Tourism is Hospitable to Solar

Hilton Worldwide confirms its commitment to sustainability as it states on their website, “Hilton continues to explore new ways to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency across our business.” It is therefore not surprising Hilton Fiji Resort & Spa, Denarau Island is partnering with Vision Energy Solutions (VES) to construct a 480 panel solar PV system. The project will be completed in late 2019 and will have a total capacity of 158kWp to power the general operational areas of the back of house (BoH) building. The BoH functions, that guests typically do not see, will soon be powered by the sun. The solar powered operations will include food preparation, security, engineering, maintenance, housekeeping, and general administration offices. Any excess power generation will be used in the other common areas of the resort.

This specific solar system will leverage an intelligent power inverter system that maximizes energy production yield. Increased energy production on a similar initial capital investment means the return on investment (ROI) will be higher over the system’s 25-year lifespan. Channa Silva, VES Engineering Consultant adds, “Hilton Fiji will soon enjoy safe, reliable and green energy in some of their operations, with the added benefit of no inflationary risk, as their cost of energy will be locked in for 25 years.”

“Educating the general public, and especially hospitality leaders about the benefits of solar is one of my core responsibilities. Therefore, we are committed to a highly visible presence at the annual Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) tradeshow, HOTEC,” shares VES’ Business Development Manager, Srinath Dolage.

Corporate Energy Management Planning (CEMP)

In addition to solar and other renewable energy systems Vision Energy Solutions (VES) partners with tourism-related companies to integrate Corporate Energy management Planning (CEMP) solutions into their organizational management structures to realize long-term operational efficiencies and cost reductions. CEMP is a comprehensive administrative approach that systematically gives attention to energy management in an organization to continually improve or maintain maximal energy performance. CEMP involves continually passing through the cycle of making policy, planning and implementing actions, checking results, reviewing progress and making updates to sustainably affect organizational management, technical operations, and individual behavioral changes to maximize system performance.

Companies that implement a CEMP realize significant direct and indirect benefits, such as:

• Energy cost savings; lower monthly operating costs
• Improved operational efficiencies
• Improved maintenance, health and safety practices
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint
• Less exposure to changing energy prices by the utility provider
• Energy independence, supply security and reduced dependence on imported fuels
• Prioritization of no-cost and low-cost energy-saving opportunities in day-to-day operations
• Increased energy awareness and green initiative participation among staff
• Informed management decision-making

Many organizations start with an initial energy audit and uncover quick and easy adjustments that can make a big impact. As the company sees financial savings, they are incented to invest in capital improvements, like solar energy systems. Once again, VES is available to provide consultative guidance such as a complimentary solar feasibility assessment.

As a comprehensive solar solutions provider, Vision Energy Solutions is poised to lead Fiji’s eco-tourism, green travel and hospitality sectors to become more sustainable. If you have any questions about modern renewable energy solutions for grid-tied or off the grid energy systems, please contact us today.