Solar Power for Restaurants: An Opportunity to Consider
How Much Energy Does a Restaurant Need?
The Italian Federation of Public Establishments – “FIPE“, the leading association in the restaurant sector, already reported in November 2022 that the consumption related to Public Establishments amounted to approximately 9 TWh, registering a tripling of expenditure in the tertiary sectors from 11 to 33 billion euros between 2021 and 2022. The increase related to the restaurant world alone saw the energy bill (including gas) rise from 3 to approximately 9 billion euros, with an average expenditure per business increasing in 2022 from 11 thousand to 34 thousand euros for a restaurant and from 5.5 thousand to over 16 thousand euros for a bar.
The energy consumption of a restaurant can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the size of the premises, the type of cuisine, the number of seats, and the energy efficiency of the appliances used. To give a clearer idea of the energy consumption associated with this type of establishment, it is sufficient to reflect on the main equipment present in bars or restaurants with a more or less significant impact on consumption:- Small equipment (coffee grinder, coffee machine, juicer, slicers, measuring instruments, etc.)
- Washbasins and centrifuges
- Refrigerators and Freezers
- Chillers
- Ovens and Griddles
- Dishwashers
- Machines for packaging/sealing/conservation
- Heating/cooling of environments and production of hot sanitary water
- Extraction systems
- Cleaning machines
You don’t need to be an energy manager to imagine the energy expenditure incurred by a restaurant or bar for the management of such equipment. A photovoltaic system can allow a restaurant business to have much lower energy costs. In fact, these systems allow for the production of clean and renewable energy autonomously from the sun, a free and limitless source. The following advantages ensue:
- Environmental Sustainability – Image Return: the installation of a photovoltaic system contributes significantly to environmental sustainability, as it does not require the extraction of natural resources and does not expose to the emission of climate-altering gases. This results in a much more gratifying consumption and purchasing experience for customers, who are increasingly attentive and sensitive to environmental issues.
- Reduction of Energy Costs – Investment Potential: one of the reasons why installing a photovoltaic system is convenient is the significant savings on energy costs. Equipping oneself with a system that allows the production of energy makes it possible to predict the cost of it over the next 20 years, which means fixing the price of one’s energy with consequent conscious management of it in current and future business investment plans.
- Energetic Independence – Consumption Management: through the installation of a photovoltaic system, it is possible to achieve a certain degree of energy independence, reducing dependence on the electrical grid and external supplies. In other words, the transition to photovoltaic is synonymous with autonomous generation of electricity with consequent increasing emancipation from the energy market and the cost fluctuations associated with it.
- Property Enhancement – Structural Attractiveness: another advantage of installing a photovoltaic system is its positive impact on the value of the property. This results in a greater valorization of the building and, consequently, an even more significant return on investment.
Photovoltaic: What Options for a Restaurant
In general terms, photovoltaic systems for businesses suitable for restaurants have a power ranging from 15 to 100 kW and beyond, depending on the annual energy needs of the reference activity.
The adoption of photovoltaics allows for powering with renewable energy everything that requires electricity to function, reducing environmental impact and costs associated with the use of electricity from traditional sources. Moreover, photovoltaics can be optimized to cover consumption peaks during peak hours. Thanks to the internal production of energy, restaurants can reduce their dependence on the traditional electrical grid, autonomously producing and managing their energy. Before installing a photovoltaic system for a restaurant business, it is advisable to inquire and rely on the expertise of a experienced provider who knows how to guide merchants and entrepreneurs in the configuration process and the choice of the most suitable solution for their needs. Indeed, there are several viable solutions, summarized below by stages of advancement:- Traditional Photovoltaic: This solution is designed for all bars or restaurants that concentrate consumption during the day, i.e., in conjunction with the hours of photovoltaic energy production. A photovoltaic system, in this case, is capable of cutting energy expenditure by maximizing self-consumption.
- Advanced Photovoltaic: A solution of this type includes the installation of a system with combined accumulators. This solution is ideal for venues that mainly operate in the evening or at night: the energy produced during the day is stored in the accumulators to be used during working hours.
- Integrated Photovoltaic: It is the most complete solution and includes: photovoltaic system with storage and heat pumps for heating, cooling, and production of hot sanitary water. This is the solution that most impacts the energy saving of the activity, as well as the consumption experience of the customers, where it is also integrated with charging stations for electric vehicles.
The Importance of Preliminary Technical Analysis
As we have seen, there are numerous advantages associated with the installation of a photovoltaic system for restaurants, and likewise, there are numerous technical options to consider. It is therefore evident how the choice of an experienced operator can make the investment not only more advantageous in terms of expected benefits but also in terms of compliance with the specific case study.
The savings on the bill obtained thanks to the generation of solar energy is a fundamental driver to be closely correlated with several technical variables, including a preliminary accurate analysis of the energy needs of the structure and a consequent appropriate sizing of the system. The energy self-sufficiency that ensues and the consequent impact on the bill can therefore vary, but it is enough to think that a well-dimensioned system complete with storage could guarantee almost total energy independence. Choosing to install a photovoltaic system with operators who have been operating with seriousness and competence in the renewable energy sector for years means opting for a sustainable choice, not only in economic but also environmental terms. Since 2008, Southenergy has been providing personalized solutions aimed at valorizing renewable energy sources, enhancing what companies already possess: the roof. Specialization in the sector, physical presence in the territory, an organizational structure that benefits from highly qualified internal staff and equipment and means of ownership to be able to promptly manage the entire value chain in the construction and management of energy are the real strengths of Southenergy. Discover the efficiency of our photovoltaic systems and the turnkey solutions we have reserved for those who have chosen us: visit the section of our website dedicated to some of the projects we have carried out. Would you like to receive more information or request a free technical consultation? Contact us by filling out the following form:Are you interested and would like to receive more information? Contact us using the form below