4 Things For Solar Installers To Communicate To Hotels About Energy Storage Systems

The hospitality industry can be lucrative for energy storage systems (ESS) installers, and here are some ways to communicate the benefits to potential buyers in the industry. There are several causes of everyday power outages in the United States. Hotels and resorts can encounter outages for a variety of reasons, including severe storms, maintenance issues, or operational problems. In commercial settings, prolonged power outages can cause a loss of revenue and create unhealthy surroundings for clients and staff.

Following the 2003 Northeast Blackout, hotels are now required by law to have some type of backup power. The International Code Council currently mandates that emergency backup power systems be installed in all high-rise structures in the United States, both new and old.

The toxic and noisy diesel generators have long been a popular source of emergency backup power production in the hospitality sector, but these systems are beginning to give way to newer, cleaner solutions with expanded utility — the capacity to store power to counter not only outages but also peak use periods.

Energy storage systems offer a sustainable option compared to diesel or gas generators as more businesses seek to “go green.” As a solar installer, it is advantageous to target hoteliers and tell them about the available systems and solutions so that they can decide what will work best for their company. An LG sales engineer recently penned four methods for explaining the advantages of energy storage systems (ESS) to hotels. I’ll just summarize them briefly here.

1. Explain the pros and cons

Take the time to describe what an energy storage system is and how it differs from a traditional fossil fuel or gas generator. Diesel generators, for instance, are well-known for being noisy, which may interfere with guests’ experiences and harm the hotel’s reputation. Furthermore, carbon monoxide, a hazardous gas, is released by diesel generators. While carbon monoxide poisoning at hotels is uncommon, this is something to be aware of when using diesel or gas generators. Usually, if you ask the hoteliers what they do not like about their current diesel generator, they will have a few things to offer. The noise and odor are usually the top two complaints.

An ESS also needs less maintenance, can provide additional revenue, costs much less to operate.

2. Highlight the financial incentives

Commercial buildings that are energy efficient can qualify for tax credits because of the implementation of federal laws like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Hotel owners find the option to deduct up to $5 per square foot for energy-efficient business buildings to be one of the most alluring features of IRA incentives.

In addition, state-level utility companies offer financial incentives to hotels. PG&E’s Hospitality Money-Back Solutions program in California provides rebates and incentives. The National Grid’s Large Business Program encourages commercial firms in New York to implement energy efficiency measures. And there are many more incentives out there.

3. Give real-life examples

Some hoteliers might be hesitant to break the norm because energy storage systems are still relatively new to the business. This is how most people are with new things. To help clients relax in these situations, mention current hotel ESS installations. Here’s an example: The Sinclair, a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel in Fort Worth, Texas, serves as an example of a case study. Owner Farukh Aslam had the wisdom to look for an energy storage system that was more environmentally friendly than a traditional diesel generator in addition to needing an emergency backup power solution that satisfied Marriott and regulatory requirements. The Sinclair currently has the first UL 924 lithium-ion ESS in the world to support all of the hotel’s emergency systems, such as lights, elevators, and stairway pressurization. The Sinclair is home to a state-of-the-art DC microgrid and has established itself as a pioneer for sustainability and innovation in the hospitality sector.

4. Emphasize cost savings

Energy storage systems can help hotels shave costs off their monthly electricity bills at times of peak demand when prices are the highest. It is crucial to emphasize to hoteliers that lowering energy use is financially advantageous to their business. The costs savings can often surpass the financial investment over time.

Consumers are quickly making sustainability a primary concern, and hoteliers have to follow suit. The hospitality sector may better comprehend the advantages of sustainable energy and energy storage systems, since they focus so closely on operational costs as well as amenities.

Some resorts try to capitalize on their pristine waters and manicured beaches or fresh mountain air with amazing views. Adding an ESS and solar component to their properties makes them more appealing to most consumers and shows they want to have a positive impact on the environment while promoting their accommodations. It’s just the logical thing to do now.

Featured photo courtesy of The Sinclair