Evaluating the application of solar energy for hot water provision: An action research of independent hotel

The installation of solar collectors, in many developed nations such as European Union's member countries, on new buildings has become mandatory in recent years. These collectors have always been regarded as a new sustainable energy paradigm among the vast array of energy saving facilities. Suppliers or manufacturers have also claimed the high energy efficiency and great economic performance being attained by the solar panels.An action research was undertaken, in the sub-tropical city - Shenzhen China - where have abundant sunshine, for an independent and deluxe hotel to provide scientific and objective result about the potential benefits being brought by the installation of indicative solar collectors for water heating. Equipment was set up to measure the energy output of the testing solar collector in four seasons. Based on the collected data, the study proceeds to evaluate the financial indicators and emission reduction potential of the installed system. The findings were presented to hotel owner and associated decision making executives. Their responses and actions to the findings were recorded. Recommendation to hasten the adoption of the solar collector for heating water was discussed. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.