bills. If net metering is available in your state, you can also send your surplus power back into the grid and get compensated by the government.

Moreover, thermal electricity tariffs are constantly rising. Your solar power plant act as a buffer against these price hikes.

2. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Indian Hotel industry is expected to reach a value of over ₹1,200 billion by 2023. This massive industry is also emitting thousands of tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

The energy consumption of a single hotel accounts for almost 60% of its emissions. Organizations have to play a major role in mitigating these emissions by incorporating sustainability into their business strategy.

Solar Power is an excellent clean energy resource that will make this policy adjustment much simpler.

3. Reliable Solution
Yes, going solar requires an initial investment that can be a deterrent to many. But these clean energy systems are extremely durable and reliable as well.

The average lifespan of a solar power system is 25-30 years. The plant hardly requires maintenance apart from simple cleaning sessions every 2 weeks. Moreover, one can easily recover the initial amount in 3-4 years.

Businesses also opt for battery-based solar systems that work even during power cuts and grid failure.

4. Community Goodwill
The modern consumer is environmentally conscious and selective of the businesses he/she chooses to invest in. Individuals are increasingly gravitating towards organizations that are sustainable in their operations.

Going solar will not only have financial and environmental benefits but the decision will also improve your brand image.

5. Harness Underutilized Spaces
Hotels have access to large open areas that receive ample sun. These can be bigger spaces such as the roof, rooftop seating areas, pool area, etc., or smaller spots such as parking lots, pergolas, corridors, and outdoor seating areas.

Businesses can easily utilize these often-underutilized spots by installing solar panels on top. One can go for an integrated solar roof, Ornate InRoof, that turns the panels into a sleek functioning roof without compromising on the aesthetics of the building.

Such futuristic solutions would undoubtedly improve the consumer experience as well.

(Read more about Ornate InRoof)

1. Captive Solar- Captive solar plants are solar energy systems that businesses install for self-consumption.

• • Rooftop Solar- Solar Panels are mounted on the roof of the building. One must always ensure that the area remains shadow-free.

• • Ground Mounted Solar- Panels are mounted on open ground space. Hotels can install ground-mounted solar plants on their premises or like the Oberoi group, acquire land space to set up a plant.

• • Integrated Solar Roof- These innovative structures seamlessly incorporate solar panels into the roof itself. They are leakproof solutions that provide better area utilization and enhance the aesthetics of the building.

2. Open Access Solar

Hotels also have the option to choose an open-access solar solution, where electricity is generated at massive state-owned solar farms before being transmitted to the end consumer.

Aman-I-Khas is a unique tented resort located in the north-western outskirts of Jaipur. The resort installed a 225kW solar power plant to meet its energy demands and improve its sustainability portfolio.

A Bird-eye view of the Solar Plant at Aman-I-Khas

In ideal conditions, the power plant generates 505 units in a day, 1090 units in a day, and 32,700 units in a month. Based on the ₹8.5/unit electricity tariff cost, Aman-I-Khas saves approximately ₹2,77,950 every month.

Ornate Solar is one of the leading solar companies in India. We have partnered with the best-in-class global solar brands to provide you with a trustable, affordable, and reliable range of solar panels, inverters, and solar accessories.

We have also developed India’s first Integrated In-Roof system. Ornate InRoof is a roof made out of solar panels, which is leak-proof and looks aesthetically pleasing.

If you are exploring solar solutions for your business, reach out to us at 011 4353 6666 to discuss your options.