Cheaper and Lighter
In recent years, solar panels have developed significantly in terms of efficiency and weight. Where it was previously not possible to install solar panels on certain buildings such as older receptions or hospitality venues, the possibilities are now much broader.
New technologies such as the eArc modulesreplace traditional glass with a patented composite material, making the panels up to 70% lighter and 95% thinner than conventional glass solar panels. This allows them to be easily installed on structures that cannot support the weight of traditional panels, such as commercial and industrial roofs that would otherwise be unsuitable for solar energy.
Additionally, the price of solar panels has decreased in recent years. Since 2020, average prices have even reached their lowest point ever. This makes the purchase increasingly affordable, and the payback period, depending on the chosen configuration and use, can even be achieved within five years. This makes solar panels an attractive option for recreation companies as well.
Solar Panel Yield vs. Occupancy Rate
Solar panels generate most of their power during the period with the most sunlight, which typically coincides with the peak season for campsites and holiday parks. This simultaneity is a great advantage: the demand for electricity during these months (for example, for air conditioning, lighting, and electric cooking equipment) is at its highest, and the yield from solar panels is also at its peak.
This means that you have 'free' electricity at the moment you need it most. Therefore, the energy you generate can largely be consumed directly instead of being fed back into the grid at a reduced rate. It is therefore important to calculate the payback period of solar panels differently than for households. In recreation companies, with a seasonal demand pattern, the investment in solar panels can even be paid back more quickly, as the self-consumption is optimal in the months with the highest energy yield.
Smart Energy Management: Measure to Know
If you know that the demand for energy strongly correlates with the occupancy rate, you can take it a step further. By accurately monitoring energy needs and linking them to energy generation, you can ensure that all generated energy is utilized as efficiently as possible. This can be done with smart meters and energy management systems that provide insights into energy demand and supply on an hourly basis.
A good example of this is the use of a east-west configurationfor solar panels instead of the traditional southern configuration. With an east-west orientation, more energy is generated in the morning and late afternoon/evening, which aligns perfectly with the peak times in electricity demand at an average campsite or holiday park. This prevents overproduction during the afternoon hours, which could otherwise not be consumed immediately.
Consumption Optimization
With detailed energy insights, you can also consider scheduling certain energy-intensive activities, such as starting heat pumps or heating swimming pools, during times when the sun is shining strongest. This allows you to align demand with the availability of solar energy and save even more on energy costs.
Conclusion: Solar Panels as a Strategic Choice
Although the yield from solar panels may not be immediately clear due to changes in feed-in tariffs, recreation companies can actually gain significant advantages by employing solar panels wisely. The combination of a high occupancy rate during sunny months and the ability to consume energy directly means that the payback period can often yield positive results.
Also consider investing in a smart energy management system that provides insight into both your energy consumption and the yield from solar panels. This way, you maximize the benefits and ensure that every generated kWh is optimally utilized.
In other words: by managing your energy smartly and using solar energy at the right moment, you as a recreation entrepreneur can benefit from sustainable and cost-saving energy — just when you need it most.