Solar Panels for Hotels

In this environment conscious era, hotel owners are becoming attracted to solar panel installation to reduce their costs and carbon footprints. In 2023, a massive increase was observed in installation systems for the US hospitality industry.

Solar systems for hotels not only boost efficiency but also minimize costs, attract environmentally conscious clients, and improve customer satisfaction, which leads to more customers and ultimately increases profits for hotel owners.

In this blog, we will discuss solar panel installation for hotels, costs, advantages, and disadvantages. So, if you are a hotel owner and are deciding whether to install solar panels, this blog will help you make your decision.

Importance of Renewable Energy for the Hotel Industry

Hotel owners have recognized the importance of solar panels for the hospitality industry. They have listened to the calls of environment-conscious guests. Besides this, the hotel industry is a significant sector where heating, cooling, and lighting require energy on a large scale. Producing this energy from fossil fuels contributes to polluting the environment. So, replacing these fossil fuel sources with renewable energy resources can reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a larger scale and reduce carbon footprints, ultimately leading to a better environment for the coming generations.

Benefits of Solar Panels for Hotels

The hotel industry is leveraging many benefits due to solar Installation. Let’s explore these benefits in detail.

Cost Savings

Hotels with many rooms, large laundries, and pressing require a lot of electricity. Moreover, they need energy supply without any disturbance. On average, one hotel room spends 2196$ per year on energy expenses. On top of that, prices are increasing daily, continuously improving costs—solar installation and energy costs by harnessing the sun’s power. Although the initial solar installation cost is a hefty amount, installing is worth it for long-term cost savings. Moreover, various incentives and rebates are available in all states to lower costs.

Increase Revenue

Solar Installations can increase hotel owners’ revenue in many ways. For example, if you invest a good amount and install more KWh than you need, you can sell energy to the local grid and earn a profit. Moreover, installing solar installations is a good marketing tool to attract like-minded guests to your hotel. More customers increase revenue. Various incentives and tax reductions are also available, reducing the installation’s upfront cost.

Energy Independency

Solar installation with battery backup makes hotels energy-independent. They don’t have to rely on the local grid for the electrical supply. Moreover, this feature can also be used as a marketing tool. They can claim to operate during power outages.

Reduce Carbon Footprint

Solar installation for hotels reduces carbon footprints on a larger scale, and hotel owners can take pride in creating a healthier environment for the next generation.

Enhance Positive Image

The solar installation depicts your constellation as a sustainable environment. It also enhances the positive image of your brand for customer service excellence because it shows how you care for your customers and are committed to providing them with a 24/7 energy supply.

Differentiate Your Brand From Others

Solar installation differentiates installation from others. It attracts more global customers who are conscious about sustainable energy, and due to this unique feature, you can offer a higher price than others in your area.

Increase Property Value

Solar system installation increases the property value by up to 4 percent.

Cons of Solar Panels for Hotels

With too many benefits, solar panels for hotels also have some disadvantages. Let’s discuss them.

High Installation Cost

Hotels require a large number of panels to meet their daily needs. As the size of the solar system increases, the upfront cost also increases. According to an estimation, a 50-kilowatt to 100-kilowatt commercial solar system ranges from $130,000 to $250,000, which is a very massive amount. However, various solar incentives and rebates are available in all states to cope with these cost expenditures and make it affordable for hotel owners.

Space Requirement

Solar panels for hotels require more panels, which require more space. Moreover, the direction of the sun is also very important when placing the solar panel. In the US, roof exposure to the southern sun is considered best for solar system installation. So, space to place the panels and the requirement for sun exposure are the main problems.

Solar Panels Performance in Winters

Solar panels are an intermittent source of energy. They need a specific requirement to produce energy from the sun. In winter, solar panels produce less energy, which is not sufficient to meet the hotel’s needs. Moreover, during storms and rainy weather, the efficiency of the solar system is affected.

Need Professional Help

The installation of the solar system at such a prominent place requires professional help for installation, and maintenance, , which is a headache for the hotel’s owners.

Types of Solar Panels and Technologies for Hotels

Hotels have various options for solar panel types and technologies; they can choose any one according to their energy demand. Let’s explore multiple options like Monocrystalline solar panels, Polycrystalline solar panels and Thin films Monocrystalline are made up of single silicon cells; they are efficient in producing energy and are suitable for hotels with less space for the solar system. Polycrystal Lines are made of accumulating various silicon cells; they are less efficient and occupy more space. These are suitable for hotels with large installation areas and a small budget. Installation is flexible and ideal for hotels with uneven roofs or grounds. They are low-cost and highly efficient.

