Solar-powered water heating in off-grid settlements

Country in which the innovation is available:

Montenegro

Name of the innovation:

Solar-powered water heating in off-grid settlements

Innovator:

Panarchy research institute in collaboration with Elektrovod

CRT Category:

Energy

What is this innovation about?

This innovation focuses on using solar-powered water heaters, specifically designed for off-grid settlements in rural and transhumant areas. These systems provide a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for heating water in remote locations, eliminating the need for firewood or gas. The solar heaters offer a practical way to enhance living conditions and sanitation facilities, making tourism services more accessible​.

What’s in it for a tourism SME?

For tourism SMEs operating in off-grid areas, adopting solar-powered water heating systems offers several benefits. It reduces energy costs by using free solar energy, therefore improves the sustainability of their operations. Additionally, it enhances guest experiences by ensuring hot water in remote locations, while minimizing environmental impacts.

Consider that:

The initial investment for installing solar water heating systems ranges from 4,000 to 8,000 euros, depending on the system’s capacity and the specific needs of the property. However, the long-term benefits include significantly reduced energy costs, lower emissions and a cleaner environment, making it a valuable investment for rural tourism enterprises​. The payback period may shorten further as energy prices rise.

Keywords:

solar-powered, off-grid areas, water heaters, lower emissions, guest experience

Innovator’s website:

Home

Other sources and copyrights:

Disclaimer

*This post includes information publicly available online between March and October 2024. Some text is directly quoted from sources (see ‘Innovator’s website’ & ‘Sources and Copyrights’), while other parts are summarized or paraphrased and may not fully reflect the original intent. Online information and data may have changed or been removed since collection. Please always verify the most updated and accurate version of the innovator’s website and/or get in touch with the innovator for more and accurate information.
** This post shares insights on behalf of the Cross-Re-Tour EU-funded project. It is intended as a source of inspiration for tourism businesses interested in green and digital innovation. However, it does not guarantee that the mentioned innovation will be fully or partially eligible under the terms and conditions of the upcoming Call for Proposals within Cross-Re-Tour.