Sligo Park Hotel has completed the installation of a new photovoltaic (PV) solar panel array on the roof of the premises in a move that will significantly reduce its carbon emissions and deliver expected savings of over €25,000 annually in the hotel’s electricity costs.

Consulting engineers JV Tierney & Co. engaged Cool Air to install the 400 PV solar panels across 13,000sqft of the building’s roof between June and August this year. With the installation complete, the PV solar panels began contributing to the hotel’s energy consumption after being commissioned by the ESB.

Cool Air estimates that the installation of PV solar energy infrastructure will cut the hotel’s annual emissions by more than 47 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2). In terms of the annual reduction in atmospheric carbon, this is equivalent of planting 1,869 new trees every year. While the PV solar panels contribute less during the winter months, it is estimated that solar energy will make up 35-45% of the hotel’s overall electricity usage during the April to September period. The average contribution across the year is projected to be more than 20%.

The PV solar panels are the latest measure introduced by the hotel’s management to reduce the impact of the facility’s operations on the environment. Earlier this year, Sligo Park Hotel opened a bug hotel and willow dome on its grounds with aim of providing nesting sites for insects and other wildlife and educating young guests about the vital role of pollinators in the local ecosystem.

The hotel’s efforts to boost biodiversity and reduce emissions were also officially recognised in July when senior managers were presented with an Eco-Label Award from the Green Hospitality Programme for the implementation of its sustainability initiative.

Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2024 sets out a range of ambitious targets for the expansion of renewable energy in response to the fact that energy generation accounts for the largest proportion of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions. According to the ESB, solar energy is the fastest growing renewable power source in Ireland. During the summer months, solar energy can account for as much as 10% of the electricity produced across the country.

Gerard Moore, General Manager and Director of Sligo Park Hotel hailed the hotel’s significant capital investment in the solar panel infrastructure. He said: “We are delighted that our significant capital investment in solar panel infrastructure is paying dividends in terms of contributing to our energy usage and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.

“Hospitality is an energy intensive industry. That’s why we are always exploring ways in which we can reduce the impact of the Sligo Park on the environment, whether that’s through the reduction of emissions by installing solar panels or facilitating the local eco-system’s rich and diverse biodiversity through the provision of bug hotels and willow domes. Our focus is not only on the here and now, but also on ensuring the future is viable for generations to come.”

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