The relevance of PV as an electricity source for the hotel industry in developing countries; the case of India - illustrated by the example of Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort

Abstract

"The core objective of the thesis is to reveal the relevance of PV as an electricity source for the hotel industry in developing countries. The electricity problem, combating daily power cuts as well as the special load profile of hotels is analyzed, clarifying whether PV is a relevant solution. The topic is illustrated by a feasibility study for a South Indian Ayurvedic Resort. A field study is conducted to be able to understand the situation and to design the plant. In order to calculate the key ratios a dynamic investment approach is applied. The results unfold that even a quite small PV plant with a battery back-up system creates a major positive impact which is of high energetic, ecologic and economic relevance. In every case and country, the local circumstances need to be considered and the load profile has to be compared with the supply profile of the sun, being the fuel for PV."