Considering Solar Power After You Buy a Hotel

There’s no doubt that energy costs, after salaries, are a hotel owner’s largest fixed expense. Hotels consume an enormous amount of energy via heating, cooling, lights, hot water, laundry, security, and a host of other small-but-energy-draining services, including vending machines and ever-present internet technology usage.

As a prospective hotel owner, how can you evaluate the need to switch to solar technology as you buy a hotel?

Energy Cost Evaluation When You Buy A Hotel

By definition, the use of energy is determined by the guests, who may want to leave on lights, open windows while the PTAC is running, and leave the TV on for hours. “Anything goes!” is the mantra of many hotel guests. When seeking to buy a hotel, be sure to closely examine the operation’s energy bills as well as considering the age and efficiency of the heating, AC, electrical, laundry, and security systems. A thorough hotel inspection by an experienced inspector will reveal valuable information about a hotel’s systems.

Occupancy Based Energy Management

As you buy a hotel, consider using one of the leading concepts in energy management for multiple users. Manage energy usage based on occupancy. Passive infrared technology along with logic control software is used to essentially “turn off” a room after it has been vacant for a predetermined period of time. By using both an occupancy based energy management software system and sourcing your energy from solar power, your energy savings can be maximized.

The Benefits of Solar Technology

Solar technology is, no doubt, a very cost-effective way to control energy expenses for a hotel owner. The last thing a hotel owner wants to do is to prevent a customer from being comfortable by limiting heating or cooling usage!  Using solar technology to generate your own energy will give you peace of mind that you are getting your energy at the best cost.

Solar panel technology continues to evolve, becoming more efficient and less costly. While solar panels are considered to be unsightly by some, even that objection has been overturned with the development of building-integrated photovoltaic products, which are designed to blend into any architectural or roofing style.

As you buy a hotel, remember to consider operations that already are using solar panels and other green energy systems. Alternatively, look for properties that can be easily upgraded to energy efficient solar or other green energy systems.

Southeast International is Here to Help You Buy a Hotel

Southeast International, the leading hotel brokerage in the Midwest, is ready to help you find the hotel property of your dreams as well as attend to the myriad details involved when you sell or buy a hotel property. Contact us today at (417) 865-2520, and let our 50 years of hotel brokerage experience assist you!