Other Technologies as Renewable Energy Resources

Besides solar installation, there are also some other renewable energy resources which are

• Wind energy
• Geothermal solutions
• Solar Thermal system
• Solar Carports
• Hybrid Solar System

Wind Energy

Wind turbines are also a great source of renewable energy for hotels. In this case, the turbines are placed straight on the site. Some factors affect wind energy production, such as wind direction, location, and environment. A wind energy expert can tell you about the suitability of these factors for wind turbine installation at your site.

Geo Thermal Solutions

Geothermal solutions are gaining attraction in the hospitality industry. In these, the earth’s natural heat is trapped through heat pumps, providing a natural and eco-friendly HVAC system for hotel buildings. Solar Thermal Solutions In this system, the sun’s energy heats the water instead of producing electricity. These systems benefit hotels that require more warm water for their pools, spas, and showers.

Solar Carports

This is the installation of the solar system other than the roof. For example, Pool, parking, and outdoor seating areas have shades in the hotels where the solar system is installed. Solar carports are suitable for hotels that do not have enough space on the roof to place a solar system.

Hybrid Solar System

These solar systems are hybrid systems that utilize sun energy to produce electricity or heat water.

Cost of Solar Panels for Hotels

The average price of solar installation for commercial seat installation ranges between 2-4$. However, it can vary depending on the following factors.

Installing company charges

Every solar installation company offers various quotations. Most experienced companies have higher quotations. Many startups have a good history of quality installation. Proper homework is required to choose an affordable installation company. You can also contact “Solar Master Pro” for a reasonable installation.

Size of the solar system

The size of the solar system directly affects the price. The more KW you’re required, the more money you will pay. Number of solar panels required The number of solar panels you need depends on your energy requirements. More energy means more panels are required, which will ultimately increase the upfront cost.

Location of your hotel

The location of your hotel directly affects the upfront cost of solar installation. For example, if your installation state has hot weather throughout the year, you can produce more solar energy with fewer solar panels and vice versa.

Future trends in solar energy for hotels

Innovative solar solutions and technologies are leveraging the hospitality industry. Hotels with solar systems installed have gained a superior position in the US hospitality industry in terms of profits and guest satisfaction. Considering the current benefits to the hostel industry, the future of solar installation is very bright. Collaboration with the solar panels manufacturers, installation companies and hotels are increasing. Environment-conscious travelers have compelled hotel owners to consider solar installation. Moreover, the government’s solar system incentives will also attract hotel owners to install solar panels.

Reasons Why Hotels must Install Solar Panels

• Solar panels are a good source of renewable energy
• Reduce the carbon footprints and are helpful for a healthier environment
• Save the cost on electrical expenditures
• Attract more environment-conscious customers
• Enhance the revenue

How to Install Solar Energy For Hotels?

Installing a solar system means investing a significant amount over a lifetime. Here is a complete guide to help you make this investment more fruitful and beneficial.

Know Daily Energy Requirement

The first and foremost step is to assess your daily energy requirements.

Installation Feasibility

The next step is to determine the installation’s feasibility. This includes analyzing the roof condition, size, roof angle, weather conditions, pre-installation services requirements, etc.

Customized Solar Design

The next step is designing a customized solution for your hotel that meets your energy requirements.

Get Permits

After designing a solar solution, the next step is getting approval from the higher authorities.

Purchasing of Solar Systems

After That, you must purchase a solar system from a reliable manufacturer. We advise you to purchase from a manufacturer with at least three years of experience in manufacturing.

Installation of Solar System

The final step is installing the solar system in the chosen structure, ground, walls, corridors)

Battery Installation/Net Metering

The final step is the battery installation and connecting the solar system with the net metering. Did you know that various solar installation companies in the US can handle your installation from start to end? If you are an installer such as this, contact the Solar Master Pro team.

