When Dakota Hotels installed its first solar PV system, the objective was simple: reduce one of the hotel’s highest operating costs while supporting its long-term sustainability ambitions.
Four years later, that investment has expanded across multiple properties, with three different solar PV systems now operating throughout the Dakota portfolio. The continued performance of those installations has reinforced the commercial case for solar, providing measurable savings while helping the business reduce its reliance on grid electricity.
We recently spoke with Dakota Hotels Facilities Director, Alex Mitchell, to discuss the original decision to invest in solar, how the projects were delivered around live hotel operations, and why the business continues to see solar as a practical, long-term investment.
Here’s what he had to say.
1. What were the main reasons Dakota Hospitality chose to install solar (cost control, ESG targets, brand positioning, resilience)?
Our primary driver was cost control. Energy is one of the largest operating expenses in the hotel, so reducing our reliance on grid electricity made sound commercial sense. Alongside this, solar supported our wider sustainability objectives by lowering our carbon footprint, while also reinforcing our commitment to responsible business practices for our guests and employees.
2. Were you satisfied with how the installation was managed around occupancy, events, and guest areas (noise, access, housekeeping coordination)?
Yes. Careful planning was essential, as our hotels operate 24/7. Shawton Energy worked closely with our operational teams to programme the works around occupancy levels, events, and guest activity. Disruption was kept to an absolute minimum, and communication throughout the project was excellent, allowing the hotels to continue operating normally.
3. Assuming the solar has reduced electricity costs, how have those savings been used to benefit the hotel (guest amenities, room upgrades, staff training, maintenance backlog, rate competitiveness)?
The savings contribute directly to the overall running of the business. They allow us to continue investing in the guest experience through ongoing refurbishment programmes, proactive maintenance, staff development, and operational improvements. They also help offset increasing operating costs, enabling us to maintain the high standards our guests expect without simply passing additional costs on through room rates.
4. What gave you the confidence to trust Shawton Energy with multiple sites within your portfolio?
The success of the initial installation gave us confidence to roll the solution out across additional properties. Shawton demonstrated strong project management, clear communication, and delivered what was promised. The performance of the systems has met our expectations, and having a trusted partner who understands the operational challenges of a live hotel environment made the decision to proceed with further installations straightforward.
5. What advice would you give to other hotels or hotel groups considering solar?
Take a long-term view rather than focusing solely on the initial investment. Hotels have significant daytime electricity demand, making solar a natural fit. Choose an experienced contractor who understands the complexities of operating within live hospitality environments, and ensure the system is designed around your property’s energy profile to maximise the return on investment.
6. If you could summarise the impact of the solar project on the hotel in one sentence, what would it be?
Solar has reduced our operating costs, strengthened our sustainability credentials, and delivered long-term value without compromising the guest experience. We have three PV sizes across the group installed by Shawton.
7. Looking back four years after commissioning the first site, would you make the same decision again for the multi-site rollout, and why?
Absolutely. Four years on, the systems continue to perform as expected, delivering measurable savings and supporting our sustainability goals. The financial case has proven itself, and the rollout across multiple sites has demonstrated that solar is a practical, reliable investment for our portfolio. Given the continued volatility in energy markets, making that investment has been even more valuable than we originally anticipated.
Looking at solar for your hotel or property portfolio?
Dakota Hotels’ experience shows that the value of commercial solar isn’t measured in months, but over many years of reliable performance. If you’re looking to reduce energy costs, improve sustainability and future-proof your business, we’d be happy to discuss what a tailored solar solution could look like for your organisation.
Contact Shawton Energy to arrange a no-obligation consultation with our commercial solar team.
