Sentrim Hotels and Lodges are relying on renewable energy (solar panels) for electricity for running their daily operations significantly reducing reliance on grid supplied power.
The installations are also playing a crucial role in fighting climate change and promoting sustainable development in the hospitality industry.
Solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy either through photovoltaic (PV) panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation. This energy can be used to generate electricity or be stored in batteries or thermal storage.
Energy stakeholders contend that solar energy offers a more predictable source of power compared to the erratic grid electricity or the expensive diesel.
Sentrim Hotels and Lodges is Kenya’s foremost hospitality group spread in various locations across the country.
Sentrim Hotels and Lodges operate Mombasa’s Sentrim Royal Castle Hotel, Sentrim Maasai Mara, Sentrim Amboseli, Sentrim Elementaita and Sentrim Tsavo lodges.
Vinay Vashist Sentrim Group of Hotels General Manager (GM) says renewable energy is now the most cost-effective energy source offering significant long-term savings.
He says the Mombasa hotel now features a 200kW/430kWh energy storage system and a 135kW PV system that optimizes charging and discharging strategies.
Mr. Vashist says with easy installation and onsite power generation solar panels ensure uninterrupted operations and reduce reliance on the traditional grid electricity.
He says Castle Hotel, Maasai Mara and Amboseli are among the Sentrim branded properties with 100 percent of electricity needs generated from solar power.
The veteran hotelier says plans are at an advanced stage to connect the remaining hotels to solar electricity and provide an effective off-grid solar power system.
“This solar power set up leverage price differentials, lower costs and balance load demands to deliver a reliable cost effective power supply to the hotels enhancing environmental sustainability,” he said.
He says embracing solar energy aligns with the chain of hotels sustainability goals and enhances the hotels reputation among environmentally conscious guests.
“By embracing sustainable energy we are saving a lot on electricity bills enhancing our profitability and financial sustainability,” he said.
He went further “by generating electricity on-site our hotels have become less vulnerable to disruptions in traditional energy markets such as price fluctuations or supply shortages,” said Vashist.
The hotelier was speaking to the media at a ‘Renewable Mini-Grid Solution Sharing Event’ held at Sentrim Royal Castle Hotel in Mombasa illuminating Kenya’s solar future.
The GM says the chain of hotels have partnered with reputable solar energy providers to install solar power panels on hotel rooftops to harness abundant sunshine to generate clean energy.
Naveen Sharma of VPower Technology Ltd says tapping into renewable energy translates to substantial savings on electricity bills over the long run.
“Solar panels for the tourism establishments can be a free and abundant resource once the initial investment is made leading to a massive carbon reduction annually,” he said.
Sharma says the solar sharing event serves as a top-notch platform for expanding networks and participating in exciting industry debates in ensuring seamless grid integration.
He says VPower Technologies Ltd has partnered with other industry players like Vestwoods Technology Company and Twiga Solar Technology and Solutions Ltd in a collaborative effort to shape the energy landscape of the future.
“We currently have presence in Kenya, Ethiopia, Zambia, South Africa and Nigeria to propel the African continent towards a sustainable and renewable energy future,” he said, noting that the African continent is blessed with high sun hours.
Jacob Song Veswood Technologies representative in Africa says they are seeking partnerships that will drive Kenya’s and by extension Africa’s solar revolution.
Song says they are in Africa to help the continent achieve its ambitious renewable and sustainable clean energy needs and goals.
Charles Kinyanjui, a Director with Twiga Technologies Ltd says tourit hotel establishments that have successfully implemented solar energy initiatives as core components of their operations are reaping significant benefits.
Kinyanjui says Kenya and by extension African countries are yet to tap into their abundant solar energy resources in any significant way stating that renewable energy is Africa’s way forward in the face of climate related challenges.
Winfred Muthuni a sales executive with Twiga Technologies says Africa still has a significant amount of solar resources untapped.
She called on households and business premises to embrace solar panels as a sustainability measure to reduce their electricity bills and achieve long-term savings on energy costs.
By Hussein Abdullahi
