It takes an enormous amount of energy for a modern hotel to satisfy the high expectations of its guests on a daily basis. For Hotel Plunhof, a 4-star hotel set in beautiful countryside in South Tirol, it is no different. Over 800,000 kilowatt hours are consumed annually by the wellness facilities, sauna, kitchen, laundry, lighting and other amenities, which was reason enough to pursue a sustainable approach to the energy supply. The Volgger family, who owns Hotel Plunhof, found SunPower to be the ideal partner when it came to realising the ambitious project. Their new photovoltaic solar power system, which was installed using SunPower panels, has been supplying valuable, renewable and environmentally-friendly electricity since May 2009. Over 110,000 kWh, or an eighth of the total energy requirements, will be produced per year. The investment is not only an environmental one; it also makes financial sense. Hotel Plunhof is proud to be among the most progressive hotels in Italy – and rightly so.

Project Overview

Benefits

• Reduces the consumption of non-renewable energies by 110,000 kWh/year
• High marketing value and image for the hotel and the region
• Problem-free installation and integration in the existing roof system
• Minimal maintenance requirements
• Project payback period of roughly 10 years