Greener stays for guests through solar-powered hospitality
- Tamaryn Brown
- Jan 13
- 4 min read
As demand grows for more responsible and eco-conscious travel, lodges and hotels across Southern Africa are embracing solar energy - not only as a cost-effective energy solution but as a way to offer guests a more sustainable, immersive experience. Whether it’s turning off noisy generators in remote safari camps or reducing electricity bills in luxury city hotels, solar power is helping hospitality providers save costs and tread more lightly on the planet.
SolarSaver’s innovative capex-free solar model is supporting this transformation, enabling hospitality operations to reduce operational costs, lower their carbon footprint, and elevate guest experiences through reliable, renewable power.
“We take the complexity out of transitioning to solar,” says Lance Green, Head of Sales at SolarSaver. “Our goal is to provide a seamless, cost-effective path to sustainable energy, so our clients can focus on their core operations.”
SolarSaver delivers high-efficiency solar PV systems tailored to the unique requirements of each client. Its business models, including rent-to-own and Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), eliminate the need for large upfront investment.
For grid-tied power, businesses only pay for the solar power produced, at rates significantly lower than traditional grid electricity. When it comes to hybrid or off-grid installations, businesses pay a set monthly fee or can choose to purchase systems outright, with a maintenance contract.
Taking remote locations off-grid
SolarSaver's impressive off-grid Solar PV installation for the Bagatelle Kalahari Game Ranch in Namibia, using Sigenergy equipment, ensures reliable energy independence even in this remote location.
The system includes 20 Sigenergy 15kW inverters (300kW), 120 SigStore batteries (960kWh), 400kWp of ground-mounted solar panels, and a 250kVA standby generator. The advanced system, featuring maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology, optimises energy generation even under variable weather conditions. Energy is stored in robust lithium-ion battery banks, allowing the lodge to operate 24/7 without interruption.
According to Pally Carstens, Lodge Owner at Bagatelle Lodge, the investment aligns with their forward-thinking approach and commitment to sustainability. "We want to be ahead of the curve. Adopting green initiatives, including green energy, is still evolving in the tourism industry. For us, it’s about attracting guests and also being a pioneer for lodges in Namibia."
Carstens highlighted the reliability and scalability of the system: "Running a lodge requires a lot of electricity, from food preparation to accommodation. Lodges are ecosystems, and most aspects require energy. This AI-driven system has been flawless - no issues, no call-outs, always reliable. Scalability was also critical for us, as we don’t know what our energy demands will be in the future. This product meets that need."
This installation enhances operational efficiency and supports the lodge's broader sustainability goals, including water recycling and cultural preservation. It’s a great example of how innovative energy solutions can promote eco-conscious tourism while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of even the most remote locations.
For Return Africa’s remote lodges including Pafuri Tented Camp in Kruger National Park, grid instability or lack of access presents a unique challenge. SolarSaver addressed this with an off-grid solar system that combines solar panels, battery storage, and backup generators in a fully integrated energy solution.
At Pafuri Main Camp, SolarSaver installed a 144.00 kWp off-grid solar solution. The system includes ground-mounted solar panels, battery storage, and a generator backup, ensuring consistent power availability while significantly reducing diesel use and environmental impact.
Complementing this setup, additional solar installations were completed at two nearby sister properties - Baobab Hill House and Luvuvhu Lodge - both fully powered by solar and battery systems.
These projects reflect SolarSaver’s ability to deliver and maintain unique, environmentally responsible energy solutions in even the most logistically challenging locations.
Urban solar solutions for tight spaces
In densely populated urban environments, where space is limited, SolarSaver delivers space-efficient solar designs.
At the Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch and the African Pride Hotel in Johannesburg, SolarSaver collaborated with Melrose Arch developer, The Amdec Group, to find a workaround for the limited roof space. Pergola structures were constructed above each hotel's roof to support the weight and fit the dimensions of the panels. The result was a multi-functional solar pergola integrated with a grid-tied solar PV system. Generating 1,231.80 kWp of power, this system not only supplements the hotel’s energy needs but also significantly reduces electricity costs and minimises its carbon footprint.
Green says, “By using the purpose-built pergola structures built by Melrose Arch, we’ve found a practical way to overcome space constraints while retaining the aesthetic appeal of the hotel’s outdoor spaces.”
Not only do the solar pergolas maximise rooftop and outdoor space, they also enhance the guest areas with shaded seating. Using Tier 1 monocrystalline solar panels for high efficiency and advanced inverters to minimise energy loss, the system aligns with the hotel’s sustainability goals. This installation is part of SolarSaver’s broader portfolio within Melrose Arch, which includes 15 systems totalling over 2784,07 kWp producing over 6 178 086,00 kWh per annum, offsetting 29% of the centre’s power.
These systems are managed through SolarSaver’s ‘rent-to-own’ model. SolarSaver retains ownership and responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the systems, while clients like Melrose Arch benefit from a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA), paying only for the green energy produced.
Shaping the future of sustainable hospitality
What sets SolarSaver apart is its capex-free financial model. By eliminating high upfront costs, businesses can allocate capital toward enhancing guest services or other operational priorities instead.
With over 750 installations completed across Southern Africa, SolarSaver's systems are backed by real-world reliability data. The company uses remote monitoring systems to track system performance 24/7, identifying and addressing potential issues before they impact clients. Predictive maintenance, enabled by IoT-connected sensors, ensures system longevity while minimising disruptions. Businesses benefit from renewable (guaranteed?) energy output, transparent billing, and zero hidden costs.
Beyond reducing operating costs, these systems align with the growing expectations of eco-conscious travellers who prioritise sustainability. Hotels and lodges are now able to showcase their commitment to environmental responsibility while achieving long-term financial savings.
“Growing energy demand, a lack of grid reliability and spiralling costs make energy efficiency and a consistent power supply a real priority as a critical component of overall business profitability,” says Green. “With all our available sunshine, Southern African hotels can easily be on par with the greenest, most energy efficient buildings around the world.”
(ENDS)
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Media Contact: Tamaryn Brown Connect Media 084 3510560 Tamaryn@connectmedia.co.za
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