Hotel Club Cala Azul: savings, profitability, and sustainability

In one of the most charming corners of Ibiza, just 25 km from the city, Hotel Club Cala Azul stands as a testament to its commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. With an area of 30,000 m² surrounded by crystal-clear waters, this hotel not only offers an idyllic retreat but also a renewed approach to responsible energy use.

The challenge: Reducing environmental impact and energy costs

For Hotel Club Cala Azul, being environmentally friendly is not an option but a responsibility. “We don’t have a Planet B; it’s our duty to reduce our impact on the Earth,” says Erica Gaggero, the hotel’s CEO. Faced with high electricity bills, even when the hotel was closed, and with the desire to prepare everything for the new season, the hotel decided to take a step toward energy self-sufficiency. The solution was clear: investing in solar energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower operational costs.

The solution: Implementing solar energy with Sunhero

Hotel Club Cala Azul partnered with Sunhero to install an efficient, high-performance solar system. In less than six weeks, Sunhero completed the installation of 44 high-efficiency solar panels with a capacity of 24 kWp, strategically positioned facing south on a triangular structure.

This installation allows the hotel to generate around 43% of its annual electricity consumption, covering essential needs such as air conditioning, lighting, and the maintenance of pools and the gym. “The experience with Sunhero has been excellent; they managed everything impeccably,” says Erica Gaggero.

This transition not only symbolizes a commitment to a more sustainable future but also provides the hotel with greater flexibility in its energy consumption and a significant reduction in energy costs. Additionally, the system allows any unused energy to be fed back into the grid, generating additional compensation for each kWh exported.

Results: Savings, profitability, and a sustainable future

The impact of this investment is remarkable. The photovoltaic system generates an annual output of 35,570 kWh, resulting in approximately €6,870 in annual savings on the electricity bill. With a payback period of just 3 years and a projected positive cash flow of €171,630 over 25 years, the return on investment (ROI) is 586%, generating €5.86 in net profit for every euro invested.

The profitability of the project is evident, achieving an annual return of 27%. With the IBI tax rebate from the Santa Eulalia del Río City Council and the Balearic government’s PITEIB subsidy for SMEs, the payback period could be reduced to just 2 years, leaving the hotel with at least 23 years of additional benefits.

Commitment to the future

Hotel Club Cala Azul’s investment in solar energy is a clear demonstration of its forward-thinking vision. In addition, they have complemented the photovoltaic installation with electric vehicle chargers, promoting a more eco-friendly experience for their guests. “We want to be part of the change and show that sustainability is possible in our industry,” concludes Erica Gaggero.

Hotel Club Cala Azul is now an example of how businesses can combine operational efficiency with a genuine commitment to the environment, fostering a business model that respects and preserves the natural beauty of Ibiza.