List of the hotels that are using Solar panels in the USA

• Accor—PLANET 21
• Apple Hospitality REIT, Inc.
• Arlo Hotels—Arlo Cares
• ARAMARK
• Aspen Skiing Co.
• Banyan Tree Hotels & Resort
• Benchmark Resorts & Hotels
• Boyne Resorts—ForeverProject
• Brighton Management—Brighton Saves Green
• Brookfield Properties
• Burgeon Hotel Group
• BWH Hotels—Because We Care
• The Cabot Collection
• Caesars Entertainment—PEOPLE PLANET PLAY
• Canary Wharf Group
• Carlson
• Choice Hotels International—Room to be Green
• Club Med—Happy to Care
• Concord Hospitality
• Crestline Hotels & Resorts—EarthPact
• Davidson Hospitality Group
• Delaware North Companies—GreenPath
• Divi Resorts
• Dusit International—Tree of Life
• Evans Hotels—We Care
• Four Seasons Hotels
• Global Hotel Alliance—Green Collection
• Great Wolf Resorts
• GreenTree Hospitality Group, Inc.
• Groupe Germain
• Grupo Posadas—Travel With Sense
• Guest Services, Inc.
• Hard Rock International—Save the Planet
• HEI Hospitality—HEI Loves
• Hersha Hospitality Trust—EarthView
• Highgate Hotels, L.P.
• High Hotels Ltd.
• Hilton Grand Vacations—HGV Serves
• Hilton Worldwide—Travel with Purpose
• Host Hotels & Resorts
• Hostmark Hospitality Group—Promise Program
• Hyatt Corp.—World of Care
• IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts—Wave of Change
• InterContinental Hotels Group—Journey to Tomorrow
• Innisfree Hotels—The Hive
• ITC Hotels—Responsible Luxury
• Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group—EarthCare
• Las Vegas Sands—Eco 360°
• Legacy Vacation Resorts
• Mandarin Oriental—Naturally Better
• Marriott International—Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction
• Melia Hotels International—Travel for Good
• MGM Resorts International
• Millennium Hotels & Resorts
• Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts
• Montage International
• New Gen Hospitality Management, LLC
• NH Hotel Group
• Noble Investment Group
• Omni Hotels & Resorts
• OTO Development
• Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts—PanEarth
• Park Hotels & Resorts
• PM Hotel Group
• Preffered Hotels & Resorts—GIFTTS
• Real Hospitality Group
• RIU—Proudly Committed
• Rosewood Hotels & Resorts—Rosewood Impacts
• Rotana Hotel Management Corp.—Rotana Earth
• Sandals Resorts International—Earth Guard
• Six Senses Hotels Resorts and Spas
• Soneva—SLOW LIFE
• Soul Community Planet—Every Stay Does Good
• Sun Siyam Resorts—Sun Siyam Cares
• Sunstone Hotel Investors
• Summit Hotel Properties
• Taos Ski Valley—Taos Verde
• Vail Resorts—Echo
• Virgin Hotels
• Vision Hospitality Group
• Walt Disney Co.
• White Lodging Services
• Wyndham Worldwide—Wyndham Green
• Xanterra Parks & Resorts

Challenges of installing solar panels in hotels

Solar installation in the hospitality industry has to face various chellanges. It would help if you considered these challenges when installing them for your hotel.

Energy Requirement

Each hotel requires a different amount of energy. Small hotels require less energy, while large hotels require more. To meet your daily needs, it is necessary to understand your daily energy requirement. You can analyze your daily energy consumption by analyzing your regular consumption for consecutive 3 to 4 months. The advisable way is to hire a solar installer who will give you the best idea about your energy requirement and propose a customized solar solution. You can also contact us to hire an experienced solar installer.

Initial Investment

Solar panel installation is considered costly. If you are planning to install a solar setup for your hotel, You must have an initial amount of solar panel installation in hand. You can repay this amount in a few years regarding electricity bill savings. Moreover, Federal tax crest and various local solar incentives in your state also lower the initial cost. You can also ask for a loan, but remember that in the case of a loan, the payback period for the solar investment becomes more extended than usual because you have to pay the loan.

Maintenance and Monitoring Charges

Annual Monitoring and maintenance of the solar system at such a high level require some professional help. Without Monitoring and assessment, the solar system’s efficiency may decrease over the years.

Regulatory Compliance

Each state has some standard codes for installing solar panels at the commercial level. Follow these regulatory codes to get the approval for installation. Any mismanagement can delay your approval. To meet this challenge, hire a local professional solar installer who knows all the regulatory codes in your area and get early approval for the installation,

Insufficient Space

As hotels require large installations to meet their needs, more space is required on their roofs and grounds. If you don’t have enough space, alternative options are also available, such as installation on the walls, windows, and corridors. An installer can explain which option is suitable for your hotel.

You can also read this blog: Solar panel for schools

Final Thoughts

Installation of solar panels for hotels has many benefits, such as reducing costs, attracting potential customers, increasing market value, and generating more revenue. These benefits attract hotel owners and urge them to install solar systems in their hotels for sustainable energy resources. The future of solar energy for hotels is bright and will enhance the economic aspect of the solar industry. Although the upfront cost is very high, the US has announced various solar incentives such as the Federal tax credit and property tax exemption, which reduces the initial cost and makes it affordable for the small hotels.