Can You Run A Hotel On Solar Power?

Yes, you can run a hotel entirely on solar power if the property has adequate space for the solar panels required and receives enough sunshine. In fact, many hotels globally are powered entirely by solar energy.

However, UK hotels can’t rely solely on solar to operate. In winter, there isn’t enough sunlight to effectively meet the average hotel’s operating demands. Solar-powered hotels in the UK typically have a backup system. They rely on the National Grid, or generators, to augment their solar for part of the year.

Let’s look at how effectively UK hotels can run on solar, the number of solar panels a hotel requires, plus costs and energy savings.

Key Takeaways

• UK hotels can’t run entirely on solar power since there isn’t enough sunlight in winter to make it feasible.
• Hotels may have to supplement solar energy with electricity from the National Grid.
• Hotels may be able to operate solely on solar from March to October.
• Larger hotels need over 1,000 solar panels to deliver their solar energy needs.

Can Solar Energy Power a Hotel in the UK?

No, UK hotels that trade all year round can’t run exclusively on solar power. However solar can make a substantial contribution to a hotel’s operations throughout the year.

According to Statista, the UK enjoys over 4 sun hours daily for 7 to 8 months every year. These months are great for solar production. Hotels with the right solar PV system may be able to run entirely on solar from around March to October.

Solar can also deliver some of your hotel’s electricity in winter. Solar panels work with both direct and diffuse light – the indirect sunlight that filters through clouds. This allows some solar production in winter; however, heavy rains, dark clouds, and snow suppress yields severely in the cold months.

Solar generation typically falls by 80-90% in the depths of winter. Unless your hotel closes for winter or your electricity needs drop by over 80%, you can’t rely on solar for a consistent electricity supply during this period.

What Factors Influence Whether a Hotel Can Run on Solar Energy?

The following factors influence a hotel’s ability to run its operations mostly on solar energy:

• Location: Some parts of the UK get more sunshine than others. Peak sunshine hours – for maximum solar production – are greater in the south. For example, Plymouth enjoys 3 hours of peak sunshine. In comparison, London gets 2.8 hours, Liverpool 2.6, and Edinburgh 2.4. So a Plymouth hotel will generally generate more solar electricity than an Edinburgh establishment.
• South-facing properties: Hotels with south-facing roofs or land are most successful at harnessing solar. South-facing orientations capture the most sunlight as the sun moves through its arc. Some hotels use a ground-mounted solar panel system with panels that swivel to track the sun to maximise their solar collection.
• Maintenance and shading: Keeping your solar panels clean and debris-free and ensuring all connections are sound will help deliver peak performance. Shading should also be minimised. The hotel’s landscaping team may need to cut back trees that cast shade on panels.
• Panel quality: Expertly installed solar energy systems with top-quality panels optimise a hotel’s solar yield.
• Hotel-wide energy efficiency: You can power more appliances and systems with solar when the hotel practises energy efficiency throughout the property. Energy-efficient lighting, air conditioning, refrigeration, TVs, computer systems, coffee-making machines, and other appliances make solar even more viable.

How Many Solar Panels Do You Need to Power a Hotel?

The number of solar panels needed to power a hotel varies from under 100 for a boutique hotel to over 1,000 for a larger one.

The property’s energy consumption is the main determinant of panel count. Panel output size in wattage is another key consideration. Panel sizes for hotels vary from around 350 W to 600 W.

Here are approximate guidelines for how many solar panels you’ll need and the space required for different-sized hotels:

Business size	Annual energy consumption (kWh)	Solar panel system size (kW)	Min. number of solar panels – 450 W	Min. number of solar panels – 600 W	Approx. roof space needed
Boutique	Under 50 kWh	50 kW	112	84	170 – 250 sq m
Small- Mid	100 kWh	110 kW	245	184	370 – 500 sq m
Medium	300,000 kWh	330 kW	734	550	1,100 – 1,500 sq m
Large	500,000 + kWh	550+ kW	1,223+	917+	1,830 –  2,440+ sq m

Get a Solar Installation Quote for Your Hotel Today

Are you ready to future-proof your business, slash your hotel’s energy bills, and attract the growing market of environmentally conscious travellers? For the best in solar solutions, contact Eco Happy today. Our friendly solar specialists will get back to you promptly with a quote for a solar panel installation for your hotel – no strings attached.

Besides installing solar panels, Eco Happy also provides comprehensive maintenance services to keep your solar panels functioning at peak efficiency. Connect with us for all your solar system cleaning and care needs.

FAQs

Does a hotel need planning permission to install solar panels?

Installing solar panels generally doesn’t require planning permission because solar installations are considered permitted development.

However, planning permission is necessary for ground-mounted systems larger than 9 sq m and taller than 4 m. If your solar PV system is larger than 50 kW, prior approval from your local planning office may be required to ensure your installation won’t unreasonably impact the local area. Consult the Planning Portal for information about requirements in your area.

What are the benefits of using solar power for a hotel?

The benefits of solar for hotels include major cost savings on reduced electricity bills, a lower carbon footprint, and boosted commercial property value. Using renewable energy can also raise a hotel’s brand image.

Why is the hospitality industry embracing solar energy?

The energy-intensive hospitality industry recognises it must be smart about energy consumption and mitigate rising energy costs. In addition, a growing number of eco-conscious guests and corporate clients prefer to stay at hotels committed to sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint. Unsurprisingly, hotels globally are investing heavily in solar and renewable energy systems.

What maintenance is required for a hotel’s solar power system?

Solar power systems are generally low-maintenance. Cleaning the panels a few times a year is recommended to ensure optimal efficiency. Periodic inspections by a professional are advisable to identify and resolve issues with wiring, inverters, or mounting hardware.

What solar panels are most energy efficient for hotels?

Monocrystalline panels are the most efficient type of solar panel. They are about 50% more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity than cheaper thin-film panels and about 15-20% more efficient than polycrystalline panels.

How much does a solar power system cost for a hotel?

The cost of a solar PV system ranges from £50,000 for a boutique hotel to over £500,000 for a large hotel. Most hotels include a battery storage system, allowing you to utilise stored electricity flexibly and efficiently. Batteries cost from £30,000 for boutiques to over £300,000 for large establishments.

While costs range widely depending on brand and technology, here is a guide to approximate costs for solar systems and batteries.    

Hotel size	Solar panel system size (kW)	Estimated cost (including installation)	Estimated battery cost	Total cost with battery
Boutique	50 kW	£50,000 – £72,000	£40,000 – £50,000	£90,000 – £122,000
Small-mid	110 kW	£100,000 – £140,000	£60,000 – £90,000	£160,000 – £230,000
Medium	300 kW	£290,000 – £350,000	£150,000 – £240,000	£440,000 – £590,000
Large	500+ kW	£450,000+	£275,000 +	£725,000+

Final Thoughts

The UK’s dull winter light makes it difficult to run a hotel exclusively on solar power. Hotels usually supplement solar energy by drawing from the National Grid when necessary. While hotels may not rely solely on solar year-round, solar panels significantly reduce energy costs and carbon footprints, especially from March to October.