Solar Powered Hyatt Regency

Hyatt Regency New Brunswick in New Jersey activated its solar power system last Wednesday. The project, costing $2.5 million can supply 30 to 50 percent of the hotel’s energy requirements. The 421-kilowatt solar array covers 32,000 feet of its garage’s rooftop.

The area Hyatt’s rooftop is used to hold tennis and basketball courts. It is also the location of the annual networking party conducted by the Middlesex County Regional Chamber of Commerce. But for the rest of the days in the year, the site is relatively underused. The solar panels also act as addition thermal insulation for the building.

SunPower Corp began installing the solar array in Hyatt Regency last March, and was completed in April. The courts used to be an attraction point for hotel guests, but it is used less often in recent times. Replacing it with solar panels made the area an asset to the hotel.

The hotel’s solar power system consists of 1,870 panels. It is the first Hyatt hotel in the North America that utilized solar energy. Several hotels are using solar heating systems for their hot water needs. The company is looking for ways of using more renewable sources in the near future. According to computations, the solar power system will reduce the state’s carbon dioxide emissions by at least 10,000 tons over the next 30 years. At least 749 barrels a year will be saved with the use of the solar power system.

Installing the solar power system is not the only green move the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick made. Last April they implemented a food-composting program. They also started recycling their paper, glass, plastic, and metal waste. They installed a kitchen-hood control system last month and expect to reduce their air conditioning and heating costs by up to $28,000 per year. The hotel switched to CFL lights and replaced their garage lighting with QL lights. LED lights are also used in certain parts of the hotel. This translates to a reduction in electricity consumption by 375,000 kWh each year.

The time is just right for going green, with consumer incentives and the infusion of federal stimulus funds. Households and businesses can quickly regain savings from their solar power systems. Not only that, but the technology is developing fast. In the future, solar collectors will not be as bulky as they are today. Businesses should follow Hyatt’s example, and make an effort to reduce their environmental footprint.

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