The Saracen Sands Hotel & Conference Centre, a prominent hospitality resort located in Isola delle Femmine, near Palermo, Sicily, is poised to achieve substantial savings on its energy costs, with projections indicating a reduction of €500,000 annually. This significant financial relief is attributed to the installation of a large-scale solar carport coupled with a battery energy storage system.

Projected Energy Generation and Environmental Impact

The integrated solar and storage system is expected to generate approximately 1.5 GWh of renewable electricity each year, which will cover up to 90% of the hotel’s energy requirements. This initiative is also anticipated to lead to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by around 320 tonnes annually, contributing positively to the environment.

Strategic Investment in Renewable Energy

As energy costs continue to rise, the Saracen Sands Hotel has made it a strategic priority to reduce its reliance on the grid. Salvo Zappalà, CEO of Dimsi Hospitality Group, emphasised the importance of this investment, stating, “Running a large resort means our energy demand is significant, so we were increasingly exposed to rising electricity prices. We wanted to take back control by producing more of our own energy and making better use of it throughout the day.” Zappalà further noted that the investment transcends mere cost savings, aiming to build a more resilient business capable of adapting to future energy challenges.

Sponsors

Expansion of Renewable Energy Infrastructure

The hotel previously implemented a 150kW rooftop solar system, which was delivered by renewable energy specialist Noon Srl. Following the success of this initial project, Noon Srl was selected once again to design and implement the new solar and battery storage solution. This new installation will enable the resort to meet the majority of its electricity demand through clean, locally generated energy.

Innovative Solar Carport Design

With limited rooftop space available, Noon Srl devised a purpose-built solar carport solution with a capacity of 850kW, incorporating 2,500 JA bifacial double-glass modules. This innovative design not only generates clean electricity but also transforms the hotel’s parking area into a dual-purpose asset, providing shaded parking and protection from hail and other elements for guests. The combined capacity of the new carport and the existing rooftop system totals 1 MW of renewable energy generation.

Advanced Technology for Enhanced Performance

The choice of JA bifacial modules was strategic, aimed at maximising energy production and durability. These bifacial modules are capable of capturing sunlight on both their front and rear surfaces, thereby increasing overall energy generation. Additionally, the double-glass construction enhances durability and resistance to moisture, salt mist, and corrosion, which is particularly vital given the hotel’s coastal location.

Battery Storage for Energy Efficiency

To optimise the use of the electricity generated on-site, Noon Srl installed eight JAPlanet batteries, each with a capacity of 261 kWh, resulting in a total storage capacity exceeding 2 MWh. This battery system allows the hotel to store surplus solar energy generated during the day, enabling operations for up to five hours in the evening without drawing electricity from the grid. The modular design of the battery system also offers flexibility, allowing for incremental increases in storage capacity up to 5.2 MWh as the hotel’s energy requirements grow. This adaptability is particularly relevant as the hotel is considering the introduction of electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities powered by its renewable energy system, which could create an additional revenue stream for the business.

Industry Insights and Future Prospects

Giuseppe Puleo, CEO at Noon Srl, commented on the broader implications of such projects, stating, “Projects like this demonstrate why more commercial customers are investing in integrated solar and storage solutions. Businesses are looking to maximise the value of their solar investments by capturing surplus generation and using it when it provides the greatest financial and operational benefit.” He highlighted the importance of a modular approach, which provides customers with the flexibility to increase capacity as their energy needs evolve. Puleo also noted that selecting reliable technology is crucial for delivering long-term value, which is why JA technology has been a preferred choice for their commercial and industrial projects over the past eight years, consistently yielding reliable performance and strong results for clients.

The Saracen Sands Hotel & Conference Centre’s investment in solar energy and battery storage not only represents a significant step towards sustainability but also sets a precedent for other businesses in the hospitality sector. As energy prices continue to fluctuate, the ability to generate and store renewable energy will be increasingly vital for operational efficiency and cost management.