hallenges but also to the growing international demand for sustainable travel.
With recent data from Bookings.com (2024) showing that 75% of global travellers want to travel more sustainably and 83% consider sustainability important, eco-conscious choices are no longer optional in the tourism industry. The sector is under increasing scrutiny, responsible for approximately 9% of global carbon emissions. For many lodges operating in remote locations, the shift to solar is as much about survival as it is about sustainability.
One such trailblazer is Ngwenya Lodge, a luxury retreat perched on the banks of the Crocodile River, offering panoramic views of South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park. Their move to solar power illustrates how tailored renewable solutions can improve operations, reduce costs, and attract the modern eco-aware traveller.
A Sustainable Power Shift: Why Ngwenya Went Solar
Ngwenya Lodge’s decision to go solar was driven by a mix of operational necessity and environmental responsibility. Persistent power outages, soaring energy tariffs, and heavy reliance on diesel generators made daily operations increasingly costly and inconsistent.
The benefits of transitioning to solar were immediate and multifaceted:
- Reliable, Off-Grid Energy: Solar power, especially when paired with modern battery storage, offers uninterrupted electricity — a game-changer for lodges far from reliable grid infrastructure.
- Cost Control and Financial Stability: Locking in long-term energy costs shields businesses from volatile utility prices and frees up capital for conservation, infrastructure, and guest services.
- Eco-Friendly Operations: Silent and emission-free, solar systems support environmental preservation, reducing the lodge’s carbon footprint and enhancing the tranquility of the natural surroundings.
- Stronger Sustainability Credentials: In an era of conscious consumerism, operating sustainably helps lodges stay competitive, appealing to guests who prioritize responsible travel.
Powering Up with Candi Solar
To bring its solar ambitions to life, Ngwenya Lodge partnered with Candi Solar, a Swiss-based solar power provider specializing in commercial and industrial installations across emerging markets. Together, they developed a hybrid solar and battery energy storage system designed to withstand the challenges of rural tourism operations.
The new system includes:
- A 994-kilowatt peak (kWp) ground-mounted solar array
- A 1367 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery energy storage system (BESS)
Since its commissioning in January 2025, the installation has already generated over 64 megawatt-hours (MWh) of solar energy, sharply reducing the lodge’s reliance on South Africa’s embattled utility provider, Eskom.
“This wasn’t just about sustainability,” says Richard Flamand, Country Lead for Candi Solar South Africa. “It was about delivering energy security and a better guest experience while also cutting emissions and saving money.”
Bruce Lywood, Director at Innova Energy Solutions, a key partner on the project, emphasizes the broader strategic value: “By switching to solar, Ngwenya Lodge gains more than cost savings. They’re enhancing their reputation, future-proofing their operations, and leading by example.”
Financing Innovation: Cracking the Share Block Challenge
However, the transition wasn’t without hurdles. Ngwenya Lodge operates under a share block ownership model, a common structure in the South African hospitality sector that complicates access to traditional financing. Coupled with unattractive terms from conventional lenders, the project could have stalled.
Candi Solar stepped in with a smart solution — a Performance Linked Instalment Sale (PLIS) model that made the switch to solar not only possible but profitable. This flexible financial structure allowed Ngwenya to tap into South Africa’s Section 12B tax incentive, enabling the write-off of one-third of the solar system’s cost in just the first year.
“Financing solar for share blocks has always been complex,” notes Flamand. “But our PLIS model unlocks access and spreads the benefits without the usual financial strain. It’s a blueprint others can follow.”
Lighting the Way for Greener Travel
Ngwenya Lodge’s solar journey is more than a technical upgrade — it’s a blueprint for environmentally responsible tourism in Africa. As more lodges face similar pressures, from energy insecurity to guest expectations around sustainability, solar solutions offer a clear path forward.
“This is just the start,” Flamand says. “The future of African tourism is solar-powered — not just for the planet, but because it’s good business. The model is here: reliable, risk-free, and tailored to the needs of this industry.”
By embracing clean energy, Ngwenya Lodge isn’t just keeping the lights on. It’s helping light the way toward a more resilient and sustainable safari experience — where conservation, comfort, and carbon consciousness can thrive side by side.